Introduction
I hate it.  When I go I make sure I don’t have anything extra on me.  I’m not carrying anything I don’t have to have at that moment.  Because the first thing they make me do is step up on that scale!  I know it is good and it’s necessary – but I don’t have to like it.  Check ups.  They are intended to prevent major disasters.  A regular visit to the doctor is designed to spot potential problems before they are definite problems.  So even though I don’t like them – I go.  I listen.  I sometimes do as I’m told.  Job evaluations are the same way.  No one likes to be told what they are doing wrong.  No one looks forward to having their work scrutinized.  But yet again it is a necessary evil if your goal is to do your best.  For any evaluation there must first be a standard.  For a medical check up the doctor begins with an understanding of what is healthy.  For a job evaluation you must begin with a job description.  You cannot determine if something is being done well if you do not know what’s supposed to be done.

The same is true when we seek to determine how we are doing in ministry.  We are inundated with books, tapes, seminars and conferences on how to “do church.”  One positive trend in the last few years has been a shift from a “church growth” model (which evaluates solely on the basis of numbers and size) to a “church health” model.  Understanding that numerical growth is not as important as spiritual health.  If the church is spiritually healthy – growth will take care of itself.  What has been discovered is that some churches have grown incredibly but are not healthy.  But how do we determine health?  How do we determine what the church is to look like?  How do we determine what the church is to be doing?  What ministries should we have?  How many committees should there be?  How many deacons should we have?  How many staff members?   Should we even have staff members?

I must tell you that this gets to be a complicated issue.  I do not believe there are simple answers to these questions.  I take that back, I think the answer is simple but its application is difficult.  Because the simple answer is – we are here to carry on the ministry of Jesus.  But before we can even begin to address the issue of what form that takes we have to deal with a more fundamental issue.  What was the ministry of Jesus like?  For some answers we turn to Matthew’s Gospel and the 15th chapter.

Text: Matthew 15:21-39
Jesus has just finished a dispute with the leaders from Jerusalem.
He argued with them over what constitutes genuine spirituality.
Jesus made it clear that it is not a mere matter of external conformity.
Rather the issue is an internal transformation that results in external acts.
Following that exchange our Lord once again withdraws for a time of renewal.
Yet again crowds follow.

As we reflect on our Lord’s interaction with the crowds we learn some things about his ministry.  Some things we would do well to consider as we ask ourselves –

1. Is His ministry our ministry?  Is our work marked by what marked His work?
2. The ministry of Jesus responds to the heart of persistent faith.  (15:21-28)
3. The ministry of Jesus meets the needs of the hurting.  (15:29-31)
4. The ministry of Jesus is driven by compassion.  (15:32-39)

Conclusion
This is the work we are called to.
A work that responds to the persistent faith of the desperate.
A work that responds that meets the needs of the hurting.
A work that is driven by compassion.

Is this what we are about?  Is this what we are known for?  By God’s grace may it be so!

Introduction
Don’t you find the news depressing?  Whether you are talking about television, radio or the paper it just seems there is so much “bad” news.  Shootings, stabbings, abuse, war, financial crisis, terrorism and that’s just the school news!  Don’t eat eggs, don’t drink the water, 100 degree temperatures returning…enough already.  You reach a point where you just don’t want to hear it anymore.  “I’m tired of the bad news - give me some good news for a change.”  So you come to church and your pastor is preaching through Ecclesiastes.  You just can’t catch a break.  But you see Ecclesiastes is good news.  It is the good news that there is real joy and lasting satisfaction and it can be had here and now in this sin-sick, twisted world.  It is God’s gift to His people.  Don’t take my word for it, listen to Solomon:
Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.

Did you catch it?  God gifts His people with the ability to enjoy life.  Now, we are talking about joy not happiness.  There is a difference.  Happiness is a feeling of elation when everything is as it should be.  Happiness is that which happens to happen with things happen to happen happily.  But if things happen to happen unhappily - you ain’t happy!  Joy is a deep, abiding sense of satisfaction regardless of the circumstance.  We are not assured of happiness in this world.  In fact we are told to expect heartache and tribulation but we can know joy because it is rooted in the person of the Lord Jesus who is an ever-present help in time of need.  Oh, the book of Ecclesiastes is a book of real, robust and resilient joy.  Our text this morning is found in the fifth chapter.

Text: Ecclesiastes 5:1-20
Solomon is thinking out loud.
He is looking back over a lifetime and seeing what lessons he has learned.
Where does one find real joy?
Is it through knowledge or intellectual pursuit?
Is pleasure the path to satisfaction?
How about wealth, power, influence or achievement?

No, all that amounts to “striving after wind.”
They are vain pursuits - hollow, empty, meaningless.

• Chapter 3 = trust God.
• Chapter 4 = the vanity of life apart from God.
• Chapter 5…

Thesis: Only a clear vision of God and a corresponding response of faith can produce lasting joy.

I want to point out three things as we make our way through this text.

1. Foolish worship distorts your vision of God and disrupts genuine joy.  (5:1-7)
2. Frustration over corruption and a preoccupation with wealth distorts your values and destroys any chance for lasting joy.  (5:8-17)
3. Trust in a good and sovereign God enables a rich, robust and resilient joy.  (5:18-20)

You were made to be in relationship with God.
You will be restless until you find your rest in Him.
Only a clear vision of God and a corresponding response of faith can produce lasting joy.

Intro:

Well he was no Joel Olsteen that’s for sure!  In fact I’m certain he wouldn’t have a large church today.  His message is a little hard to listen to.  He just seems so negative.  He seems to be soured on life.  How are you going to build a crowd when your whole message seems to be summed up with, “Life stinks?”  Who would drag themselves out of bed on a Sunday morning to come hear a preacher say, “Life is hollow, meaningless and empty?”  There are sections of his book, when reading it, you have to keep reminding yourself, “All Scripture is breathed of God and is profitable.”  The truth is, Solomon is not as negative as it may seem.  Keep in mind the book of Ecclesiastes was written late in his life.  He is looking back over a lifetime and evaluating the life he has lived.  He is seeking to “make sense” of it all.  He desires to pass on some insight for living.  Where is it a man finds real, lasting joy and satisfaction?  It is not to be found in intellectual pursuit.  It is cannot be had by indulging one’s appetite for pleasure.  Nor is it to be found in career advancement, the acquisition of power or the accumulation of wealth.  Real joy and lasting satisfaction is the gift of God’s grace to His people.

Apart from Him life is meaningless.  Apart from Him there is no real joy, no lasting satisfaction.  There is only temporary pleasure and momentary relief.  Life under the sun is a vain existence.  If you take God out of the equation and then set out on a quest for joy you are on a fool’s errand.  Our text this morning is found in Ecclesiastes the fourth chapter.

Text: Ecclesiastes 4:1-16
In chapter 3 we discovered that joy and satisfaction are the fruit of trusting wholly in God’s person and work.  It is to acknowledge His sovereign rule over all things.  It is to rest in His providential working.  It is to trust in His righteous handling of all things.  That’s good.  If you can do that you are well on your way to a life of joy and real, lasting satisfaction.  In chapter 4 Solomon seems to take a step backwards.

Chapter 4 is a miserable chapter!
Chapter 4 reads like the confession of a soured, jaded, hardened skeptic.
He points out problem after problem but offers no solution.
“It’s striving after the wind.”
“This also is vanity and an unhappy business.”
Until he concludes the chapter with, “…this also is vanity and a striving after wind.”
What happened?
Did he forget what he just said?
You have to read the whole book.

What is the book about?
It is about joy - real, lasting, robust, resilient joy and where to find it.

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20: Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot.
19 Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.
20 For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.

What is chapter 4 about?

Thesis: The disturbing words of the preacher serve to underscore the futility of life apart from God.

There are 4 things I would like to point out from our text.

1. The cares and troubles of this life are often so overwhelming that death or better yet nonexistence seems preferable.  (4:1-3)
2. Driving ambition and endless pursuit of success and prosperity can lead to a crushing loneliness.  (4:4-8)
3. Selfish ambition and rugged individualism leaves you alone and vulnerable.  (4:9-12)
4. The adoration of the crowd and the popularity of success are sorry substitutes for a genuine friend.  (4:13-16)

Joy, peace and lasting satisfaction are to be found in Christ and in Him alone.

Introduction
I saw in the paper this week that Tulsa has had 21 homicides since May 1.  During this same period there have been 311 shootings.  There was a time, not so long ago, that we expected such things to be happening in large metropolitan areas such as New York, Chicago or Los Angelus but not here.  Not in the buckle of the “Bible Belt.”  Life here was good.  People were friendly.  Church played a prominent role but times have changed.  Pessimism has replaced optimism, skepticism has replaced hope and life has become meaningless.  This didn’t happen overnight.  It’s been coming for a long time.  I think this quote sums up the majority opinion today, “There is no reason to suppose that a man’s life has any more meaning that the life of the humblest insect that crawls from one annihilation to another.”  Catchy don’t you think?   A nice uplifting thought.  Have we really become that jaded?  What may surprise you is that quote is from an English professor at Columbia University during the 1940s!  What was thought in the halls of academia in 1940 is being lived out on the streets of our city in 2010.

It is the notion that individuals are not unique and therefore not important.  Life is without meaning and if life is without meaning it isn’t worth living.  Let’s all just eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.  To quote the ‘preacher,’ “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”  Empty, hollow, nothingness - what is?  Everything…under the sun.  If you consider life apart from God it is empty, meaningless.  Life apart from God and the things of God is unsatisfying.  Oh there may be a moment of joy but it doesn’t last.  There may be happiness but it is fading.  The party ends.  The money gets spent.  The music stops.  The crowd gets bored and moves on.  You will go down to the grave and be forgotten.  Nothing lasts.  Nothing ultimately satisfies.  Nothing that is under the sun.  Our text this morning is found in the third chapter of Ecclesiastes.

Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1-22
Solomon states his conclusion from the very beginning - 1:2 - “Vanity of vanities all is vanity.”
Life is empty - under the sun.
He sought for meaning through intellect and discovered it wasn’t there.
He sought it through pleasure and came up empty.
Then he tried to find satisfaction through work and the accumulation of stuff and learned it was a fool’s errand.

Where does one find true satisfaction and lasting joy?
It is the gift of God’s grace.
As we explore the 3rd chapter we discover that…

Thesis: Deep, genuine satisfaction is the result of trusting wholly in God’s person and work.
There are three things I want to call to your attention from our text.

1. Lasting joy and genuine satisfaction demands that you gratefully acknowledge Gods’ sovereign rule over all things.  (3:1-8)
2. Lasting joy and genuine satisfaction demands that you rest in God’s providential working.  (3:9-15)
3. Lasting joy and genuine satisfaction demands that you trust in God’s righteous handling of the end of all things.  (3:16-22)

Conclusion
What is it that brings lasting joy and genuine satisfaction?  It is the knowledge of God’s sovereign rule over all things, it is resting in His providential working, and trusting his righteous handling of the end of all things.

Deep, genuine satisfaction is the result of trusting wholly in God’s person and work.

Introduction
Do you consider yourself to be a “spiritual” person?  If so, what would you offer as proof?  What is it that makes a person spiritual?  I’m asking because spirituality is a hot topic today.  It is in vogue.  It is trendy to be spiritual.  But what does that mean?  And is that a good thing?  If you were to walk the streets of Tulsa and ask people to define what it means to be “spiritual” you might be shocked by what you hear.  But isn’t it a good thing that people are seeking?  Isn’t it encouraging that they are desiring spiritual things?  Yes and no.  Yes it is encouraging that they sense there must be more to life.  It is a starting point.  But no, in a world that equally values all opinions – it’s not all that encouraging.  I’m afraid that even within the church there is little understanding about true or genuine spirituality.  Webster defines genuine as, “actually produced by or proceeding from the alleged source or author; something that is free from hypocrisy or pretense.”  So if we are talking about genuine spirituality we are talking about that which flows from and is produced by the Spirit of God.  We are talking about true or authentic faith.  “That’s all very interesting Mr. Dictionary – but what does it mean?”  It means that when we seek to define spirituality from a biblical perspective we must use biblical categories.  We must use biblical standards.

“Yeah, so?”  So, the problem is when people define spirituality from a Christian perspective they most often give a list.  It means to attend church.  Read the Bible.  Pray.  Regularly share your faith.  Do good to others.  Don’t go to movies.  Don’t cuss or chew and don’t have nothin’ to do with girls that do!  They define spirituality in terms of what you do or don’t do.  Spirituality is reduced to behavior.  But is that a biblical perspective?  Is genuine spirituality to be measured by what we do or is there something more?  To answer that question let’s turn again to Matthew’s Gospel and consider the opening verses of the 15th chapter.

Text: Matthew 15:1-20
The contrast between Jesus and the religious establishment is becoming more pronounced.  The gap is widening and the division sharper.  As our text opens an “official” delegation arrives from Jerusalem.  We already know they are determined to bring an end to the ministry of this meddlesome troublemaker.

They waste no time in bringing an accusation.
A dispute follows in which we learn something about genuine spirituality.

Form this exchange we learn that:
Thesis:  Genuine spirituality does not consist of conformity to outward acts and ritual but of a fundamental transformation of the character and essence of the individual.

In other words genuine spirituality is not a shallow, simplistic thing!
Spirituality is not merely a matter of a change in your outlook on life.
It is not a simple matter of a change in your routine.

This is why Jesus said, “You must be born again.”
If all it took was to see life differently and to clean up your act – then determination could accomplish it.

If it is just a matter of doing the right thing – all you would need is a list.

But that is not it!
Listen to Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.
Note the “beatitudes”.
Matthew 5 is not about what you do – it is about who you are!
This same truth is dramatically portrayed in this text.

There are three things I want us to note.

1. Genuine spirituality has little use for “mere” external conformity to rules.  (15:1-9)
2. Genuine spirituality has no tolerance for self-proclaimed experts.  (15:12-14)
3. Genuine spirituality is a matter of character.  (15:10-11; 15-20)

Conclusion
Are you a spiritual person?
Don’t give me your list – tell me who you are.
Tell me about your conversion.
By the way that is why we talk about conversion and not decisions.
You can make a decision without ever being changed – our church roll is proof of that.

Introduction
It was a quiet evening.  They visited, laughed and enjoyed one another’s company.  There was even a bit of a festive mood around the table.  It was a welcome relief from the hectic events of the week.  Little did they know that murder and betrayal were on the menu that night.  Most of them had no idea that in the midst of their love, fellowship and comradery lurked the dark, twisted heart of a betrayer.  In a matter of hours the fruit of this betrayal would lead to the horrifying murder of their leader.  The laughter and noise of the dinner was silenced as their master declared, “One of you will betray me.”

“Betrayal” is there an uglier word?  The very word conjures up images of treachery, seduction and deception.  Betrayal is the ultimate violation of trust.  And is there any greater betrayal than the betrayal of love?  Our text this morning is found in Luke chapter 22.

Text: Luke 22:1-6
As we approach this section of Luke’s Gospel we are entering into the Holy Place.
On Sunday he entered the city in Triumph –
“Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
On Tuesday he cleansed the temple and established himself as Lord of the Temple.
He met with the people daily in the temple – the temple’s last and greatest glory.
He silenced his critics and walked away from their traps unscathed.

While his critics were silenced they were not finished.
Their hatred and hostility raged.
They continued to meet together determined to see to his demise.
Jesus withdrew from the multitudes and began to prepare his followers for what was to come.

He warned of the judgement to come upon Jerusalem for their rejection of the Messiah.
And he spoke with them about the coming of the kingdom and of his return.

From this point on in Luke’s account we are dealing with our Lord’s final hours.
He is entering in behind the veil to secure our redemption.
These are holy moments.
This has been the focus of history from eternity past.

Now our problem with this text is that we know what’s coming.
We know the story.
We know that Judas betrayed the Lord.
We’ve rehearsed the story year after year at Easter.
But try to set it in its context.
Try to imagine the impact of such a thing on those gathered that night in the upper room.

A careful analysis of the text reveals that:

Thesis: Judas’ betrayal of the Lord Jesus vividly reminds us of the depth of our depravity and the extent of God’s mercy and grace.

There are two things I want us to note in connection with this text.

1. The heart that is hardened by sin utterly despises the Lord Jesus.  (Luke 22:1-6)
   But that is not the end of the story…
2. The Lord Jesus graciously returns kindness and compassion for hostility and hatred.

Conclusion
Judas’ betrayal of the Lord Jesus vividly reminds us of the depth of our depravity and the extent of God’s mercy and grace.

Betrayed by an associate and handed to his enemies yet loving and gracious to the end that is the Gospel.  Christ died for the ungodly, the sinner and His enemies.

This morning we come to gather around this table – our Lord’s Table.  We come to remember and to celebrate what He did on our behalf.  It is a table of mercy and grace.  It is a proclamation of His Gospel.  Before we come to this table – do you know Him?  Have you come to the place of acknowledging your sin, repenting of that sin, turning away from that sin and trusting in Him alone for life?  It’s not about being good enough.  In fact it is just the opposite.  It is recognizing that you are wholly unworthy and throwing yourself on the mercy of God in Christ.  Have you trusted in Him?  Will you trust Him now?

Introduction
The task of preaching is an intimidating assignment to say the least.  It is a task that is filled with both joy and frustration.  While there is never a lack of material – for one can never exhaust the subject, there is the frustration of knowing you are not adequate for the job!  There is a level of presumption if one thinks he can adequately express great eternal truths.  There is something absurd about a man standing to say, “My subject this evening is God, the universe and related topics.”  To try and capture the character and nature of God in a sermon is a bit like attempting to capture the Pacific Ocean in a thimble.  At times seeking to explore the riches of a given text are like drinking from a fire hose!  While I feel wholly inadequate there was one who perfectly revealed Him.

In fact we are told 0that God spoke to man in various ways, through various means in times past but He has spoke His final word in this man.  This one was called the exact representation of the eternal God.  In fact He was the God made flesh.  John tells us that as we behold the Lord Jesus we behold the glory of the only begotten Son of God.  John goes on to say that no one has ever seen God but this one makes Him known.  This one reveals Him, unfolds Him, and explains Him.  This is why Jesus said; “If you’ve seen Me you have seen the Father.”  What is God like?  Look to the Lord Jesus.

This is important because there are so many false pictures of God circulating.  False notions of what God is like and how He acts.  These false notions are often promoted by the way believers live and act.  We must strive to accurately reflect the character and nature of God, yet we must also realize that we are at best a flawed, imperfect representation.  We must constantly point to Christ.  Keep that in mind as we consider one of the great miracles of our Lord, as it is recorded in Matthew chapter 14.

Text: Matthew 14:13-21
This is the only miracle of our Lord that is found in all 4 Gospels.
It is a very familiar story.
We’ve all heard it since we were children – but there is a great truth to be found in it.
For this passage reminds us that:

Thesis: The miracles of Jesus provide profound insight into the character of our God.
There is one great hermeneutical principle to keep in mind when reading the Scripture.
That principle is that Scripture is a revelation of God.
He is the focus.
The primary purpose of Scripture is to reveal God to us.

In looking at our text we must keep in mind that this reveals God.
This is what God is like.
This is how He responds to need.
This is how He handles interruptions.

There are three things I want you to note from our text.

1. The feeding of the 5000 reveals the wonder-working power of the Lord Jesus.
2. The feeding of the 5000 demonstrates the tender, compassionate heart of the Savior.
3. The feeding of the 5000 displays the abundant generosity of the Sovereign One.

What does all this mean to us?
The God we serve is a God of great power who intervenes on behalf of the hurting and does so with great generosity.

Introduction
It seems to me it starts earlier and earlier.  We start asking kids, at a young age, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  It’s one of the fruits of living in a free and prosperous society.  We condition kids early on to understand, “You can be anything you want to be.”  In many parts of the world you won’t find kids dreaming of what they will be when they grow up - they just hope to live long enough to grow up!  As a young person moves toward high school we expect them to have a plan.  “What are your goals?”  “What college are you plan to attend?”  “What do you want to do with your life?”  What is interesting is to see how things change.  I love to go to high school homecoming and senior recognition and hear what the students’ plans are.  “After graduating Susie plans to attend MIT with a double major in nuclear physics and medieval renaissance theology.”  A couple of years later you learn Susie is taking some night courses through TCC and working at Wal-Mart.  My point is youth is filled with optimism and hope and it should be!  I bring it up because it is important to note Solomon did not write Ecclesiastes as a young man but rather as an old man looking back on a life of experience.  When you ask a kid what he or she wants to be when they grow up - they do not answer, “I hope to be a bitter, disillusioned failure.”  The goal, regardless of what path they may choose to follow, is to be happy, successful and live with meaning and purpose.  That is why it is critically important for us to hear and heed the message of “the preacher.”  Solomon’s years of empty experience taught him that experience is empty.  Life under the sun is filled with bitter disappointment and is unsatisfying.

Life without regard for God or the things of God is an empty, vain thing.
While there are momentary joys, times of peace and contentment, they do not last.
Thus the preacher cries, “Vanity of vanities!  All is vanity.”
He sought satisfaction through wisdom and found it empty.
He sought satisfaction through pleasure and found it was an illusion.
In the text we are going to explore this morning he reaches an end to the first section of his book.
Our text is found in the second half of the second chapter.

Text: Ecclesiastes 2:12-26
Keep in mind the preacher is “thinking out loud.”
He is bringing us along in a process.
He is walking us through his life experience and sharing what he’s learned.
I want to point out three things in this summary and then draw a final conclusion.

1. Wisdom while advantageous cannot, in itself, secure lasting joy.  (2:12-17)
2. Wealth and professional success, while providing momentary peace, ultimately falls short of lasting joy.  (2:18-23)
3. Lasting joy only comes through the gracious work of God in the hearts of His people.  (2:24-26)

Conclusion: Satisfaction is the gracious gift of God to His people.

Introduction
It’s one of life’s most disappointing experiences.  It is the kind of thing that leaves you jaded, skeptical and disillusioned.  Getting what you’d hoped for!  Have you been there?  Maybe it was your dream job but it turned out to be a nightmare.  Perhaps your dream house was, in fact, a money pit.   Your dream car?  A lemon.  That girl you had to marry…well we’ll not go there but you get the idea.  Life under the sun is filled with broken dreams, disappointing successes and unfulfilled expectations.  In short, satisfaction is just beyond your grasp.  Satisfaction is the “fulfillment of one’s wishes” or the pleasure derived from experiencing dreams come true.  In fairy-tales people live happily ever-after.  But, in case you haven’t noticed, life is no fairy-tale.  In the real world it seems we are forever on the trail of satisfaction.  It’s just around the corner.  Perhaps it will come with the next promotion.  Maybe if we get in the right neighborhood.  Surely when we get out from under this debt - but by the time we get there satisfaction has moved on.  It’s why the preacher cried, “Vanity of vanities!  All is vanity!”  Empty, transient, passing, hollow.  What is?  Everything!  Everything that is, “under the sun.”  When you evaluate life without regard for God or the things of God the logical conclusion is - it’s empty, meaningless, unsatisfying.

Solomon is looking back over his life and evaluating.  He sees his life as a grand experiment.  He has done a little bit of everything.  He has tried everything.  And he has come to this conclusion - “after all my I’ve experienced, after all I’ve accomplished, if you add up what I’ve accomplished and what I’ve accumulated, what do I have?  A great big jar of nothing!”  He is not saying he has not accomplished anything.  He isn’t suggesting that he has not enjoyed himself along the way.  He is saying, “ultimately it does not satisfy.”  The apostle Paul told the church at Corinth that the Old Testament Scriptures were written for their benefit.  They were to learn from them so as not to make the same mistakes.  We have the benefit of Solomon’s experience.  He’s been there, done that and he has the t-shirt but it seems we are determined to learn the same lessons the hard way - through our own painful experience.  Our text this morning is found in the 2nd chapter of Ecclesiastes and we will begin at verse 1.

Text: Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
Solomon leaves no doubt about where he is heading - 1:2-3.
He states his conclusion at the very beginning.
Keep in mind he is “thinking out loud” we are traveling this road with him.
Solomon shifts gears with chapter 2.  If wisdom proves to be ineffective then maybe the “good life” is the key to a good life.  If not wisdom how about pleasure?

It is here that we learn…

Thesis: Genuine, lasting satisfaction cannot be attained through human means.
This is something our culture needs to hear.  We have been raised to believe we can accomplish anything.  If you want it bad enough and you work hard enough you can have it.  We idolize the “self-made” man.  We love those rags to riches stories and want to believe it can happen to us some day.

In addition we’ve convinced ourselves that the “successful” are happy and fulfilled.  They must be because they have it all.  That’s not what Solomon says.

Let me point out three things as we work our way through this text.

1. The promise of satisfaction through pleasure proves to an illusion.  (2:1-3)
2. The notion that power, position and prestige brings peace and contentment is an empty dream.  (2:4-8)
3. Though the pursuit of pleasure and the accumulation of power bring momentary relief and provide a temporary distraction they do not, in fact, cannot satisfy.  (2:9-11)

Conclusion
He had a thousand women - 700 wives and 300 concubines (all them beautiful).
He had more money than a man could spend.
He had vast estates.
He had time and means to pursue every possible pleasure.
And it all amounted to what?  Nothing.  Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.

Why is that?
Hebrews 9:27 - appointed unto man to die once and then comes the judgment.
Death comes to all and then what?

Introduction
It is part of who we are.  We can’t help it.  We are by nature curious.  Don’t you find yourself wondering and questioning things?  I mean, why do people without a watch look at their wrist when they ask you what time it is?  Why doesn’t glue stick to the inside of the bottle?  Questions, we wrestle with them everyday.  Some are important, others are not so important.  Some mold or alter our lives, while others have little or no lasting effect.  This evening I want us to consider one of life’s vital questions.  Webster defines vital as concerned with or necessary to the maintenance of life; something fundamentally concerned with or affecting life.  I’m certain that we can agree that there are some questions that are of vital importance.  I would suggest that life’s most vital question has to do with the Lord Jesus – is he indeed the Messiah?  Is he the Savior?  Is he who he claims to be?

We are going to look this evening at a crisis point in the life and ministry of John the Baptist.  John found himself imprison for his faithfulness in declaring the truth of God.  He had faithfully and consistently declared Jesus as the Messiah.  As reports reached him about the ministry of Jesus, John came to a crisis of faith.  Through John’s story we learn something about the response of the Lord Jesus to the questioning heart.  We will consider John’s story is it is recorded in Matthew chapter 11.

Text: Matthew 11:1-19
There is that part of us that thinks faith eliminates all questions and struggles.  Sometimes we get the idea that it is “wrong” to question or wonder why.  But Christianity welcomes honest questioning.  Truth always invites investigation.  The Gospel is not afraid of someone asking too many questions.  Faith does not eliminate doubt.  In fact doubting is a tool for building faith!

Os Guinness has suggested there are two dangers to be avoided when dealing with doubt.

1. Being too soft on doubt – never needing any kind of assurance.
2. Being too hard on doubt – equating all doubt with unbelief.

Alister McGrath adds, “Faith isn’t a product of absolute certain knowledge.  Faith is about being willing to live through trust in the existence and promises of God, knowing that one day his existence and those promises will be totally vindicated.  But for the moment, we walk by faith, not by sight.”

Our text is fascinating to me given the background of John the Baptist.  This is a remarkable question coming from this man.  Yet it is a question that each of us must deal with.  It is a matter of life and death.  It is a “vital question” – a vital issue.

“Are you the one who was to come or should we expect someone else?”  “Are you the Christ?  Are you the Messiah?  Are you the long awaited Savior of the world?”  This question is at the heart of the Christian faith.  Mark it down.  Underline it.  Circle it in red.

Christianity is not primarily a teaching.  It is not primarily a philosophy.  Neither is it primarily a way of life.  It is a relationship with the Sovereign God of heaven and earth, through the person of Jesus Christ.  The Gospel is the story of the fact that Jesus Christ, the Son of God left the glory and splendor of heaven and was born on this earth.  His purpose in coming was to redeem fallen and broken humanity.  He and He alone is the savior of the world and there is no heaven apart from Him.  If that is true, then the most important question in this world is “What about Jesus of Nazareth?”

If He is who the Bible claims that He is, then there is no more important question.  The question then before the house is – “What are you going to do with Jesus?”  “How are you going to respond to Him?”

These are the issues/questions surrounding this snapshot out of the life and ministry of John the Baptist.  From this story we learn something about the questioning heart and the search for assurance.  In fact we discover that:

Thesis: The questioning heart finds assurance in the person of the Lord Jesus.
As this drama in the life of John unfolds before us we find three acts.

1. Act One: A crisis of faith.  (11:1-3)
2. Act Two: A clear word.  (11:4-6)
3. Act Three: A comforting reassurance.  (11:7-11a)

Have you ever struggled to believe?  You are in good company.  The questioning heart finds reassurance in the person of the Lord Jesus.

Introduction
It may not always be expressed in the same way.  In fact, it may not be worked out to the point the person even understands what they are longing for but people want to know, “why they are here.”  I don’t mean why they are in church today.  I mean why are they on the planet?  Why do they exist?  What is the purpose or meaning of life?  Tied directly to this question is the confusion surrounding why the accumulation of wealth, power and influence does not satisfy.  You may say, “Well I’ve really not been given the opportunity to test that hypothesis.  I can’t say wealth, power and influence does not satisfy I haven’t experience any of them for myself.”  Perhaps not but you’ve desired something.  Something that you believed, if you just got it - you would know happiness.  So you worked and you planned and you saved and finally you got what you wanted and it was wonderful…for a while.  But soon the joy passed.  The newness wore off.  It did not satisfy and something else caught your attention and you were certain that it would bring lasting joy.

Just for fun the other day I “googled” - “the path to happiness.”  I found listed several websites that promised to guide me down the path to true and genuine happiness.  One was actually named pathtohappiness.com!  The website assures Happiness is not a result of what happens to us, it is a result of the stories we tell ourselves about what happens to us.  The site promises to guide you through a process of identifying the stories you tell yourself, how to evaluate them, offer you other stories that might better serve you and thus lead you to genuine, lasting happiness.  According to an article in USA Today one of the fastest growing industries in the country is “Life Coaching.”  A life coach is an individual who comes along side to get you “unstuck” professionally or personally.  I would have to add to this, because it was not covered in the USA Today article, “spiritual coaching.”  According to the article, written in 208, there were 10,000 life coaches operating in the United States.  That number has risen dramatically over the last couple of years.  Why?  In spite of all of our technological advances, regardless of our high standard of living, despite Facebook, people are lonely, frustrated, unfulfilled and empty.  The cry of “the preacher” 10 centuries before Christ rings true today, “Vanity of vanities!  All is vanity!”  All of life is empty, transient and passing.  Our text this morning is found in the first chapter of the book of Ecclesiastes.

Text: Ecclesiastes 1:12-18
The preacher, the one who calls the assembly is walking us through a process.
He is surveying his life and looking at his life as a great experiment.
He is thinking out loud about life and its lessons.
At times he seems depressed and melancholy but you must remember the phrase, “Under the sun.”

Life with God out of the equation.
Life without regard for God or the things of God.
Life from a merely human perspective leads to these conclusions.
It is a fallacy to believe the writer thinks nothing in life is worthwhile.

He is not saying there is nothing of any value in anything - he is saying, if there is no God and this is all there is - it is ultimately empty and unsatisfying.  Sin always has its pleasures.  The most godless person you can think of has his moments of peace and joy.  The point is such peace and joy ultimately prove to be fleeting.  They do not last and they do not satisfy.

He begins by stating his conclusion - life under the sun is full of vanity.
Vanity = empty, transient, fading, unsatisfying, unfulfilling
Life apart from God is an endless drudgery leading nowhere.
It is a meaningless, monotonous existence.
It is an empty memory.
In other words it is a vain and empty pursuit.

We pick up with verse 12 of chapter 1 (read the text).

Here we discover…
Thesis: Any attempt to gain meaningful satisfaction through intellectual pursuits proves to be a fool’s errand.

You know what a fool’s errand is - it is a fruitless mission or undertaking; a completely absurd and pointless pursuit.  It is a task or activity that has no hope of succeeding.  That’s what Solomon describes in our text.

I think we need to understand this because we live in a culture that believes if you just “educate” people everything will be okay.  The problem is people just don’t know.  When they know this or that is wrong or hurtful they won’t do that anymore.  That’s not true.  It’s not that simple.  Don’t misunderstand me - I’m all for education.  “I are educated” but knowledge, by and in itself, is not the answer.  Solomon makes that clear in our text.

Let me point out 3 things.

1. A sincere, diligent search for meaning through mere human wisdom proves fruitless.  (1:12-14)
2. In spite of profound effort applied with genuine desire answers prove to be allusive.  (1:15-17)
3. Such pursuits only add to the misery of life apart from God.  (1:18)

Conclusion
Solomon did not say, and I’m certainly not going to say, that if you are not a Christian you cannot know any joy in this life.  Of course there are moments of joy, peace and genuine happiness but they ultimately fade.  They are transient, they are passing.  Those moments will not fill the emptiness deep within your soul.  In fact those moments only cause you to hunger more for genuine, lasting fulfillment.  A fulfillment that can only be known through Christ.

Introduction
Power is an illusion.  Fame is fleeting.  Life is but a vapor.  We spend our days fighting and clawing our away to the top.  We struggle and strain in the hopes that we will achieve some success, that we will be remembered for some great thing.  All the while knowing that the vast majority of us will live and die in obscurity.  Few will take note that we traveled this way.  Oh, and those who do achieve notoriety - they too will one day be forgotten.  Doris Kearns Goodwin, the presidential biographer, gives these haunting words about the end of Lyndon Baynes Johnson:

A month before he died, he spoke to me with immense sadness in his voice.  He said he was watching the American people absorbed in a new president, forgetting him, forgetting even the great civil rights laws that he had passed.  He was beginning to think his quest for immortality had been in vain, that perhaps he would have been better off focusing his time and attention on his wife and his children, so then he could have had a different sort of immortality through his children and their children in turn.  He could have depended on them in a way he couldn’t depend on the American people.  But it was too late.  Four weeks later he was dead.  Despite all his money and power he was completely alone when he died, his ultimate terror realized.  (from a commencement address quoted in Holman Old Testament Commentary: Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs page 20.)

At one point the most powerful man in the world.  A few years later he died…alone.  Just one of many of the once great who are now footnotes in history.  Is it any wonder the “preacher” cried, ?“Vanity of vanities!  All is vanity?”  We live in a skeptical age, among jaded people.  Life has been robbed of any meaning.  The endless pursuit of materialism has proven fruitless.  The power of pleasure to satisfy has proved to be an illusion.  We are left to wonder, “Is life worth living?”  By the way we are not the first to wonder about that.  10 centuries before Christ a perceptive preacher asked, “What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?”  In other words, “What profit is there in living?”  Our text this morning is found in chapter one of the book of Ecclesiastes.

Text: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
Admit it - this is an odd and confusing book!
It is part of the “wisdom literature” of the Old Testament.
Though the author is not named it has been assumed that Solomon authored this book.
That would make Solomon the author of three O.T books:
Song of Solomon or Song of Songs - written as a young man - about marital bliss.
Proverbs - written during midlife - extolling the virtue of wisdom rooted in the “fear of God.”
Ecclesiastes - written at the end of his life demonstrating the folly of life apart from God.

The book has been a source of conflict through the years.  There have been various approaches taken in trying to make sense of it.  Is this the rantings of an “eternal pessimist?”  Do we have here the reasoned arguments of a religious and philosophical skeptic?  It seems, at times, the author blatantly contradicts other Scripture or at least makes some very unorthodox statements.  When reading the book you get the idea the writer has “issues.”

But actually the dark, foreboding and brooding conclusions we find throughout the book are not the author’s final conclusions.  For his ultimate assessment we have to wait until the end of the book.  The preacher is “talking” through the issues.  He is speaking “out loud” as he works his way through these deep, theological and philosophical questions.

We begin in chapter 1.
The first 11 verses serve to remind us that…

Thesis: Life apart from Christ is a vain and empty pursuit.

There are three things I want to point out in our text.

1. Life apart from Christ is filled with never-ending drudgery that leads nowhere.  (1:1-8)
2. Life apart from Christ is a meaningless, monotonous existence.  (1:9-10)
3. Life apart from Christ is an empty memory.  (1:11)

Conclusion
“Pastor, thanks for the uplifting sermon today!”  That’s my point.  You cannot appreciate the wonder of God’s grace until you taste the despair of life without Him.  Friend, life apart from Christ is a vain and empty pursuit.  In contrast Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and that life in abundance.”

Introduction
I must admit, everything in me feels as if I should say, “Mr. Chairman the great state of Oklahoma cast all her delegates upon the next president of these United States - the honorable…”  I must acknowledge my struggle with this sort of celebration.  I fear too often there is a blurring of the line in Evangelical churches.  Often the church seems to equate patriotism and nationalism with the Gospel.  THAT IS A MISTAKE.  Yet I think it fitting that our celebration of the Nation’s birth begin here in the house of God.  For apart from the mercy of the Almighty there would be no United States of America.  No nation rises to power without his aid.  We are celebrating 234 years – young by the standards of history – yet the longest on-going constitutional republic in the history of the world.  I’m convinced it is the direct result of the blessing of God.  Not that America is perfect – for she most definitely is not!  And never has been.  Not that we are uniquely the people of God and stand entitled to special rank and privilege for we most certainly do not.  At the same time many today seek to “rewrite” our history.  Determined to downplay our Christian heritage modern day scholars say our Founders were at best Deists influenced by Enlightenment philosophy.  That’s simply not true.

While not all were devout, orthodox Christians – it is a fact that 27 of the original 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence held seminary degrees.  An honest reading of the founding documents and correspondence of the Founding Fathers reveals these are not the prayers and words of Deists!  In fact George Read, a delegate from Delaware, also considered to be “The Father of Delaware” wrote that state’s first laws and the 1776 Delaware Constitution. The Delaware Constitution initially read, “Every person who shall be chosen a member of either house, or appointed to any office or place of trust, shall make and subscribe the following declaration, to wit: ‘I, do profess faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ His only Son, and in the Holy Ghost, one God blessed for evermore; and I do acknowledge the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given.”  Hardly the words of a Deist.

A significant number of the signers were presidents or vice presidents of various Bible Societies.  Two of the Continental Congress’ first actions were to hire military chaplains and to purchase 20,000 Bibles to remedy a national shortage. America’s first Speaker of the House was the “Reverend” Frederick Muhlenberg.  The reverend John Witherspoon, president of Princeton University played a major role in the American Revolution.  While Witherspoon’s influence alone was extremely impressive, “The record of Princeton men who studied under Witherspoon is outstanding, including President James Madison [primary author of the U.S. Constitution], Vice-President Aaron Burr, nine cabinet officers, 21 United States senators, 39 members of the House of Representatives, three justices of the Supreme Court, 12 governors, and numerous delegates to the Constitutional Convention.”

Those who are upset when politicians make reference to Scripture and the wear their faith on their sleeve have obviously not read the Founders!  The language of Scripture and the Christian Faith has permeated our National rhetoric from the beginning.

Now before this turns into a political rally – let me hasten to say, I’m no Archie Bunker – “America love it or leave” – type.  I love my country.  I am proud to be an American – I wouldn’t trade it for anything – but I do not wear blinders.  I confess that I have a higher Loyalty.  And we, in the church, must not abandon our prophetic post.  We have a responsibility to speak to the nation – both the government and the citizenry.  We must not allow partisanship to distort our vision or silence our voice.  Corruption is corruption, evil is evil and injustice is injustice regardless of who is in “office.”  And we must not fail to hold the moral rope.  We must not fail to point to a higher standard.  We must speak the truth with passion and conviction.  In May of 1776, just weeks before America declared her independence, John Witherspoon declared, “He is the best friend to American liberty, who is most sincere and active in promoting true and undefiled religion, and who sets himself with the greatest firmness to bear down profanity and immorality of every kind. Whoever is an avowed enemy of God, I do not hesitate to call him an avowed enemy of his country.”

Love of country and love of God are not antithetical.  God grant us the courage and boldness to speak with a true prophetic voice to the heart of our Nation.  Our text this morning is found in the 10th chapter of Hosea’s prophecy.

Text: Hosea 10:1-17
Israel is in its last days.  After repeated warning and extended grace – the time of judgment was at hand.  Hosea – whose name means “salvation” was called to close the book on the nation.  He was uniquely qualified – who knew the pain of spurned love.
He knew what it was to love a wayward spouse.  Thus he spoke with conviction and compassion – the awful truth was wrapped in love.

We would do well, on this celebration of our nation’s birth, to learn from Hosea the true nature of godly citizenship.  In our partisan culture – few statesmen are left.  Gone are those who love country above party; who are committed to truth rather than power; good rather than glory.  Hosea’s prophecy serves to remind us that:

Thesis: True love of country demands that the church fulfill its prophetic role.

There are four duties of a prophet reflected in our text.

1. The voice of the prophet dares to expose the nation’s shallow faith.  (10:1-3)
2. The prophetic voice boldly addresses the nation’s sins.  (10:4-11)
3. The voice of the prophet passionately pleads for repentance.  (10:12)
4. The voice of the prophet broken-heartedly declares the nation’s doom.  (10:13-15)

Conclusion:
God’s patience will not always abide with us.
Repeatedly turning a deaf ear to his commands – comes with a price.
We do no service to our great country by denying reality.
If we love this land – we must stand as the prophet:

• Exposing its shallow faith
• Addressing its sin
• Pleading for repentance
• Broken-heartedly declaring its doom.`

Introduction
It just didn’t make sense.  He had just experienced a great victory.  But instead of celebrating, he was pouting.  Instead of rejoicing, he wanted to be left alone.  In fact he just wanted to die.  Now that is hard to accept given the experience Elijah had on Mount Carmel.  You will remember his challenge to the priest of Baal.  You remember that after hours of pleading and extreme measures on their part – Baal never answered.  Elijah in confidence prayed a very simple prayer and the fire of God fell.  It was impressive.  Elijah was indeed the prophet of the living God.  But on the heels of that – Elijah became severely depressed.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon has been called “The Prince of Preachers.”  The great Baptist preacher of the 19th century was known around the world.  He spoke to thousands every week from the pulpit of the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London.  His sermons were reprinted each week in newspapers throughout Britain, Europe and the United States.  He was, without a doubt, one of the most respected men of his day.  Yet he wrote out his resignation almost every week and suffered great bouts of depression.

I read a report back in the mid eighties that said every other hospital bed was occupied by a “mental patient.”  That meant a person whose condition was due to emotional issues.  Record numbers of people are on medication and/or receiving treatment for depression.  It is a major concern.  Depression is a genuine condition.  Often people do need medication because of a chemical imbalance and need counseling due to major traumatic events they have gone through.  That is not and indication of weakness on their part.  It is also true that all of us struggle with depression to some degree.  How do we fight it?  Can we win the battle?  That is the focus of our text found in Psalm 42.

Text: Psalm 42:1-11

This is the first psalm of book 2 (42-72).
We are told this is a psalm by the son’s of Korah.
The Korahites were Levites who performed temple music.

It is interesting to note that during the wilderness wanderings it was Korah who led a rebellion of 250 community leaders and their families (Numbers 16, Jude 11).
The sons of Korah were spared and were later dedicated to the glory of God.

James Boice entitles his study of this Psalm, “An Upward Look by a Downcast Soul.”  I think it is important to note from the outset that depression is a problem even among the people of God.  This is vital to note given the attitudes of many today who assume faith in Christ eliminates problems.  This is not a new problem.  Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the pastor of Westminster Chapel in London, published a book in 1965 entitled Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure, which remains one of his most widely circulated works.

Do you ever get depressed?  Are you ever down in the dumps?  If you say that you never sing the blues, I’ve just got one question for you, “What planet are you living on?”  You cannot travel this road of tears and not suffer occasional bouts of depression.  If you’ve lived any time at all you’ve experienced what some of the puritan writers called “the dark night of the soul.”

As we explore Psalm 42 I think we will discover:

Thesis: The righteous fight through depression by focusing on God’s goodness and grace.

Depression is not the kind of thing you can stop.
It is going to happen.
When life “dumps” on you – you’re going to get depressed.
When trauma comes, depression is sure to follow.

While it will not be eliminated down here – you can, by God’s grace overcome.  And we find some insight in this Psalm.  This is one of the most recognized Psalms because of the opening verses.

There are two truths I want you to take hold of this evening.

1. Even the righteous are prone to periods of doubt and depression.
2. The righteous find deliverance in facing depression head on.

Conclusion
Depression is going to come.  But you don’t have to live under it.  You, by the grace of God can overcome it.  How?  Recognize that it is part of life and then face it head on.  Fight through your depression and look to God’s goodness and grace.

Introduction
Donald McCullough mourned its practice in the mid nineties.  J.B. Phillips warned of its dangers in the mid sixties.  Tozer railed against it in the forties.  R.A. Torrey and others sounded the alarm at the turn of the century.  Phillips warned that our God was too small.  Torrey and company called for a return to fundamental truths.  McCullough decried the “trivialization of God.”  They all amount to the same thing – a pulling God down from the lofty heights to which he belongs and remaking him in our image.  Listen to most of the preaching today and you will hear of a “user friendly” God.  A God who is far more understanding of our weaknesses and far more sympathetic concerning our bent toward perversion.  Much of today’s “Christian music” sounds more like a top 20 love song than an expression of holy adoration and reverent worship.  Don’t get me wrong.  I’m not at all suggesting that only music written 300 years ago is appropriate for worship!  Neither am I suggesting that nothing worthwhile has been written in the last 30 years.  I am suggesting that there has been a general loss of wonder and awe.

Oh we sing Our God is an Awesome God and I Stand Amazed in the Presence of Jesus the Nazarene – it’s just that we are not awed and we do not stand amazed!  They are merely words.  We have lost the wonder.  Amazing Grace has become routine.  Our worship is matter of fact.  We have “handled” sacred things to the point they are no longer sacred.  This is why we are to cultivate a “child-like” faith.  Not a childish faith – but a child-like faith.  A child-like faith is the kind of faith that can look at something for an hour without loosing that sense of wonder.  And child-like faith leads to glorious worship.  Glorious worship does not demand bells, whistles and show-stopping music.  Glorious worship is a heart matter!  Our text this evening is found in the 114th Psalm.

Text: Psalm 114:1-8

This is the second in the six Psalms of the “Egyptian Hallel” (113-118).
To be sung at the three major feasts – dedication, new moon and Passover.
It is a brief Psalm but one of great significance.

Spurgeon called it “sublime.”

Derek Kinder says it recalls the Exodus, not as a familiar event from Israel’s past but rather as an “astonishing event: as startling as a clap of thunder, as shattering as an earthquake.”

As we explore the 4 stanzas of this brief hymn we discover the…

Thesis: Three marks of child-like faith.

1. Stanza 1 serves to remind us that child-like faith – Rejoices in God’s deliverance of and dwelling with His people.  (114:1-2)
2. The second stanza reminds us that – Child-like faith celebrates God’s protection and provision.  (114:3-4)
3. Stanzas three and four serve to remind us that – Child-like faith trembles before God’s majesty and might.  (114:5-8)

Child-like faith rejoices and celebrates but it also trembles!
The word means to twist or writhe.
It is not a “comfortable” thing.

We are far too comfortable with the holy – which would indicate and inadequate view of God and an inflated view of ourselves.

May God grant to us a child-like faith – one that:
Rejoices in God’s deliverance and his dwelling with his people;
Celebrates God’s protection and provision;
Trembles before God’s majesty and might.

Introduction
There are appropriate and inappropriate responses.  I remember one night at the dinner table I didn’t care for what we were having for our evening meal.  My dad said, “You need to be grateful for what you have.  There are a lot of kids in this world who would love to have what’s on your plate.”  I said, “Well you can ship this to them because I don’t like it.”  That’s the one time my father hit me.  The back of his hand across my smart mouth said, unmistakably, “THAT’S NOT APPROPRIATE!”  I had told the professor that if I missed class in the next few days it would be because our first child was due any time now.  Upon returning to class for the first time after Zac’s birth Dr. Dominy approached me with a big smile, “Well boy or girl?”  “It’s a boy!  We named him Bert (my professor’s first name) because he doesn’t have any hair either.”  Immediately after thinking, “I hope I didn’t actually say that” - I knew - not an appropriate response.

Responses say a lot about those who so respond.  Obviously my responses reveal a lack of control and a smart mouth.  I’ve known, and you know, people who cry at the drop of a hat.  Sensitive, caring people who feel everyone’s hurt and have an amazing capacity for empathy.  You also know people who “fly off the handle” with the least little provocation.  Everything is a big deal.  The smallest question is received as the greatest attack.  Somewhere between always crying and never crying is a balanced position.  Somewhere between always mad and never mad is a healthy, reasonable response.

As Paul comes to the end of his letter to the church at Rome we find an appropriate response.  It is the most natural way to end the letter.  Here is this grand and glorious statement of the gospel.  It would hardly seem appropriate if Paul concluded by saying, “Thanks for listening.  You’ve been a great audience and we’ll see you down the road.”  That just wouldn’t do this letter justice.  No, Paul’s closing doxology is a fitting end to this glorious letter.  Our text this morning is found in Romans 16 beginning at verse 25.

Text: Romans 16:25-27
Paul began by saying man is a sinner.
His sin is so pervasive that he is totally or radically depraved.
Man is sinful beyond his ability to effect a cure.
He cannot save himself - more than that he cannot contribute to his own salvation.
But God, in grace and mercy, in kindness and love has provided a means of salvation.
God has given his Son, the Lord Jesus, who is both the sacrifice and the one offering sacrifice.
Salvation is by grace, through faith in Christ alone.
As a part of this great saving work the Spirit takes up residence in every believer.
He cries, “Abba!  Father!”
As a result there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ.
And there is no separation - for nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus…
God is faithful to His people and His promise (9-11).
With this new life come certain obligations or responsibilities (12-15).

With chapter 16 Paul sends greeting to his various friends there at Rome (1-16).
He calls on the church to be “on guard” against those who cause divisions (17-20).
Other’s send their greetings (21-24).

Then comes this burst of praise to close the letter.  That is our focus for this morning.  Paul’s heart started to sing once before (11:36).  It was Paul’s custom to close his letters in his own hand.  We know this because of 2 Thessalonians 3:17-18.  With his closing remarks we are reminded that…

Thesis: The only legitimate response to the message of God’s saving love is a sense of profound worship.

There are two things I want to point out quickly.

1. The worshiping heart rejoices in God’s establishing, enabling power.  (16:25-26)
2. The worshiping heart stands in awe of God’s glory.  (16:27)

I’ve heard it more times than I can count.  I’m sitting in a home visiting with a family before a funeral.  I’ve been called by the funeral home and asked to do the service because the family has no church connection.  And one of the family will say, “Daddy never went to church.  He just worshiped God in his own way.”  I’ve had men tell me, “I worship God when I’m out on the lake fishing.”  I don’t say it – but I think it – “Just how much worship goes on while you’re out on the lake?  Please describe the average service there in the boat.”  I don’t doubt that God’s name comes up – I’m just not sure it is expressed in a worshipful manner!  An increasing number of folks fail to see the church as relevant to their spiritual lives.  The church is full of hypocrites.  The church is outdated.  The church is stuck in the past.  The music belongs in a museum.  The sermon is a history lesson.  In short, the church has nothing to offer me.  Given the access we know enjoy through the internet do we need a local church?  What is the value of being in a church when I have access to the greatest teachers in the church 24 hours a day 7 days a week through my computer?  I meet with a couple of friends at least once a week and we discuss the Bible and what the Lord is doing in our lives.  We are accountable to each other – why do I need a church?  Most of the folks at church aren’t committed to God and all they are interested in is my money.  Why bother with joining a church.  I just don’t need the headache.  How do you answer that?  What would you say to that person?

We are considering the “church.”
Three weeks ago we talked about the “church dater.”
Those who flirt with the church but refuse to make a real commitment.
Two weeks ago we look carefully at the Church as the “bride of Christ.”
We talked about how marriage was created to mirror the relationship of Christ and His Church.
We also consider the church as a body and a living temple.
Now this evening, “Why do I need the church?”

Let’s start by acknowledging that this is a legitimate question to be asking.
It would be easy to brush this aside and say, “What a silly question, of course you need the church.”  Really?  Why?
As one who has put his trust in Jesus Christ, I’m already part of the Church, why do I need to belong to one of the thousands of fragmented groups called churches?  I’ve been accepted by God, I’m loved by Christ why do I need the church (little “c”)?
Let me give you the short answer: because the local church is a visible, tangible, real-world expression of the body of Christ.

What is it that the church does best?
The local church is the best means for showing your neighbors the transforming power of the Gospel in granting to you new life and that new life becoming the foundation for a new society.

• Baptism – marks us as the people of God.  It declares I’ve identified with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection (Matthew 28:19, Romans 6:4).
• The Lord’s Supper – shows our continuing fellowship in Christ (Mt. 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25).
• Church Discipline – shows the world we are serious about walking in obedience before Christ and are committed to one another for spiritual good/development (Mt. 18, 1 Corinthians 5).

Let me give you two other reasons for why you need the church.

1. You need the church because sanctification is a community project.
2. You need the church in order to worship appropriately.

The church matters and you need to be a part of it because:

• The local church is a visible, tangible, real-world expression of the body of Christ.
• When a church lives out the Gospel together it displays the transforming effects of the Gospel for the world to see.
• Sanctification is a community project.
• It is the means of worshiping God appropriately.

Introduction
One of my favorite philosophers is the great Yogi Berra.  Yogi has been credited with great insights like, “It ain’t over until it’s over” and “when you come to a fork in the road take it.”  Of course Yogi also said, “I didn’t say all those things I said.”  But my favorite “Yogism” is, “You can observe a lot just by watching.”  You have to admit that is true!  You can also learn a lot just by listening.  You can learn a lot about a person by what they say.  You learn what is important to them and what they value just by observing their conversations.  This is especially true in “unguarded” moments.  Off hand comments.  Incidental statements.  That means there are things to be learned in those passages we often skip over in the biblical text.  Text like the close of Paul’s great letter to the church at Rome.  The apostle has given this great statement on the gospel.  He has delivered this profound theological treatise on salvation by grace through faith, then he called his readers to live a life founded upon those truths.  As he concludes his monumental work he sends greetings to some of the faithful in Rome.  Our tendency is to skip over those remarks or give them a cursory read.  But that is a mistake.  To do so is to miss something helpful.  Here, in these closing remarks, is a great insight into the heart of this great servant of Christ.

Last time we considered the marks of a missionary heart as we worked through chapter 15.  We saw that the missionary heart views all of life as service to God.  Every act is a sacrificial act, a priestly service to Christ and his kingdom.  Further the missionary heart is focused on the glory of God, it dares to dream big and knows the task cannot be accomplished alone.  But that is not the whole story.  Those 4 characteristics are vertically oriented.  They are concerned with God and his glory.  What about the horizontal?  What about concern for our fellow man?  What about our heart for other believers?  That will be our focus this morning in chapter 16.

Text: Romans 16:1-23
He is a towering figure in the Scripture.
A man of great intellect - holding what will be the equivalent of multiple doctorates.
A man of unquestioned spirituality.
Author of roughly half the New Testament.
A pioneer for the gospel and the kingdom.
But what I’m interested in, for our purpose this morning, is his heart.

Allow me to point out three marks of a missionary heart from our text.

1. A missionary heart loves profoundly.  (16:1-16)
2. A missionary heart is passionate about the truth.  (16:17-20)
3. The missionary heart is contagious in its enthusiasm.  (16:21-23)

So we have the heart of a missionary - loving, passionate about truth and contagious in its enthusiasm.  Does that describe your heart?  If a visitor attends your Sunday School class, your Bible study - is that the impression they leave with?  How about a worship service?

Introduction
We’ve been commanded to “take the Gospel to the ends of the earth.”  We are told to preach the Gospel to all the world.  That is not a unique assignment given to a select few, that is our Lord’s call to all the people of God.  We, you and me, have an obligation to be on mission.  “Oh, I’m not called to the mission field.”  Really?  Are you a Christian?  Then you are a missionary.  You are called.  It was Spurgeon who said, “Every Christian is either a missionary or an impostor.”  Where is your mission field?  It is all around you and the fields are white unto harvest.  It used to be popular to have signs at the exist of churches reading, “You are now entering the mission field.”  I like that.  It is certainly true and it was a good reminder that we are always and everywhere on mission.  But the truth is the mission field was in the hallway leading to that door.  It was in every classroom.  It was in the worship center.  Anywhere there is a person who has not yielded his or her heart to Christ and become engaged in the worship of the true and living God there is a mission field.  The passion, the heartbeat, of the church is to spread the name and the fame of our God.  Some will be called to give their lives in foreign lands for the sake of that glorious name.  If that is God’s call to your heart you must not settle for anything less.  Others will serve on short-term trips to various peoples.  Others will never set foot in a foreign land but they will weep over the peoples of the world and bath them in the tears of their prayers.  Some will preach in cathedrals and country churches.  Some will fill stadiums and convention halls.  While others will cradle babies and sing them sweet gospel songs and tell them of Jesus who died and rose again.  Some will knock on doors and boldly testify of God’s saving power.  Others will quietly serve their neighbor and gently speak of Jesus’ love.  But this one thing is certain none of us can claim exemption from missionary service.

Whether it is across the street or across the globe, whether it is through bold proclamation or quiet service we are under orders to take the message of God’s love revealed in redemption through Christ’s blood to our world.  We are a people on mission.  And the task is not complete until every living soul is actively engaged in the worship of God or we are called home.  His is an amazing story.  He “got it.”  He understood that he was called.  It was his consuming passion and thus he is a great example for us to follow.  Our text this morning give us some insight into the great missionary heart of the apostle Paul.

Text: Romans 15:14-33
Paul is nearing the end of his great letter to the church at Rome.
He has demonstrated our desperate need.
He has made clear God’s great provision.
He has revealed that salvation is by grace, through faith.
He has laid out the sanctifying work of the Spirit.
He has declared that God is faithful both to his people and his promise.

Paul has also spoke clearly about the life we’ve been called to live.
We’ve seen that church is about living the faith together.
This passage reveals somethings about the heart behind Paul’s ministry.

How do I know if my heart is where it needs to be?  How can I be sure my mind is focused as it should be?  I want to be on mission - how do I get there?  As we walk through this passage together I want to point out 4 marks of a missionary heart.

1. The missionary heart views all of life as service to God and that life is to be lived for the benefit of others.  (15:15-16)
2. The missionary heart remains focused on God’s glory.  (15:17-19)
3. The missionary heart dares to dream big.  (15:20-29)
4. The missionary heart knows the mission cannot be accomplished alone.  (15:30-33)

Introduction
If you knew that you had 24 hours to live what would you do?  It is an interesting question.  One day left on this earth, how would you spend it?  One thing is certain your answer would reveal what is important to you.  Your answer would tell us what really matters to you.  The truth is none of us know what we would do.  We can speculate.  We can say what we would hope that we would do but there is no way of knowing with certainty what we would do if put in that circumstance.  Of course the other thing is none of us knows how much time we have left.  But there is one who knew exactly how much time he had and we know what he did.  After three years of ministry Jesus announced his time had come.  He set his face as a flint and he marched toward Jerusalem for the last time.  His disciples begged him not to go.  They said this is the wrong time.  “The authorities are determined to kill you.  Don’t go.  Not now.”  Jesus said, “Now is the time.”  He was welcomed in triumph on that Sunday as he made his way into Jerusalem.  By Friday he had been arrested, tried, convicted and sentenced to die.  How did he spend his last day?  With his disciples, teaching them about the kingdom of God and he prayed.  What did he pray?  It is recorded for us in John chapter 17.

And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.  (17:11)

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me…”  (17:20-21)

The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one…  (17:22)

I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.  (17:23)

It is significant, given the circumstance, that this was Jesus’ prayer.  Think about it.  There is so much he could have been praying for but foremost in his mind was that the church would be one.  His prayer was for unity within the body of Christ.  Why was that so important?  Because it has a direct bearing on the church’s message and credibility, “So that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”  The quality or degree of our unity will either attract or repel the world.  They will either be draw to our message or drive from our message by the quality of our life together.

The church, because it is made up of people like you and me, has struggled with this from the beginning.  The church of Galatia was fragmented due to legalism.  The church at Corinth chose sides based on favorite leaders.  Pergamum was divided and diluted because believers had married unbelievers.  Things were so bad in Laodicea that our Lord just said they made him sick.  Many believe there were real problems in Rome.  Some have suggested that petty bickering and bitter rivalry caused some members to turn on others and even give them over to the authorities declaring them traitors to the Empire.  The modern church doesn’t fair any better.  Churches divided over the color of carpet or which side of the auditorium the piano belongs on are all too common.  Thus Paul’s message to Rome is as important and pertinent today as it was 2000 years ago.  The need is for unity.  Our text is found in Romans 15 beginning with verse 1.

Text: Romans 15:1-13

Again we are talking about life as God intends it.
The church is about our living the faith together.
This is the laboratory where we learn to love and forgive.
This is the place where we butt heads and learn to get along.

In chapter 14 Paul makes it clear we are not to sit in judgment of one another.  When it comes to disputed matters or matters of conscience we are to be convinced in our own minds and grant freedom to others to disagree or see things differently.  Further we are not to be the source of our brother’s failure.  Love reigns in liberty.  I choose to limit my freedom for my brother’s sake.

As we consider the opening section of chapter 15 I want us to see that…
Thesis: The church that genuinely honors Christ diligently seeks to display biblical unity.

2 things are clear as we follow Paul’s argument.

1. Unity demands that we follow Christ’s example of patience and selfless sacrifice in dealing with one another’s weaknesses and failures.  (15:1-6)
2. Unity demands wholehearted acceptance of others with the goal of establishing a fellowship filled with joy, marked by peace and abounding in hope.  (15:7-13)

Conclusion:

• This is a tall order but it is not as if we have nothing to guide us.
• We have our own experience of grace and the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
• And this is to what end?
• 15:3 - that we might be a place filled with joy, marked by peace and abounding in hope.  That is the fruit of genuine biblical unity and that is to be the goal of this fellowship.

Introduction
The language is vivid, bold and undeniable.  That’s what makes it so terrifying.  God is coming in judgment of the nations.  He is coming in judgment of those who continue in unbelief regardless of where they live or what nation they call home.  For He is the righteous Judge of all the earth.  It is to Him every knee will bow and every tongue will confess.  When that day is described as a day of “distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of trumpet blast and battle cry” you understand it will be a day of terror.  If you dwell on that message for any length of time you will get depressed.  It is a message, if you believe it, that will eat at you.  If you understand that He means what He says, you will live in dread.  And if that was His final word you would have nothing to live for.  But it is not His final word.  His message of judgment is accompanied by a word of hope.  For instance at the end of Amos, after the prophet thunders the judgment of God he ends with these words, “I will plant them (Israel) on their land, and they shall never again be uprooted out of the land that I have given them, says the LORD your God” (Amos 9:15).  He is a God of grace and mercy, a God of kindness and love, and so the prophet Zephaniah ends not with judgment but with hope.  Our text this evening is found in Zephaniah chapter 3 beginning with verse 9.

Text: Zephaniah 3:9-20

1:1-3:8 speaks of a coming Day of Wrath.
3:9-20 speaks of a coming Day of Joy.
A day that promises both conversion and restoration.
This promise of conversion and restoration does not replace judgment but comes after judgment.
It is a mistake to assume that grace demands that judgment be turned away.
There have been repeated offers of grace.
There have been multiple pleas to repent.
Now judgment must come - but there is life after judgment for that remnant that believes.

Back in the 1st section 1:1-2:3 - there was the threat of judgment and a call for repentance.
In section 2 2:4-3:8 - that same message was taken to the Judah and the surrounding nations.
Now comes the promise of a New Day.
A day of blessing and peace all because of the grace of God.
Judah doesn’t deserve a new day.
The surrounding nations do not deserve blessing.

As we walk through the remainder of this book I want to point out three things as we seek to draw words of encouragement and hope for today from this sermon from the 7th century b.c.

1. A call for self-examination - (3:9-13)
2. A Cause for rejoicing.  (3:14-15)
3. The comfort of resting in His promise.  (3:16-20)

There’s a new day dawning.  A day of joy and peace for the people of God.

• Are you in that believing remnant?
• Are you part of that worshiping crowd?
• Are you trusting in His precious promise?

Introduction
It’s the thing that brings beauty to the symphony.  It is what enables each individual instrument to shine and yet become part of a greater beauty.  Harmony or unity within diversity.  No one wants to go to a concert and hear a monotone performance any more than they want chaos.  Each instrument doing its own thing without regard for the others is just noise, it’s grating and irritating.  But the whole, brought under the control of the conductor, playing off one another and working in harmony is exquisite.  So it is within the church.  “How beautiful it is for brothers to dwell together in unity,” the Scripture says.  On the other hand there is nothing as ugly, irritating or discouraging as a divided, dysfunctional and disjointed church.  The Bible is clear when you come to faith in Christ you are not left to your own devices.  You are made part of the whole.  You are made part of the body of Christ and God intends that you join with a local body of believers where you share your life, give your talents and seek to grow and mature in your faith.  The church is the place where we live our faith together.

Thus the church is essential to our well being spiritually.  You cannot be the person God has called you to be if you are not vitally and essentially tied to a local church.  Now listen to what I said.  I did not say you cannot be a Christian.  I said you cannot be the person God has called you to be if you are not tied to or connected with a church.  It is here in the laboratory of living together that we learn how to love and how to forgive.  It is here in the daily business of life together we knock the rough edges off each other and begin to look more like the Lord Jesus.  But life together is not easy.  Sometimes you make me mad.  Sometimes I tick you off.  We say stupid things to each other.  We can be uncaring and hurtful.  We are, after all, flawed children of Adam.  The issue is, what do we do about it?  How do we respond to the hurt and the disappointment?  Too often we in the church exhibit more of the power of the world to divide then we do the power of the Gospel to make us one.  As Dr. MacGorman used to say to us in seminary, “A divided church has nothing to say to a broken world.”

The church is to be a place of harmony.  A place of love, compassion and acceptance.  It is here we ought to feel the freedom to fail.  It  is here we ought to feel the freedom to confess our sin knowing that we are going to find love and acceptance.  It is here we ought to be able to confess our doubts and fears knowing that there are others who’ve traveled this road and know those same doubts and fears.  We ought to be able to question and express our differences knowing that iron sharpens iron.  It is here we ought to hear the sweet song of the Gospel bringing peace to our soul.  Sure we are all different.  We are each unique but together, under the Lordship of Christ, we are to be God’s symphony.  Our text this morning is found in the 14th chapter of Paul’s letter to the church at Rome.

Text: Romans 14:13-23
This is life as God intends. Last time looked at “disputed matters.” Those questions not spelled out explicitly in the Scripture. Those areas where there is room for honest disagreement between genuine believers. Issues about which we may have strong feelings but issues not worth dividing over. Paul continues that line of thought.

Last time was about how we ought to look at things.

• We are to embrace fellow believers as brothers & sisters to be loved and not as projects of reform.
• We are to ensure that our own hearts are right when it comes to disputed matters.
• We are to remember that we will each stand before God and give an account for our own life.

This morning we turn our attention to the demands of biblical unity.  How do we build on the foundation Christ has laid?  What are we to do to maintain the unity of the Spirit?  As we explore our text we are going to discover that…

Thesis: Biblical unity demands an eternal perspective, a steadfast determination and a guiding conviction.

There are three demands of biblical unity found in this text.

1. Unity within the body demands a steadfast determination not to be a source of stumbling.  (14:13-15)
2. Unity within the body demands a fixed point of reference anchored to that which is eternal.  (14:16-18)
3. Unity within the body demands a settled conviction about the importance of edification and self-sacrifice.  (14:19-23)

Introduction
This may shock you but I’ve actually heard of Baptist churches fighting!  Can you imagine such a thing?  Christian people getting in heated arguments and then deciding to go their separate ways.  Shocking!  I wish it were shocking but the truth is it is fairly commonplace.  The number one way of starting “new works” in Baptist life is called, “The Church Split.”  When you read our own church history you will find that a group of people came “out of” the Clinton Memorial Church and founded Trinity.  A few years later an offer of reconciliation was made and our church minutes state, “the offer was graciously refused.”  When I was in seminary we had no classes on Mondays due to the number of students who traveled a great distance to serve churches on the weekend.  I had a Tuesday class that always began with prayer and prayer requests.  I remember one rather distraught classmate who raised his hand with a prayer request.  “Yes sir, I’d like prayer for me and for my church.  We had business meeting Sunday night and well…there was a lot of screaming and yelling and then they started throwing hymnals at each other.”  I will admit that occasionally churches fight over something worth fighting over but for the most part churches are destroyed by minor issues that get blown out of proportion by self-interest and petty bickering.  Note I did not say there are no issues - there always are.  I am not saying they are issues that do not matter - the often do.  The problem is they way we respond to such issues.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed this but we Baptist tend to be stubborn, independent-minded people.  Add to that the fact that we tend to have an opinion about everything.  If you put three Baptists in a room and ask once question you’ll get at least 10 different opinions.  If you wed that attitude with passion it becomes a volatile mix.  We’ve got ourselves a problem.  The church is made up of people and that means there will always be differences of opinions and perspectives.  Yes, I know, Scripture is our authority.  Yes, we are a body under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  But what do we do when we come upon matters that are not explicitly spelled out in Scripture?  What do we do with things not addressed directly in the Bible?  Just how are we to live out our faith together in disputed matters?  That’s our focus this morning as we come to the 14th chapter of Romans.

Text: Romans 14:1-12

Paul is dealing with the life we’ve been called to live.
In light of what God has done for you in Christ, live this way.

From this text there are three principles that ought to guide us.

1. As members of Christ’s body, the church, we are to embrace fellow believers as brothers and sisters to be loved not as projects of reform.  (14:1-4)
2. As members of Christ’s body, the church, we are to ensure that our own heart is right when it comes to disputed matters.  (14:5-9)
3. As members of Christ’s body, the church, we are to understand that we will each give an account of our own life before God.  (14:10-12)

So what does all this mean?  As pilgrims and fellow travelers we must form a loving, nurturing relationship that allows for disagreements in nonessentials while graciously spurring one another on to love and good deeds.

Introduction
It is not a popular message.  In fact in many quarters it is laughingly dismissed as the ravings of “simple-minded Bible thumpers.”  Most think the only place it can be heard is in a metropolitan downtown spoken by some wild-eyed street preacher with a big sign announcing the end of the world.  But it is standard fare in the Word of God.  This world is going somewhere.  It is moving toward an end.  When that time comes there will be an accounting.  Individuals no longer believe that.  Skeptics laugh at it.  Nations don’t even give it a thought yet, according to the Scripture, the Day of the LORD is at hand and the call is for repentance before it is too late.  His name was Zephaniah and while his message may have played a part in a minor revival during the time of king Josiah it was, for the most part, ignored by the masses.  The message of that 7th century prophet is just as relevant today as then.  In a world where unrighteousness is celebrated and lawlessness abounds we would do well to remember our God is the righteous ruler of all the earth and all nations will one day answer to Him.  Our text this evening is found in chapters 2 and 3 of the book of Zephaniah.

Text: Zephaniah 2:4-3:8

I realize that what I just said is politically incorrect.
More than that it sounds awfully arrogant.
Many in our pluralistic world cry, “Foul!” when such dogmatic statements are made.
How arrogant to think that your religion is superior.
How foolish to think that your God is the only true God.
But if I accept this book as the Word of God, I have no choice but to think those thoughts.

This book reveals that there is a God who created everything.  And He created it out of nothing.  He spoke and the world came into existence.  That God had a relationship with man (who was created in His own image and likeness).  When man sinned and thus broke relationship - God came seeking him.  God restored the relationship.  God made forgiveness possible.  That God called out a man name Abram and from him built a nation uniquely His own.  Through that people God revealed himself.  Giving them His law to guide and instruct them and the tabernacle that He might dwell with them.  That God is intimately involved in His creation.  Nations rise and fall according to His desire.  His purpose cannot fail.  His kingdom will prevail.  Both men and nations are accountable to Him.  That is the message of this book and that is the message of Zephaniah His prophet.
Zephaniah serves as a summary of the pre-exilic prophets.
His message echos that of Amos, Joel, Jeremiah and Nahum.
As we explore our text this evening we discover that…

Thesis: The prophet Zephaniah thunders against the nations declaring that God is the God of all the earth and that nations will answer to Him.

Let me point out three things from our text.

1. God is coming in sweeping judgment of the unbelieving nations.  (2:4-15)
2. God is coming in judgment of His own people because of their wicked unbelief.  (3:1-4)
3. God as the sovereign and righteous judge of all the earth will bring an end to wickedness and unbelief.  (3:5-8)

Conclusion
Do you remember the story that Jesus told in Matthew 21?

We stand this side of the cross.  When God asks today, “What more can I do?  I have sent my Son, and they have killed even him.”  There is far more cause for judgment than for Judah in days of Zephaniah.  You’ve heard the Gospel.  You’ve been told of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.  You have the benefit of 2000 years of Gospel preaching.  When you turn your back - what more can be done?  I must say a judgment every bit as devastating as fell on the inhabitants of Jerusalem will fall on you.

Fortunately for us God’s mercy is great.  His patience is long-suffering and therefore there is hope.  Come to Christ and live.

Introduction
What they accomplished is nothing short of extraordinary.  In a relatively short period of time they went from an obscure religious offshoot to a major player.   It was completely against the odds.  The other astonishing thing was that it crossed racial, political, ethnic and social boundaries.  What was it that propelled the church from obscurity to the limelight?  Of course it was the hand of God but what did God use to so impact the world?  It was the power of transformed lives.  It was the wonder of new life in Christ.  Specifically it was the wonder of a “new people” formed by the love of God.  You have to understand the world in which the church was born was a very divided world.  Language, religion, national animosities, differences of sex split the world up into alien fragments.  You had the learned and the unlearned, the slave and the master, the barbarian and the Greek each stood on opposite sides of a great gulf connected only by hostility and animosity.  It was into this world Christ issued a new commandment, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.”  The result?  Through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit barbarian and Scythian, bond and free, male and female, Jew and Greek, learned and ignorant clasped hands and sat at one table and considered themselves “one in Christ Jesus.”  A people marked by love, driven by a sense of urgency and growing in holiness.  This morning we consider the marks of a transformed life and our text is found in Romans chapter 13.

Text: Romans 13:8-14

It is a tall order - offer your bodies a living sacrifice…(daily, continuously).
When we come to faith we assume some obligations.
It is not a matter of “believing in Jesus” and then go to heaven when you die.
As the people of God there are things demanded of us.
We are called to live according the law of Christ.
We are to bear the family resemblance.
That is what this last section of Paul’s letter to the Romans is all about.
In light of Romans 1-11 live this way.

With that in mind I want to point out three marks of the transformed life from this passage.

1. The life transformed by the touch of God’s grace is motivated by a profound sense of indebtedness.  (13:8-10)
2. The life transformed by the touch of God’s grace is driven by a sense of urgency.  (13:11-12a)
3. The life transformed by the touch of God’s grace is animated by a desire for holiness.  (13:12b-14)

Thesis: The transformed life is a life motivated by love, driven by a sense of urgency and animated by a desire for holiness.

Introduction
He is one of the least read, least understand and least appreciated prophets.  His prophecy of just three chapters is often overlooked and in academic circles has been roundly criticized.  In fact in the scholarly world he is often dismissed as “dull” and “derivative.”  One writer saying, “With the prophet Zephaniah we meet for the first time a considerable diminution of prophetic originality.”  Translation - this guy has nothing new to say!  Another quips, “He can hardly be considered a great poet.”  There are worse things to be known for as a preacher than - he isn’t very original and his message doesn’t sound pretty.  It is the job of the prophet to bring someone else’s message.  The prophet is to stand and declare, “Thus says the Lord!”  Points are not given for originality or presentation.  He was a contemporary of Jeremiah, Habakkuk and Nahum.  He is one of the prophets before the exile calling the nation to repentance.  In the canon he is the last of the pre-exilic prophets which may indicate that his prophecy is to be considered a summary of the ones who came before.  It is obvious that he echos the messages of Amos, Joel and others.  His name is Zephaniah and he is the great, great grandson of Hezekiah a good and godly king who served the nation well.  His prophecy came before the fall of Jerusalem and prior to the fall of Nineveh but during the reign of Josiah.  So we place his time of ministry around 630 B.C.  Tonight we begin a look at the book of Zephaniah.

Text: Zephaniah 1:1-2:3

It was a time of peril and promise.  The nation of Judah was entering her last days.  Prophet after prophet had called the nation to repentance but to no avail.  God had warned that judgment was coming.  Now he is readying His weapon of choice the vile, wicked Babylonians.  Judah went about her business thinking all is well when another of those pesky prophets came with his message of doom and gloom.

Messages of judgment weren’t any more popular then than now.  No one wants to here about God coming in judgment.  God is supposed to do good things.  God is here to help us feel better about ourselves and help us get through this mess.  The people of 630 B.C. Wanted to hear upbeat messages filled with practical insight for living the life they wanted.  Does that sound the least bit familiar?

Then along comes Zephaniah and what is his message?  A message of desolation, darkness and ruin.  23 times in just three chapters he warns of the coming “Day of the LORD.”  By the way, it’s not a good day!  It is a day of judgment and terror.

Thesis: God in sovereign judgment pours out His wrath on unrepentant sin and yet in sovereign mercy offers hope to humble, repentant sinners.

You will remember we saw this same dual emphasis in Jeremiah.

• Wrath and mercy.
• Both sovereignly administered.

I’m convinced this message is need as much today as it was in the 7th century B.C.  For the most part our world doesn’t believe in the wrath of God.  They do not believe that a day of judgment is coming.  But then why would they when so many in the church no longer believe it?  It is the testimony of Scripture and it is certainly the truth driven home in this text.

There are three things I want to call to your attention.

1. God’s sovereign wrath is a fearful and frightening thing.  (1:1-3, 13-18)
2. God’s sovereign wrath is in response to man’s wicked ways.  (1:4-12)
   1. There were religious reasons for God’s judgment - 1:4-6
   2. Social practices or customs - 1:8-9
   3. Business practices - 1:11
   4. Apathy and Indifference  - 1:12
3. God’s sovereign wrath is accompanied by a plea for repentance and the possibility of mercy.  (2:1-3)

Introduction
We live in interesting times politically.  Matters political have become increasingly divisive.  Rhetoric is increasingly hostile.  Tempers flare and those who differ are considered enemies.  If you are a Republican, Democrats can’t do any thing right.  If you are a Democrat, Republicans are hate mongers.  If you are a Libertarian everyone else is an idiot.  Lines are drawn, positions are taken and minds never change.  This side says that side cannot be trusted.  This source says that source is biased.  Any attempt to negotiate or compromised is attacked by both sides claiming it is a sell out.  What are we to do?  What is the Scriptural response to the current political climate?  Are we to rush out and “throw in” with the Tea Party movement?  Are we to withdraw and removed ourselves from such nonsense as political parties and movements and not soil ourselves with the business of this world?  Should we merely busy ourselves with the kingdom of God and leave politics to the Devil and his crowd?  After all trying to salvage the ship of state is a bit like polishing brash on the Titanic - what good will it due the ship is going down anyway.  How are we to deal with government?  Our text is found in the 13th chapter of Romans.

Text: Romans 13:1-7

Paul is dealing with the transformed life. The section began with a call to sacrifice and commitment - 12:1-2. Beginning with 12:3 Paul is showing what this transformed life looks like. This is life as God intends us to live. This is the life He expects from us.

Having dealt with how we view ourselves and others it is no surprise Paul turns his attention to how we relate to government.  This is a natural question in light of a couple of things Paul has said.  Take for instance that statement in 12:2 - “do not be conformed to this world (age) but rather be transformed…”

Consider Romans 8:34-38 - focus in on 8:36 (quoting Psalm 44:22).
What is to be the attitude of the church toward the government that sees its members as sheep to be slaughtered?

Understand the historical context:

• The political climate in Rome was especially volatile at this time.
• The Jews had been expelled from Rome under emperor Claudius.
• Paul was concerned the Zionist’s attitudes would spill over into the church.

Also remember the words of Jesus when He was approached by some of the religious leaders in another of their attempts to trap Him.  The story is told in Matthew 22.

We are told the Pharisees and Herodians teamed up for this. Politics makes strange bedfellows! Note their question, it is brilliant - Mt. 22:17. It’s a no win question - either treason against Rome or anti-patriot toward Israel. Jesus’ response - 22:19-22 - masterful political statement. Coin = minted by Rome. You = minted by God. Render to Caesar the things of Caesar and to God the things of God.

Romans 13:1-7 is Paul’s exposition of Jesus’ teaching.

Thesis: Citizenship in the Kingdom of God includes a corresponding responsibility towards earthly powers.

There is a tension in this life for the people of God.  We are citizens of two kingdoms.  There is to be no question as to our supreme loyalty - we belong to Christ!  We are pilgrims looking for a city whose builder and maker is God but at the same time we live as citizens in this world.  Life here has its obligations as well.  That is what our text is about.

In our text three things are made clear about how the transformed life interacts with earthly kingdoms.

1. The transformed life responds to government with profound submission and loyal obedience.  (13:1-2)
   1. A surprising principle - 13:1
   2. A sound reason - 13:1
   3. An inescapable conclusion - 13:2
2. The transformed life recognizes government’s God-ordained role and purpose.  (13:3-4)
3. The transformed life renders government its due.  (13:5-7)

Andrew is a 2009 graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University, and is currently enrolled in Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s extension program at OBU.

Introduction
It sounds easy enough but boy is it ever difficult.  I mean when you look at it on paper you say, “Sure, that’s right.”  Putting it into practice is the problem.  Standing up here on sitting in a class room it is easy to say, “We need to love others.”  No one is going to disagree with that.  No one is going to say, “No.  I think we need some good old fashion hate!”  The problem is when I put a face to the statement.  The Bible is clear I do not have the luxury of choosing who I love.  In fact I’m told to love my neighbor as myself.  And the context tells me my neighbor is anyone in need.  The Bible says I’m to love the body of Christ, the church.  But folks at church are not always lovable.  The worst thing is the Bible says I’m to love my enemies.  Now that is just ridiculous.  “Well pastor I’d rather die than do that.”  That’s good because you’re going to have to die if you are going to do it.  We’ve been considering the life we’ve been called to as the people of God.  “Wait!  There are demands?  Obligations?  I thought I just prayed the prayer and I was good to go.”  No, faith in Christ is the beginning of a journey.  It is the start of a brand new life.  A life lived in obedience to the law of Christ.  A life of progressive holiness that will end in glory.  The road is often difficult.  There are steep climbs and deep valleys.  There is sunshine and rain.  It is not a life for the faint of heart but it is the life we’ve been called to.  Our text this morning is found in the 12th chapter of Romans.

Text: Romans 12:9-21

Paul began this section by saying, “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.”  This is not a “one time” offering but rather a continual offering.  It is a daily dying to ourselves and our agenda and choosing to live for Christ.  Verse 3 and following then outlines what that means.  It means that we see ourselves as we really are in light of Christ.  We see ourselves vitally and dynamically connected to others and are willing to give ourselves in service for God’s glory and the good of His church.  This morning’s text takes that a bit further.

In the text before us we discover that…

Thesis: The life transformed by the Spirit of God passionately loves the Church and profoundly loves the world.

Wait a minute.  Doesn’t the Bible say you cannot love God and love the world?  Doesn’t the Bible say you are either the friend of God or the friend of the world but not both?  How can you say love the church and love the world?

Well, let’s look at the text. There are two things I want to point out as we make our way through this passage.

1. The transformed life devoutly and devotedly loves the Church.  (12:9-13)
2. The transformed life astonishingly and profoundly loves the world.  (12:14-21)

Loving the Church and loving the world go together.  They are the demands of the life we’ve been called to.  If Romans 12:1-2 are true - this is the result.  Lives renewed and transformed so act.  By God’s grace and for His glory.

Introduction
It is just so “out of place.”  It makes no sense.  It should have been a time of great rejoicing.  It should have been a time for declaring the goodness and the grace of God.  Instead, God’s prophet was angry.  More disturbing was why he was angry.  He was angry because God was acting like God and that’s not what the preacher wanted.  He was called from Galilee to preach God’s message but he was unhappy with the assignment.  So, he ran away.  But you can’t run from God so he didn’t get very far.  God’s severe mercy brought the wayward prophet to repentance.  In kindness and grace God commissioned him again.  He gave his rebellious prophet a second chance.  Jonah went and preached God’s message.  A great revival broke out.  It touched everyone from the stable to the palace.  From the least to the greatest.  That’s were we pick up the story in Jonah chapter 4.

Text: Jonah 4:1-11
I want to give Jonah the benefit of the doubt.
Three days and nights in the belly of a fish is bound to warp you a bit.
But this is incredible.
I’ve said the book is in 4 parts.
Rebellion - 1
Repentance - 2
Revival - 3
Regret - 4

The whole story of Jonah is the story of God’s mercy.
First God’s mercy on Jonah in calling him in the first place.
In love and kindness God called Jonah, equipped Jonah, revealed himself to Jonah and then commissioned him to go to Nineveh.

Jonah rebelled - went to Joppa, paid the fare and boarded a ship bound for Tarshish.
In mercy God brought a great storm on the sea.
In mercy God revealed to all aboard that Jonah was the problem.
But rather than repent Jonah wanted to die - “Throw me overboard.”
In mercy God appointed a fish.
In the belly of the fish - Jonah “came to himself” and found God as Savior.
God’s mercy was demonstrated again when He called Jonah a second time.
Giving him the same commission.
And again when he used Jonah to bring a great revival.

God’s mercy was shown to the sailors who first called out “to their gods.”
But later, following God’s revelation worshiped the true God.

God’s mercy was shown to Nineveh in His relenting of the disaster He promised and granting them revival.

Certainly all of this is cause for much rejoicing but Jonah is mad.  He is angry with God.  Let’s explore this chapter.

1. A Shocking Revelation - 4:1-3
2. Some Familiar and Uncomfortable Reasons - 4:1-3
3. Three Probing and Disturbing Questions - 4:4-11

The book ends with a question.
There is no answer - why?
Because we all must answer it for ourselves.

The book of Jonah is about mercy.
If we have tasted of that mercy are we not obligated to take that message to our world?
If we have the mind and heart of God are we not to be merciful?

Introduction
What does it look like?  How am I supposed to act?  What are the rules?  These are all legitimate questions when considering what the Christian life is all about.  Okay we are different.  We’ve been changed by the grace of God - but how are we different?  Are the Amish right?  Are we to shun the world and forego modern conveniences?  Like the Pentecostals are we to avoid makeup, jewelry and make sure we dress modestly?  Are the Word of Faith folks right and we should walk in health and prosperity?  Is there a list?  Maybe a pocket guide to righteous living so that I have it for easy reference.  So many voices, so many views who’s right?  Where do I go for clear direction?  As with all such questions we go to the Word of God.  But what you will find is that it is not as “cut and dried” as you may want it.  It is not about rules.  It is not about lists.  It is deeper than that.  The issues are far more complex than most want to acknowledge.  Living the Christian life is not easy.  It is demanding.  It requires steadfast determination and patience.  It starts with who you are and then naturally unfolds what you do in light of who you are.  Paul wrote to the church at Rome to lay out his gospel, the message God had given him.  He wanted to lay the ground work for what he hoped would be a long and fruitful ministry there.  The first 11 chapters are filled with profound doctrinal truths.  He begins with the radical depravity of man and then reveals God’s gracious provision in Christ.  He explains that the gift of life must be obtained through faith and that faith brings radical change.  The Spirit of God is placed within us and cries, “Papa!  Father!”  The Holy Spirit then begins to work our sanctification or holiness.  This is a life-long process that has its ups and downs.  But always moves us towards holiness until ultimately presenting us holy and acceptable to God.  Paul also makes it clear that God is always faithful to His people and His promise.  Then in chapter 12 the focus moves from doctrine to duty, from theology to practice.  The two must not be seen as separate for they are inseparably linked.  The one flows into the other, the latter grows out of the former.  With chapter 12 the issue becomes, how am I to live in light of chapters 1-11?  What is required of me?  What does Christian living look like?  Our text this morning is found in Romans 12 beginning with verse 3.

Text: Romans 12:3-8

Romans 12:1-2 is a call to commitment.
Reminding us that:
Commitment is based on the mercies of God in Christ.
This commitment demands our total being (love so amazing demands my life, my soul, my all).
This commitment requires that I say, “No” to the spirit of the age and “Yes” to the Spirit of God.

This morning’s text builds on that foundation.  What does it mean to live with a transformed mind?  This life surrendered to the Spirit of God, what does it do?

I want to point out three things from the text.

1. Genuine Christian living demands an honest self-assessment in light of the person of Jesus Christ.  (12:3)
2. Genuine Christian living demands that you see your life vitally and dynamically connected with others.  (12:4-5)
3. Genuine Christian living demands that you unhesitatingly and unselfishly use your gifts for God’s glory and the good of His church.  (12:6-8)

Thesis: Genuine Christian living requires honest evaluation and Christ-centered service focused on others.

Introduction
It is incredible.  It defies logic.  It is contrary to our experience.  I understand that it is hard to believe.  Yet it is the basis of our celebration today.  It is the reason for our hope.  It is why we sing.  “Dead people don’t walk out of graves!” Our experience is that life is hard and then you die.  Yet for the Christian, that is not the whole story.  Central to our thinking and our faith is that death has been conquered!  The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave is not an optional belief for the Christian.  If Christ did not come out of the grave, what assurance do we have that our ransom has been paid?  If Christ was not raised what confidence do we have that death has been overcome?  In fact, the apostle Paul tells us if Christ is not raised than we are the most miserable people on earth!

That is why the apostle assures us, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that “Christ was raised for our justification” (Romans 4:25).  Peter says we have been given, “new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).  Today is Resurrection Day!  Today we gather in joyous celebration of the fact that we serve a risen Savior!  This morning I want us to look at Matthew’s account of this momentous event.

Text: Matthew 28:1-15

It has been a long couple of days. Their world was rocked and the light was turned off! Just a week ago – He entered the city to joyous shouts of praise. But by Friday morning He had been betrayed, tried, convicted, beaten and nailed to a cross. His followers scattered in all directions. His lifeless body was taken from the cross and placed in a borrowed grave. It was over. There had been such promise. But now there was only hopelessness.

Their sorrow and their confusion conspired to drown out His words of resurrection and hope. But that was before dawn on the first day of the week… Every Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection for the church. This is not a once a year occasion – it’s weekly! Why is that? What is the big deal about the resurrection?

Of course to answer that properly we must first understand the significance of the cross.

• Creation
• The Garden
• The Fall
• The Promise
• The Passover/Exodus
• The Tabernacle
• The Sacrifices
• The Prophets
• The Christ – perfect sinless life – gave himself – lamb w/out spot or blemish – to ransom

“I came to seek and to save the lost…I came not to be served but to serve and to give my life a ransom for many…this is my body given for you…this is my blood poured out for you…”

Paul said, “If Christ is not raised we are still in our sin.” “If Christ is not raised – our preaching is a vain thing (it is worthless).” “If Christ is not raised we are without hope.” If he is not the “first fruit” what assurance do we have of being raised? If it is merely His “influence” that lives on – is that the best we can hope for?

Let’s consider the record

• Matthew 27:50
• Mark 15:37
• Luke 23:46
• John 19:30, 32-34

I emphasize this because the doctrine of the resurrection starts with the fact that Jesus died.  Resurrection follows death.  There are those who deny that he died.

• Some believe that he was merely in a comma and after being placed in the tomb he came out of it.
• Others have suggested that the women and later His disciples, went to the wrong tomb!
• This of course is ludicrous given Matthew 27:61.
• Others suggest, as our text indicates, that Jesus’ followers stole his body.

But, having said that, it is imperative that you note:

Thesis: Overwhelming evidence for the fact of the resurrection does not ensure saving faith.

1. The resurrection inspires reverential fear and great joy in the hearts of believing saints.  (28:1-8)
2. The resurrection inspires obstinance and denial in the hearts of those who refuse to believe.  (28:11-15)

The empty tomb.  The various resurrection appearances.  Two thousand years of church history all declare the reality of the resurrection – my question to you is, “what is your response?”  Is it one of reverential fear and great joy or one of obstinate refusal?

The difference is the difference between life and death.

It is possible to attend church faithfully in celebration of the resurrection and still die in your sin.  It is possible to acknowledge belief in the resurrection without surrendering your life, dying to self or trusting in Christ for life eternal and life abundant.  Religious ceremony and adherence to traditions is of no value apart from a heart of loving obedience and simple trust.  What is your response to the news that – “He is alive?”