This is an exposition of Genesis 15:7-21. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday evening, September 26, 2012.
God’s Grace: The Basis of My Assurance
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Living by Faith
An exposition of Genesis 15:1-6. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday evening, September 12, 2012.
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Authentic Christian Ministry
1 Thessalonians #01: an exposition of Acts 17:1-9. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, September 23, 2012.
Intro:
What image comes to your mind when you hear the term “ministry”? Too often, today, the image is that of a business wrapped around an individual. Isn’t that the way it is portrayed in the media? We hear about so and so’s ministry. Certain television preachers have “ministries” that are in trouble. Or a high profile preacher’s ministry goes under and the media speculates as to whether they will ever have another “ministry.” They are not speculating as to whether they will ever again be used of God to impact another person’s life or declare the glory of God – they are wondering if they will ever open up shop again. Will they ever have another enterprise? But lest we think too highly of ourselves – we can fall into the same trap. If we are not careful we will think of our ministry in the same terms. We might be inclined to think in terms of buildings, programs and services rather than in terms of love, encouragement and obedience.
From time to time it is important for us, as a church, to evaluate where we are and what we are doing. It is important for us to remember that nothing happens by accident or by chance. It is no accident that 82 years ago a group of believers came to build a church on this corner. We, by the providential working of God, have been placed at a strategic crossroad within this community to impact it for the kingdom of God. The question we must ask is, “Are we impacting this community?” If so, how? If not, why not?
What does it take to reach a community?
What kind of ministry is required to impact the culture around us?
Is it money, media and presentation?
Is it music, glitz and glamour?
How about tradition, substance and longevity?
Just what is needed if we are to have any real, lasting impact on an increasingly secular society? For some answers we turn again to the book of Acts.
Text: Acts 17:1-9
Acts 17 is a tale of three cities.
Dr. Luke tells us of Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica, Berea and Athens.
I want to focus this morning on Thessalonica as an introduction to a new sermon series on Paul’s letters to the church at Thessonlica.
Thessalonica had a rich and varied history.
At the age of 33, Alexander the great sat and wept because there were no other lands to conquer. His dream was to unify the world. He dreamed of a world with no distinctions. A world where Greek language and culture dominated. Macedonia was established by Alexander and named for his father, Philip of Macedon. The city of Thessalonica, named after his sister, was the capital. Thessalonica, a free city, was located on the Egnatian Way – the main Roman road moving east to west. It was a religious city, a commercial center and was known as a great melting pot. Sophisticated Greeks from Athens, barbaric peoples from the North and retired Roman soldiers and politicians, populated the city. Thessalonica also boasted of a large Jewish population and a number of God-fearing Gentiles. It is to this complicated metropolitan city that Paul and his companions came with the message of the Gospel.
It is clear – given the context – that God providential guided them to this city. We read in chapter 16 how the Spirit had forbidden their moving eastward and then the Macedonian call. Now they move into this very important city. Thessalonica is crucial because from Thessalonica the Gospel can move to the east into Asia and west to Rome itself.
As we explore the 17th chapter and ask about their ministry we discover some important truths for us to keep in mind. Primarily this passage reminds us that:
Thesis: Making a difference in our world demands that we engage in an authentic Christian ministry.
I’m convinced that each word I’ve chosen is significant.
Yes we are to be engaged in ministry but a specific kind of ministry.
I’m sure it sounds simplistic but we are to be engaged in Christian ministry.
It differs from the United Way.
It is not being done by Buddhists, Hindus, Mormons or any other group.
Everything we do must be thoroughly Christian.
Steeped in and saturated with Christian truth.
Now in our text we find three characteristics of Christian ministry. Characteristics that ought to be evident in our work throughout this community.
- Authentic Christian ministry is Gospel centered. (17:1-3)
- Authentic Christian ministry creates opposition. (17:5-9)
- Authentic Christian ministry produces lasting results. (17:4, 1 Thess. 1:6-10)
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In Times Like These
This message by guest preacher Rev. Billy Green was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, September 16, 2012.
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Abram: A Portrait of Unbelief
This is an exposition of Genesis 12:10-20. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday evening, September 5, 2012.
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Lessons from a Godless Text
1 Samuel #27: an exposition of 1 Samuel 27:1-12. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, September 9, 2012.
Intro:
The Bible is an extremely honest and real book. If you come to the Scripture hoping to find sentimental, romantic heroes you are going to be disappointed. The Bible is about real people and their encounters with the real God. Real people are flawed. They are capable of great good and profound wickedness. The word of God is not afraid to set forth its heroes worts and all. Biblical heroes are not god-like creatures forever exhibiting truth, justice and holiness. They are frail children of dust who one moment soar to great heights and in the next instant plumb to alarming depths. They are just folk, like you and me. David was a man after God’s own heart. A man of great faith and courage. A man of tremendous abilities. He was a great warrior, a gifted poet and musician, a loyal friend and faithful servant. He was also a great sinner. Twice he had opportunity to take the life of king Saul. Twice the king’s life was in his hands. No one would have blamed David if he had ended Saul’s life and assumed the throne. In fact, they would have applauded! God had rejected Saul. He had chosen David. Yet Saul remains in power while David hides in caves and lives the fugitive life. David’s companions urged him to seize power. “The Lord has delivered our enemy into your hands.” David responded, “I’ll not raise my hand against the Lord’s anointed.” David understood the kingdom was God’s to give not his to take. David showed such character, such strength, such control. That’s what makes chapter 27 so disturbing. Our text this evening is found in 1 Samuel chapter 27.
Text: 1 Samuel 27:1-12
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable says the apostle Paul. There are times when I read a passage and wander, “Did Paul read this?” Maybe you read this different than I do but this chapter bothers me. For one thing it is incomplete. We are left hanging at the end of the chapter. But the main concern is that it is full of deceit and butchery. I find the opening words discouraging in light of chapter 26. David expresses such confidence in God’s grace, protection and provision in chapter 26 then he says, “I know I’m going to die one day at the hand of Saul.” Further there is no reference to God in this text. What can we possibly learn from a godless text?
The text raises all kinds of questions.
What was David doing among Israel’s arch enemy?
How is it he got along so well with them?
What was he doing for that 16 months?
How does this fit into God’s plan?
I have more questions than I have answers but there are some lessons to be learned.
I want to point to three of them.
- David’s failure reminds us that it is often difficult to to trust in God’s ability to keep and secure His promise. (27:1-3)
- David’s failure reminds us of the folly of trusting in our own ingenuity. (27:4-12)
- David’s failure reminds of the absolute necessity and the wonder of God’s grace.
Conclusion:
The chosen and anointed servants of the Lord are made of the same stuff we are. As Ralph Davis reminds us, “The living God doesn’t have clean material to work with…as long as we wallow in some idea of human worthiness we will never understand the Bible, never tremble before this God, and never delight in this God.”
David’s failure reminds me that there is hope even for a sinner like me.
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A Full-Gospel Ministry
This is an exposition of Luke 6:17-26. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, September 9, 2012.
Intro:
We’ve all got different tastes. Likes and dislikes. You like red, I like blue. I like ice cream you like broccoli. You love to camp – I consider it roughing it if the motel doesn’t have a pool! The same is true when we evaluate preachers and ministries. You may like a “screamer.” “He is passionate in his preaching.” I tend to think, “if you look in his notes it says – scream here this point is weak!” I might think the sermon was thorough, thought provoking even profound. You thought boring! You might think that church is really doing something look at all the things they are involved in. I might think – they are doing everything but the main thing – preaching the gospel.
How are we to evaluate ministry? Surely it cannot be left to personal taste. There must be a more objective standard. We tend to think “real” ministry fits our mold. We look at some forms of worship, some methods of preaching and because of it’s form or style, conclude that it cannot possibly be honoring to God. But is there a scriptural standard? There are several things that characterize “biblical” ministry. Of course the overall standard is that it be “Christ-like.” That it follows the pattern of the Lord Jesus. As we explore what that means we will examine Luke chapter 6 verses 17-26.
Text: Luke 6:17-26
Luke writing to his friend Theophilus.
An accurate, orderly account of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus.
Jesus is the Messiah of the Jews, the Savior of the world.
Jesus is at the height of his popularity.
The people are flocking to him.
The religious establishment is furious with him.
Jesus’ ministry of grace is met with contempt from the Pharisees.
As we follow along in our text we find some insight into biblical, Christ-like ministry.
Thesis: A Christ-like ministry faithfully, passionately preaches the full gospel.
I recognize that the phrase – “full gospel” carries a certain connotation.
Churches and ministries refer to themselves as “full gospel” – they emphasize tongues, healing, prosperity, visions, revelations and the like.
That is not what I mean by “full gospel.”
By full gospel I mean the full or complete message of the gospel.
To tell the whole story of Jesus, His mission and its result.
I must say – I’ve heard many of these full gospel preachers – and their message contains little or no gospel.
As we consider the text before us I think we find two parts of the “full gospel.”
- The full gospel offers blessing to all who turn from themselves and trust in Christ. (6:20-23)
- The full gospel warns of the misery that awaits those who continue to trust in themselves. (6:24-26)
Conclusion:
The full gospel acknowledges there is a heaven to gain and a hell to shun.
The full gospel offers the assurance of blessing to those who will trust in Christ and warns of the misery of those who do not.
A biblical ministry – a Christ-like ministry faithfully, passionately preaches the full gospel.
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Pilgrim Lessons
This is an exposition of Genesis 12:4-9. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday evening, August 29, 2012.
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Grace-filled Ministry
An exposition of Luke 5:33-6:11. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on September 2, 2012.
Intro:
I’m one of those who thinks that what you believe is important. It really does matter – it really makes a difference. Me – I’m conservative. Real conservative. Ultra conservative – okay on the fundamentalist side. I’m just to the right of the Iyatola. But I also believe there are things far more important than just being “right.” Right doctrine is critically important. I believe we are responsible to God to maintain the faith handed down to us by our forefathers. We have been entrusted with a precious treasure and we must guard and protect the truth. But we are just as responsible to God to demonstrate the love and grace of the Lord Jesus when and as we proclaim and live out that truth!
Just as in the Lord Jesus we beheld the both the truth and the grace of God – we must embody both God’s truth and His grace. Grace and truth are not antithetical they naturally go together!
One of the reasons I don’t like to consider myself a fundamentalist – is that most of them that I have known through the years are just down right mean!
Theologically I don’t have a problem. I agree with them pretty much down the line.
The problem is with their demeanor.
Da more conservative they are da meaner day get!
Fundamentalists tend to be narrow, harsh, unyielding, unsympathetic, unforgiving and well, just down right nasty!
I was asked once to attend a meeting with a group of pastors. I went and found that it was a group of pastors who were, for the most part, very fundamentalist in their theology. I agreed with these guys as they discussed theological positions and interpretation of Scripture. The problem was – they were the most depressing group of men I’d ever been around. I had been quiet most of the meeting. I was a guest – I didn’t want to upset anyone. But finally they forced my hand. They ask me to respond to what was being said. I responded with what I thought was a very funny answer. The only other person to laugh was the other visitor! After an awkward silence – I said, “I think you guys need to lighten up. You’re taking yourselves way too serious.” That was about 4 years ago – I’ve not received another invitation.
These were mean entrusted with the Gospel of Grace.
They were the bearers of “Good News.”
They took their responsibility seriously.
In fact too seriously. So seriously that they destroyed the meaning of the message.
That’s nothing new. It’s been going on since the days when Jesus walked the earth. Those who saw themselves as the guardians of the truth of God had robbed the message of it are meaning. Through their determined orthodoxy they destroyed the joy of being the people of God. It is not surprising that they would be the one’s who were determined to destroy the Lord Jesus and His message of love and grace.
The Scribes and Pharisees were constantly in the crowd – seeking the grounds for an accusation against the Lord. We find them again, lurking in the shadows of Luke chapter 5.
Text: Luke 5:33-6:11
Dr. Luke has saying to his friend, Theophilus, this is what Jesus was like.
This is what His ministry was about.
Here the inspired narrator, with the skill of an artist, paints a moving portrait of the Savior’s ministry. One we need to study carefully – for we have been entrusted with this same work. We have been called along side as co-laborers in the kingdom. As we explore this passage we will learn that:
Thesis: We reflect the ministry of the Lord Jesus when our ministry abounds in grace.
I want you to note 3 characteristics of grace-filled ministry in our text.
- A grace-filled ministry imparts joy rather than despair. (5:33-39)
- A grace-filled ministry allows the spirit of the Law to override the letter of the Law. (6:1-5)
- A grace-filled ministry places mercy above orthodoxy. (6:6-11)
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The Touch of Sovereign Grace
This is an exposition of Luke 7:1-17. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, August 26, 2012.
Intro:
They were from two different worlds. One a man of position, power and influence in a large metropolitan city. The other a widow from a small rural village, poverty-stricken, destitute and mourning the loss of her only son. Yet they had one thing in common. Their only hope was to be found in a traveling preacher with a reputation for the miraculous. Both received their miracle. Both have their stories recorded in the New Testament. Neither was ever heard from again. Their stories are powerful and instructive. They serve as object lessons in grace. For both individuals experienced the touch of sovereign grace. Our text this morning is found in the seventh chapter of Luke’s Gospel. Dr. Luke chapter 7 and verses 1-17.
Text: Luke 7:1-17
Luke is writing to his Gentile friend – Theophilus.
He wants to make sure that his friend has an accurate account of the life of Jesus.
He wants Theophilus to know that Jesus is indeed the Messiah of the Jews but He is also the savior of the world!
Luke, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, has put together a selective history designed to tell the story of Jesus in such a way as to cause his reader to put his faith and trust in Jesus.
With that in mind Luke includes the stories of two very different individuals in great need who experienced the touch of Christ. One of them a Gentile.
According to the language of Luke, these two incidents happened close together and both happened soon after His calling the 12 and instructing them in the Sermon on the Mount. Together they serve to teach us a great lesson about the love and grace of God. They remind us of how:
Thesis: The sovereign grace of God responds to human need.
I’m convinced this is a much-needed message in our day.
It is needed because of a faulty view of faith that is common place in our world.
Whole systems of theological thought are founded on this faulty premise.
We have what might be called “vending machine” theology.
You go to the machine – find what you want – see what it requires – put that in the machine and you got your miracle!
There are spiritual laws operating in the universe and you just need to plug into them.
One leading preacher in the movement has even suggested you do not have to be a Christian for this to work. Just follow the system. God has set the system up and He is bound by it. If God is to be God He cannot violate His system.
As outrageous as that notion sounds – thousands upon thousands, if not millions believe it!
Biblical faith is not about laws and principles and formulas – it is about a personal God who is involved in the lives of people! And the biblical God is sovereign. He is in charge. He is in control. He is not at our beck and call. He is not bound by our faith or by some formula He established. One of the subtle threats of this “vending machine” faith is that it makes God impersonal.
Let’s examine these two incidents and learn something about the God we serve.
First the account of the Centurion where we learn that:
- The touch of God’s grace is motivated by His love and not our worthiness. (7:1-10)
- The touch of God’s grace is due to the mercy and compassion of Christ and not our earnest plea. (7:11-17)
Conclusion:
Let’s make sure we have this straight.
The gracious touch of God is not about whether or not you are worthy – it is about Him.
It’s not about your fervent praying or your dynamic faith – it is about Him.
Are you in need of the touch of God’s grace today? Embrace Christ. Trust in Him. Believe on Him. Find in Him your all in all.
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