The Plowman

Marks of Genuine Christianity [ 39:08 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (42)

Marks of Genuine Christianity: 2016 Gospel of Luke #46

This is an exposition of Luke 12:1-12. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, February 5, 2017.

Intro:

I was shocked.  I was outraged.  I couldn’t believe it.  No.  No.  Tell me it isn’t so.  I was sick at my stomach.  Devastated.  I had just learned that professional wrestling was not real.  “You mean to tell me Scandar Akbar is not the real deal?  The Masked Assassins are an act?  I suppose next your going to tell me Roller Derby is rigged!”  It was a shock to my young system to learn that all was not as it appeared to be.  I watched wrestling every Saturday.  I used to watch it with my grandpa in his living room he would be wrestling right along with them.  I would be drinking my bottle of Pepsi with the peanuts poured in it.  We’d cheer for the good guys and boo the bad guys.  We’d scream at the dazed referee to turn around that guy just pulled a “foreign object” out of his boot!  And to learn that it was all a show – what a disappointment.

I have to admit.  I still will occasionally watch a little wrestling on TV.  It’s more outrageous now than ever.  But it just doesn’t have the same appeal.  It’s a show.  A performance.  Some are indeed great athletes.  I marvel at their strength and agility but I know it isn’t real!  Sadly I have much the same reaction for some of what I see passed off as real Christianity.  There are many things done today in the name of the Christian faith that are “flashy” or “spectacular” but are far more performance than reality.  Much of what is done today in the name of Christian worship has little or nothing to do with biblical faith.  Today, more than ever, the church needs to return to its foundation.  The church needs to return to authentic faith.  I’m not talking so much about “packaging”, as I am content.  It’s not so much what we do or how we do it as it is who we are.  I’m talking about core issues concerning how we think, what we value, what motivates us and what we trust in.

Webster defines authentic as “trustworthy . . . not imaginary, false or imitation.”  The word genuine means, “actually having the reputed qualities or character.  Actually produced by or proceeding from the source or author.  Of or relating to the original stock.”  The need, the call is to authentic or genuine biblical faith.  In a world filled with imitations, knock offs and look a likes – there is a tremendous need for the genuine article.  That is the focus of the Lord Jesus in our text this morning.

Text: Luke 12:1-12

Background for Luke:
     Theophilus, orderly account, evangelistic purpose

Immediate context:
    In the home of a Pharisee, 2 agendas (Pharisee’s & Jesus’)
    The resultant anger 11:53-54

Thesis: In a world full of imitations believers are called to exhibit authentic biblical faith.

In our text we find 5 marks of genuine, authentic believers.  These are characteristics of the real deal, the genuine article.  These are the characteristics that identify believers who exhibit genuine faith.

1. Authentic believers live lives of transparent honesty.  (12:1-3)
2. Authentic believers walk in reverential fear of God.  (12:4-5)
3. Authentic believers rest in God’s providential care.  (12:6-7)
4. Authentic believers boldly, unashamedly profess Christ.  (12:8-10)
5. Authentic believers trust in the Spirit’s enabling.  (12:11-12)

Conclusion:

We have been called to exhibit an authentic biblical faith.

One that…

Is marked by transparent honest.
Is marked by reverential fear of God.
Is marked by rest in God’s providential care.
Is marked by a bold, public confession.
Is marked by the Spirit’s enabling.

Authentic Biblical Faith [ 46:40 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (46)

Authentic Biblical Faith: 2016 Gospel of Luke #45

This is an exposition of Luke 11:37-54. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, January 29, 2017.

Intro:

Have you ever gotten one of those phone calls or letters congratulating you on being chosen?  “You have been selected, one out of thousands, to receive this unbelievable offer.”  That’s your first clue.  It’s too good to be true.  “We are so confident of our service that we invite you to a brief, informal, no obligation presentation and guarantee that you will receive one of the following.  A pair of his and hers sport watches, a big screen home theater system or your own island in the Caribbean!”  Guess which one you’re going to get!  “All we ask is that you hear what we have to say.”  If you’ve ever fallen for that, then you’ve discovered that their service wasn’t exactly what they implied it was and that their “fabulous gift” was a joke.  No one likes to be misled.  Inherently we despise those who misrepresent themselves.  No one seeks the label of “hypocrite.”  

A hypocrite is one who “plays the part.”  An actor.  One who pretends to be something they are not.  Through the years I have had plenty of folks say to me, “I not going to church anywhere.  The church is full of hypocrites.”  To that I usually want to respond, “So come on we’ve always got room for one more!”  I’ve got several things I would like to say in such circumstances but thankfully better judgement prevails.  Unfortunately too many folks have been hurt or disappointed by some “professed” believer.  Too many times pastors and other church leaders have scandalized the church through immorality or unethical behavior.  But most folks are “put off” by the inconsistency they note in family members, friends and coworkers who fail to practice what they preach.

I’m convinced this is, in many respects, more a danger today then at any point in the history of the church.  In a culture in which faith has become increasingly private.  Where religion and spirituality are at the disposal of private whim, faith and religion becomes what I decide to make it and who are you to tell me otherwise?  In such an environment one is free to make God in their own image.  By the way I’m not talking about New Agers or eastern mysticism or nature religion, I’m talking about those who claim the Christian label.  It is often subtle but can be revealed in phrases such as “my Bible tells me” or “my God says this or does that.”  Is my faith personal?  Yes.  Is it a private matter?  No.  I believe within a community, the church.  I believe in a body of truth, the faith.  I have a divine revelation, the Word of God.  That Book is not open to my own personal interpretations or twists.  What I think this or that means is not the issue what God has said is the issue.  How I respond to His revelation is the issue.  My obedience to His revelation is paramount.  These issues form the backdrop for our text this morning.

Text: Luke 11:37-54

Background on the Gospel of Luke.
    Time, purpose, focus
    
The immediate context:

• Teaching on prayer
• Giving of the Holy Spirit
• Exorcism
• Demands for a “sign”

“When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to his home for a meal.”  One wonders about this invitation.  What was the Pharisee’s motivation?  Was it simply a matter of the prestige of having such a controversial figure to be a guest in his home?  Was it because the teaching and ministry of Jesus had piqued his interest?  Was it another attempt on the part of the Pharisees to “entrap” our Lord?  I suspect it was the latter but it is clear to me in the text, the Lord had an agenda for this meeting as well!

Thesis: In a world that is long on tolerance and short on truth, believers must consistently stand for authentic biblical faith.

Tolerance is the new watchword.  If you are to be politically correct you must be tolerant of others.  Just because someone holds a different worldview than you hold does not make them evil.  Rather than silence them or show them the error of their ways you should seek to learn from them and grow as a person.  You see truth is relative.  Ethics are situational.  

I take exception with such a philosophy.  Now hear me out.  I did not say, “I believe in intolerance.”  I do not advocate that we “lock up” all those folks who don’t believe what we believe.  I do not believe that we should force others to “accept” our beliefs.  I will be “tolerant” and understanding with those who disagree with me but I will not, I cannot say it is okay to believe a lie!  The Scripture and the love of God compel me to defend the truth.  To plead with others to embrace the truth.  To warn those who stand outside the truth of the judgement that is to come.

The Lord Jesus has some strong things to say in our text.  There are some harsh words here.  And these words are not spoken to the “pagans” but to the extremely “religious.”  One other thing we should note.  He is not speaking to a bunch of liberals. He is addressing a group of fundamentalists.

There are two things I want us to note in our text.

1. Biblical faith will not tolerate shallow, hypocritical religion.  (11:37-44)
   11:42 is a warning against a precise but passionless faith.
   11:43 is a warning against a proud and arrogant faith.
   11:44 is a warning against purely hypocritical faith.
2. A biblical faith will not tolerate lip service to the authority of Scripture without heart-felt obedience to the Scripture.  (11:44-54)
   11:46 –  is a warning against legalistic and unloving faith.
   11:47-51 – is a warning against two-faced faith.
   11:52  – is a warning against an obstructive faith.
       
   Conclusion:We are called to authentic biblical faith.

   One that embraces the truth and is transformed from the inside out.
   One that is genuinely committed to the Word of God and governed by the Word of God.

An Uncomfortable Truth [ 34:54 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (44)

An Uncomfortable Truth: 2016 Gospel of Luke #44

This is an exposition of Luke 11:29-36. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, January 22, 2017.

Intro:

Have you ever been put on the spot?  Singled out?  Made the focal point?  Been put in that position where you’re asked to respond and all eyes and ears are on you?  Do you find that uncomfortable?  I hate it!  I still break into a cold sweat when I think of those days in elementary school when I was told to go to the chalkboard and work a problem.  And spelling bees – they were the worst.  I had a tendency to freeze.  I couldn’t remember my name let alone spell “amoeba.”  And I didn’t grow out of it.  That same attitude followed my to college and later to seminary.

I was perfectly content to sit in the back of the room and mind my own business.  I listened intently.  I read.  I studied.  I made good grades – just leave me alone.  Don’t call on me and put me on the spot.  I didn’t think that was asking too much.  I tried everything.  As the professor sought another victim – I search through my books and my desk as if something very important was missing.  I tried “hiding” behind the person in front of me.  Which, given my size, was futile.  Sure I could get my head lower than theirs, but I stuck out on both sides!  When the hiding technique proved ineffective I went the other way.  I acted like I wanted to answer every question.  My “bluffing” technique proved to be even more disastrous.  Most of us will do whatever we have to do to avoid being put in those types of situations.  No one really likes being put on the spot – especially when they are wrong.  That is part of the dynamic that we must take into account as we explore the life of the Lord Jesus.  As we note the growing animosity between the religious establishment and the Lord Jesus we have to recognize that the animosity is due, in no small part, to the fact the establishment is being revealed for what it really is.  They are being exposed.  Their hypocrisy was showing.

The Lord Jesus because He was the truth – revealed their error.  Because He spoke directly God’s words – he revealed their hollow claims.  As He came preaching the Kingdom of God – He put them on the spot.  His words, His actions, His very presence demand a response.  That is the backdrop of our text this morning found in Luke Luke 11 beginning in Luke 11:29.

Text: Luke 11:29-36

Context of Luke’s Gospel.
Its evangelistic purpose.
Its historical accuracy.

The immediate context:
Jesus has performed an exorcism.
There were those who claimed He did so by the power of the devil.
Others, motivated by stubborn unbelief, demanded a “sign from heaven.”
Jesus dealt first with the claim that He was in league with Satan.
Now, in our text, He deals with those who demand a sign.

It is clear from the outset of this text that Jesus was not “seeker sensitive” in His approach to ministry.  A crowd was gathering.  In fact the word used implies the crowd was multiplying.  This great crowd got there just in time to hear Him say, “This is a wicked generation.”  The word “wicked” is best understood as evil or hurtful in both its effect and its influence.  This was a condemnation of the “spirit of the age.”  He is blasting the religious climate of the day.  In particular He is addressing the religious establishment.  He is attacking the Scribes and Pharisees, who back in Luke 11:16, demanded a “sign.”  But these are not the ravings of some wild-eyed street preacher.  This is the reasoned verdict of the Lord God.  This is the “Word made flesh” declaring His righteous assessment of those who were His people.  Uncomfortable?  Yes.  Unreasonable?  No!

This encounter serves to remind us that:

Thesis: Every one of us must answer to God for how we have responded to the revelation of His Son.

You want to talk about uncomfortable?  Every person in this room will one day stand before God an account for their response to the Lord Jesus.  It is a serious issue.  It is life’s ultimate issue.  There is no room for neutrality.  “I don’t know,” is not an acceptable answer.

In our text we find a righteous warning and a tender admonishment.

1. The Lord Jesus righteously warns of the judgement that awaits those who stand in unbelief.  (11:29-32)
2. The Lord Jesus lovingly reminds those who do believe of their responsibility to continue in that belief.  (11:33-36)

The Need for Biblical Faith: 2016 Gospel of Luke #43

(We are sorry, but this message did not record.) This is an exposition of Luke 11:14-26. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, January 15, 2017.

Intro:

It has happen to all of us.  At one time or another others have misrepresented what we said.  They have mischaracterized our views. They have soiled our good name.  In an attempt to elevate themselves they have sought to destroy us.  I vividly remember the first time it happened to me.  There was an honest discrepancy.  Two versions of the story were being told.  I remembered something one way.  He remembered it another.  The discussion became heated.  Soon others were drawn in.  The crowd became unruly.  The authorities were called in.  Finally Kenny Aman’s mom said, “Boys stop it!  Now, Rodney, what happened?”  I recounted the events.  That’s when it happened.  Kenny Aman, my best friend, shouted for the whole neighborhood to hear, “That’s not true you big fat fibber!”  Slandered.  I was outraged.  Why in all my nine years no one had accused me of such wickedness.  I cried all the way home.

If that had been the worst thing anyone ever said about me or to me – I would consider myself most fortunate.  I look back on that and laugh.  But the truth is when it happened it cut like a knife.  The truth is today when things are said, inside, I still feel what that nine-year-old boy felt.  You’ve been there.  They say, “Sticks and stones may break your bones but names will never hurt you.”  You and I both know that is not true.  Names can devastate you.  When someone falsely accuses you or twists your words there is anger and hurt.  And I suppose nothing is worse than doing good for another and then having your motive questioned, your actions slandered.  Such was the case for the Lord Jesus in Luke Luke 11 and beginning at Luke 11:14.

Our Lord had come upon a man who was possessed of an evil spirit.  A spirit who had robbed him of his ability to speak.  When we consider the parallel accounts in Mark and Matthew we discover that this man was both deaf and dumb.  He could neither hear nor speak.  Not everyone rejoiced in the deliverance of this tormented soul as we will see in our exploration of the text.

Text: Luke 11:14-26

Luke, the careful history and traveling companion of the apostle Paul, was writing, for his good friend Theophilus, an accurate and orderly account of the life and ministry of Jesus.  Luke wanted his Gentile friend to understand that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the Messiah of the Jews and the Savior of the world.  Thus he pulled together certain stories, events and teachings from Jesus’ life and, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, woven them together into a compelling argument.
The immediate context is our Lord’s teaching on prayer.  He concluded his teaching by saying that the Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.  Then Luke inserts our text to again demonstrate the growing animosity between the Lord Jesus and the religious establishment.  The Scribes and Pharisees were again present and intent on finding grounds on which to get rid of this troublesome teacher from Galilee.

There is an old adage that says, “If you can’t defeat the message, destroy the messenger.”  The religious establishment could not touch His message.  For He spoke only truth.  Truth will withstand any amount of scrutiny and attack.  The establishment recognized that the message of Jesus contradicted their message at numerous points.  Believing they alone laid claim to the truth of God, they had no option but to silence this rebel prophet.  In our own day there are those who would silence the message of the Lord Jesus.  And I am not talking about those nasty secular humanists.  Of course they want His message silence.  I’m talking about those who claim to speak for God.  Those who enjoy the respect and admiration of the world.  Those who seek a “kinder, gentler Christianity.”  One that is not so narrow minded and particular.  That places a great responsibility on those of us who know the Lord Jesus, who know the truth.  We must stand for biblical faith.  We must maintain the integrity of the message.  As we look at the response of our Lord to those who slandered Him we are reminded of an important truth:

Thesis: Every genuine child of God is called to embrace, live and declare authentic biblical faith.

It is not enough to say, “Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of the world.”  It is not enough to intellectually know the truth.  It is not even enough to say you “believe” the truth of the Gospel.  The person who is genuinely born again, the person whose life has been radically changed by the grace of God is the person who passionately embraces the Lord Jesus Himself, lives out the claims of Christ and openly declares the truth of the Gospel.

Am I suggesting that every Christian should be seminary trained?  No.
Am I suggesting that every child of God should be in full time Christian service?  No.
Am I suggesting that every child of God should be a wild-eyed fanatic?  No.

But I am suggesting that when others find out you’re a Christian their response should not be, “You sure fooled me!”

In our text we find three aspects of this biblical faith we are to embrace, live and declare.

1. Biblical faith affirms the power and authority of the Lord Jesus over the forces of evil.  (11:14-22)
2. Biblical faith exhibits an unyielding allegiance to the Lord Jesus.  (11:23)
3. Biblical faith demands a thorough conversion.  (11:24-26)