TBC Decatur Sermons

The Kind of Worship God Receives - 07-05-2009

TBC Sermons — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:11:00 GMT

Worship Wars: The Kind of Worship God Receives
Malachi 1:6-14

The Priests’ Polluted Offerings
⁶ "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, 'How have we despised your name?' ⁷ By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, 'How have we polluted you?' By saying that the LORD’s table may be despised. ⁸ When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the LORD of hosts. ⁹And now entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious to us. With such a gift from your hand, will he show favor to any of you? says the LORD of hosts. ¹⁰ Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the LORD of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand. ¹¹For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts. ¹²But you profane it when you say that the Lord’s table is polluted, and its fruit, that is, its food may be despised. ¹³But you say, 'What a weariness this is,' and you snort at it, says the LORD of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the LORD. ¹⁴Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the LORD of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.

Where is Your Treasure? - 06-28-2009

TBC Sermons — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:53:00 GMT

Matthew 6:19-24

Lay Up Treasures in Heaven

¹⁹"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rustdestroy and where thieves break in and steal, ²⁰ but lay up foryourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and wherethieves do not break in and steal. ²¹For where your treasure is,there your heart will be also.

²²"The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your wholebody will be full of light, ²³ but if your eye is bad, your wholebody will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how greatis the darkness!

²⁴"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and lovethe other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

¹⁶So we do not lose heart. Though our outer selfis wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷For this light momentary affliction ispreparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, ¹⁸ as we look not to the things that are seenbut to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient,but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Idols, whether people or possessions, pass away. God is eternal, God is always there.

2 Ways to Live

Store up for this life
Store up things for the next life.

2 Types of Treasure

Earthly
Heavenly

2 Types of People

Those who walk in the light.
Those who are mastered by their possessions

2 Types of Masters

God
Earthly possessions/treasures (mammon)

You can find yourself enslaved to your stuff, your money. That's why Jesus talks more about money & possessions than about heaven and hell combined.

John 3:16-19

¹⁶"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. ¹⁸ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. ¹⁹ And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil

Jesus wants us to enjoy things. He doesn't want us to be enslaved by them.

Everybody Loves Brave Men: The Idol-Crushing Design of Manhood

TBC Sermons — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:18:00 GMT

Everybody Loves Brave Men: The Idol-Crushing Design of Manhood
Genesis 2:5-9, 15-20

⁵When no bush of the field[a] was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up—for the LORD God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground, ⁶and a mist was going up from the land and was watering the whole face of the ground— ⁷then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. ⁸And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. ⁹And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

¹⁵The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. ¹⁶And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, ¹⁷but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."

¹⁸Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." ¹⁹ Now out of the ground the LORD God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. ²⁰The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. ²¹So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. ²²And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. ²³Then the man said,

   "This at last is bone of my bones
   and flesh of my flesh;
   she shall be called Woman,
   because she was taken out of Man."

²⁴ Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Your Idol Loves You & Has a Wonderful Plan for Your Life

TBC Sermons — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 16:34:00 GMT

American Idols
Your Idol Loves You & Has a Wonderful Plan for Your Life
Romans 1:18-25

God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness

¹⁸For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. ¹⁹For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. ²⁰For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. ²¹For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²² Claiming to be wise, they became fools, ²³and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

²⁴Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, ²⁵because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

God Revealed - Romans 1:18-20
God has revealed himself. He doesn't hide. He is a personal God whose character can clearly be seen. All of creation is screaming God is revealed, God is personal, God can be known.

Psalm 19:1-4
¹ The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
²Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
³There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
⁴ Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.

God has revealed enough about Himself thru creation that we have no excuses.
God Rejected - Romans 1:21
The response to Gods revelation was rejection. "I see it, I know it's true but I don't want it." Our hearts are darkened.

John 3:19
¹⁹ And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.
God is Reconstructed - Romans 1:22-23
Because we have all been created for worship we reconstructed God. The Creator is replaced by creation. The core of sin is idolatry and the core of idolatry is misplaced worship. You don't have to try to avoid hell by your own good work.

If you find your fulfillment in God only then are you free to enjoy His gifts.
God Replaced - Romans 1:24-25, 26, 28
We can get so attached to whatever it is we can't tell the difference

Mission Possible - A call to missions - 06-07-09

TBC Sermons — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 17:32:00 GMT

Missions report from our members that went to Juarez, Mexico.

Celebration Sunday

TBC Sermons — Sun, 31 May 2009 20:41:00 GMT

Celebration Sunday
1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

The Thessalonians’ Faith and Example

² We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, ³remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁴For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, ⁵because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. ⁶And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, ⁷so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. ⁸For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. ⁹For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, ¹⁰and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

American Idols: Promises, Promises Do you Carry Your gods or Does God Carry You - 05-24-09

TBC Sermons — Sun, 24 May 2009 17:43:00 GMT

American Idols:
Promises, Promises Do you Carry Your gods or Does God Carry You
Isaiah 46

The Idols of Babylon and the One True God

¹ Bel bows down; Nebo stoops;
their idols are on beasts and livestock;
these things you carry are borne
as burdens on weary beasts.
²They stoop; they bow down together;
they cannot save the burden,
but themselves go into captivity.

³"Listen to me, O house of Jacob,
all the remnant of the house of Israel,
who have been borne by me from before your birth,
carried from the womb;
⁴ even to your old age I am he,
and to gray hairs I will carry you.
I have made, and I will bear;
I will carry and will save.

⁵ "To whom will you liken me and make me equal,
and compare me, that we may be alike?
⁶ Those who lavish gold from the purse,
and weigh out silver in the scales,
hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god;
then they fall down and worship!
⁷ They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it,
they set it in its place, and it stands there;
it cannot move from its place.
If one cries to it, it does not answer
or save him from his trouble.

⁸"Remember this and stand firm,
recall it to mind, you transgressors,

⁹remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
¹⁰ declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, 'My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose,'
¹¹ calling a bird of prey from the east,
the man of my counsel from a far country.
I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;
I have purposed, and I will do it.

¹²"Listen to me, you stubborn of heart,
you who are far from righteousness:
¹³ I bring near my righteousness; it is not far off,
and my salvation will not delay;
I will put salvation in Zion,
for Israel my glory."

American Idols: Christ and Culture Collide - 05-17-09

TBC Sermons — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:24:00 GMT

American Idols:
Christ and Culture Collide
Acts 17:16-31

Paul in Athens

¹⁶Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. ¹⁷So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. ¹⁸Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, "What does this babbler wish to say?" Others said, "He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities"—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. ¹⁹And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? ²⁰For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean." ²¹Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.

Paul Addresses the Areopagus

²²So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: "Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. ²³For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, 'To the unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. ²⁴ The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, ²⁵nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. ²⁶And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, ²⁷ that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, ²⁸for

"'In him we live and move and have our being';

as even some of your own poets have said,

"'For we are indeed his offspring.'

²⁹ Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. ³⁰ The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, ³¹because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."

Modeling the Gospel - 5/10/2009 - Mother's Day

TBC Sermons — Mon, 11 May 2009 00:14:00 GMT

Modeling the Gospel
II Timothy 3:10-17

All Scripture Is Breathed Out by God
¹⁰ You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, ¹¹my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. ¹²Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, ¹³while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. ¹⁴But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it ¹⁵and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

Paul encourages Timothy to persevere in teh faith through the example of a mother and a grandmother. v15 refers back to Timothy's childhood.

II Timothy 1:4-5
⁴ As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. ⁵I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

There is no greater testimony in life than to have someone encourage your child based on his parents example.

Acts 16:1
¹Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek.

Timothy's dad was not a believer. His mom was alone in training him.

Sacrificial Living - 5/3/09

TBC Sermons — Sun, 03 May 2009 23:14:00 GMT

Sacrificial Living
Philippians 1:12-26

The Advance of the Gospel

¹²I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, ¹³so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. ¹⁴And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

¹⁵ Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. ¹⁶The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁷The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. ¹⁸What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

To Live Is Christ

Yes, and I will rejoice, ¹⁹for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, ²⁰as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ²²If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. ²³ I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. ²⁴But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. ²⁵ Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

²⁷Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, ²⁸and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. ²⁹For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, ³⁰engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Guest Speaker Grant Medford - 04/26/2009

TBC Sermons — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 16:52:00 GMT

Guest Speaker Grant Medford
IBSA Student & Family Evangelism Ministries Director

1 Samuel 3:1-10

The LORD Calls Samuel

¹ Now the young man Samuel was ministering to the LORD under Eli. And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.

²At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. ³ The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was.

⁴Then the LORD called Samuel, and he said, "Here I am!" ⁵and ran to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call; lie down again." So he went and lay down.

⁶And the LORD called again, "Samuel!" and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call, my son; lie down again." ⁷Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.

⁸And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the young man. ⁹Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

¹⁰And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant hears."

The Ascension - 04/19/2009

TBC Sermons — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 19:15:00 GMT

The Ascension
Luke 24:36-53

⁴⁴Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." ⁴⁵Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, ⁴⁶and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, ⁴⁷and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. ⁴⁸You are witnesses of these things. ⁴⁹And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high."

The Ascension
⁵⁰Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. ⁵¹While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. ⁵²And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, ⁵³and were continually in the temple blessing God.

The story doesn't stop at the resurrection. Jesus takes 40 days after the resurrection and then ascends into heaven.

1. The Early Ministry of Jesus is complete.
He has fulfilled the scriptures.

2. The Heavenly Ministry of Jesus is Consummated.
This is true only for those in Christ.

Hebrews 9:24
24For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.

Romans 8:34
34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Hebrews 7:25
25Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

** The ascension begins the heavenly ministry of Christ.

3. The Earthly Ministry of the Church is Commenced.
A. Jesus teaches the CLARITY

B. Jesus prepares for COMMISSION. - a commission of Proclamation :46
- prepares them so they can preach with authority
- it was explained so they could go tell others

* Redemption is to be realized NOW
- God hasn't shown us these things for us to be silent.

a commission of Power

C. Jesus ascends with CELEBRATION
- normally goodbyes of people you love are sad. Jesus blesses the disciples and they rejoice. Jesus went to take His place as... In this moment the disciples see everything they believed is true. Jesus ascends to heaven and takes His place at the right hand of God.

It Is Finished - 04/12/2009

TBC Sermons — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 16:46:00 GMT

It Is Finished

Mark 15:20-34 37-47

²⁰And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.

The Crucifixion

²¹ And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. ²² And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). ²³And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. ²⁴And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. ²⁵And it was the third hour when they crucified him. ²⁶And the inscription of the charge against him read, "The King of the Jews." ²⁷And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. ²⁹And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, "Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, ³⁰save yourself, and come down from the cross!" ³¹So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. ³²Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe." Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.

The Death of Jesus

³³And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. ³⁴And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

³⁷And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. ³⁸And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. ³⁹ And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God!"
⁴⁰There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. ⁴¹When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.

Jesus Is Buried

⁴² And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, ⁴³Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. ⁴⁴Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. ⁴⁵And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. ⁴⁶And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. ⁴⁷ Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

Mark 16:1-6

The Resurrection

¹ When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. ²And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. ³And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?" ⁴And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back— it was very large. ⁵And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. ⁶And he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.

Condemned to a Cross
Mark 15:20-28

Constrained by the Cross
Mark 15:29-32

Cries from the Cross
Mark 15:33-37

* Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.
* Darkness came upon the land
* My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?
* "It is finished!"

A Surprising Discovery
Mark 16:1-5

A Supernatural Announcement
Mark 16:16

Because of the Resurrection
* Jesus was condemned so that we would not be condemned
* It wasn't weakness or nails that kept Jesus on the Cross, it was Love.
* Jesus cried out in death... words that bring us life.
Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.
* The veil was torn. Through Christ's resurrection we can have access to God through Him

HE HAS RISEN!

Sinless in the Hands of an Angry Mob - 04/05/2009

TBC Sermons — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 15:52:00 GMT

Sinless in the Hands of an Angry Mob
Luke 22:63-23:25

Jesus Is Mocked ⁶³ Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. ⁶⁴ They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, "Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?" ⁶⁵And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him.

Jesus Before the Council
⁶⁶ When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said, ⁶⁷ "If you are the Christ, tell us." But he said to them, "If I tell you, you will not believe, ⁶⁸and if I ask you, you will not answer. ⁶⁹But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God." ⁷⁰So they all said, "Are you the Son of God, then?" And he said to them, "You say that I am." ⁷¹Then they said, "What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips."

Jesus Before Pilate
¹ Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. ²And they began to accuse him, saying, "We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king." ³ And Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" And he answered him, "You have said so." ⁴Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, "I find no guilt in this man." ⁵But they were urgent, saying, "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place."

Jesus Before Herod
⁶ When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. ⁷And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. ⁸When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. ⁹So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. ¹⁰The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. ¹¹And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. ¹²And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other. ¹³Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, ¹⁴and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. ¹⁵Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. ¹⁶ I will therefore punish and release him."

Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified ¹⁸ But they all cried out together, "Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas"— ¹⁹a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. ²⁰Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, ²¹but they kept shouting, "Crucify, crucify him!" ²²A third time he said to them, "Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him." ²³But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. ²⁴So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. ²⁵He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.

If only they had known. - Individuals had decisions before them but they were blind to the truth right before their eyes.

Plan of corruption
Jesus brought before religious leaders who were concerned about their own power, popularity, status... The very people responsible for justice were committing this. Every step of this process was corrupt.

Jesus taken to Pilate. The leaders accused Jesus with lies or twisting the truth. They realized that they didn't have enough to kill Jesus but lied to make Pilate mandate death. The religious leaders were willing to break their own laws to see Jesus dead.

Jesus taken to Herod. Herod wanted to see a sign for his amusement. Herod & his soldiers mocked Jesus. Jesus sent back to Pilate.

Pilate offered to punish (beat) Jesus and release him but the people wouldn't have it. Pilate offered to release a prisoner as with the custom. The crowd chose a criminal to release over Jesus. So Pilate gave in and sentenced Jesus to the cross. Josephus said the beating Jesus took was so bad that most would have died before going to the cross.

Jesus literally died for our sins, he took our place.

The Hour Has Come: Denial, Betrayal and the Kingdom of Christ - 03/29/2009

TBC Sermons — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 20:20:00 GMT

The Hour Has Come:
Denial, Betrayal and the Kingdom of Christ

Luke 22:47-62

Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

⁴⁷While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, ⁴⁸but Jesus said to him, "Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?" ⁴⁹And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" ⁵⁰And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. ⁵¹But Jesus said, "No more of this!" And he touched his ear and healed him. ⁵²Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? ⁵³When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness."

Peter Denies Jesus

⁵⁴Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house, and Peter was following at a distance. ⁵⁵And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. ⁵⁶Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, "This man also was with him." ⁵⁷But he denied it, saying, "Woman, I do not know him." ⁵⁸And a little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." But Peter said, "Man, I am not." ⁵⁹And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, "Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean." ⁶⁰But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are talking about." And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. ⁶¹And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times." ⁶²And he went out and wept bitterly.

There is spiritual warfare taking place here. There is a clash of kingdoms.

Jesus Christ is threatening to those that want a religious system that is comfortable.

The kingdom of Christ rages against those that want to do it on their own, and those that want religious comfort. They want Jesus as long as He will leave them alone.

The kingdom of God threatens those that want material gain.

Many want Jesus as long as He comes with a benefit package, they want Jesus with no sacrifice on their own part.

Jesus is threatening to those who want to maintain security.

Redemption is realized on a cross, it is realized in Jesus Christ.

Let This Cup Pass: The Agony of Gethsemane - 03/22/2009

TBC Sermons — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 21:38:00 GMT

Let This Cup Pass:
The Agony of Gethsemane

The Prayer

Mark 14:26-42

Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial

²⁶ And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. ²⁷ And Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away, for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.' ²⁸ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee." ²⁹ Peter said to him, "Even though they all fall away, I will not." ³⁰ And Jesus said to him, "Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." ³¹ But he said emphatically, "If I must die with you, I will not deny you." And they all said the same.

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane ³² And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." ³³ And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. ³⁴ And he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch." ³⁵ And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. ³⁶ And he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." ³⁷ And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? ³⁸ Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." ³⁹ And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. ⁴⁰ And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. ⁴¹ And he came the third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. ⁴² Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand."

The Significance of the Garden

The Separation from the Disciples

The Sorrow Jesus Felt
* unimaginable sorrow & agony
* Jesus knew this day was coming but he realized more was coming
* Luke says, so agonizing Jesus sweat blood, an angel had to come to minister to Jesus
* Jesus realizes in this moment what he has always known, not....
but that he is about to face the wrath of His father. The sin of the entire universe would be placed on Him.
* It pressed on Jesus until it almost killed him.

The Suggestion Jesus Made
* If there is any other way that this cup could pass

The Silence of the Father
* God was silent
* If there was any other way God would not have the sins of the world placed on His son.

The Submission of the Son
* ... not what I want but what you want
* "If it takes my suffering to bring salvation to the world, so be it"
* Jesus went to the cross for us because His delight was to do His Father's will.

The Slumber of His Disciples

His SUFFERING reminds us:
Magnitude of our Sin
* Do not think our sin is no big deal. My sin caused my savior to have more agony than anyone has ever had.

Magnificence of His Love
* He drank our cup so we can be with Him in heaven.

Let His suffering be our means of Hope,
He can wipe away our tears.

A Meal You Can't Passover: What Jesus is Teaching Us at the Lord's Supper - 03/15/2009

TBC Sermons — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 19:06:00 GMT

A Meal You Can't Passover: What Jesus is Teaching Us at the Lord's Supper
Luke 22:14-23

Institution of the Lord’s Supper

14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!" 23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.

1.The true passover is Jesus.
Everything they (disciples/jews) knew the passover to be is about Jesus

2. The presence of God is with His people.
We will eat/fellowship with Jesus in Heaven.
Communion = Fellowship

3. Proclamation of identity with Him.

4. Need to persevere in Christ.

5. Paradox of His kingdom.
We may be kings in the future kingdom but we are called to serve now.

Living the Good Life: Why 'Your Best Life Now' Is Not What You Think

TBC Sermons — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 19:54:00 GMT

Living the Good Life:
Why 'Your Best Life Now' Is Not What You Think

What's the point of it? Is there anything in the Walk of Wisdom for me?

It is not less a holy thing to be a christian merchant than a christian minister.
It is not a less holy thing to be a mother of mercy to your own children than a sister of mercy to the sick children in a hospital ward.
It is not a less holy thing to be a married wife than it is to be the virgin consecrated to Christ.

Proverbs 3:1-8, 13-18

Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart
1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments,
2 for length of days and years of life
and peace they will add to you.

3 Let not steadfast love and(F) faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So you will find favor and good success
in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.

Blessed Is the One Who Finds Wisdom
13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
   and the one who gets understanding,
14 for the gain from her is better than gain from silver
   and her profit better than gold.
15 She is more precious than jewels,
   and nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
   in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
   and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;
   those who hold her fast are called blessed.

The blessed life, the happy life, the good life is the life that finds wisdom. In wisdom we find the good life. There is a great reward in seeking wisdom.

Avoiding the pitfalls.

Proverbs 8:32-36
32 "And now, O sons, listen to me:
   blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction and be wise,
   and do not neglect it.
34 Blessed is the one who listens to me,
   watching daily at my gates,
   waiting beside my doors.
35 For whoever finds me finds life
   and obtains favor from the LORD,
36 but he who fails to find me injures himself;
   all who hate me love death."

Do not settle for fleeting joy.

Do not settle for false joy.

Proverbs 24:13-14
13 My son, eat honey, for it is good,
   and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.
14 Know that wisdom is such to your soul;
   if you find it, there will be a future,
   and your hope will not be cut off.

The Silence of Foolishness: Wisdom, Witness and the Great Commission - 03/01/2009

TBC Sermons — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 21:44:00 GMT

The Silence of Foolishness:
Wisdom, Witness and the Great Commission
Proverbs 30:1-4

The Words of Agur

1 The words of Agur son of Jakeh. The oracle.
   The man declares, I am weary, O God;
   I am weary, O God, and worn out.
2 Surely I am too stupid to be a man.
   I have not the understanding of a man.
3 I have not learned wisdom,
   nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.
4 Who has ascended to heaven and come down?
   Who has gathered the wind in his fists?
   Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?
   Who has established all the ends of the earth?
   What is his name, and what is his son’s name?
   Surely you know!

On this walk of wisdom is silence on things that matter most an option?

Arrogance & Humility
Arrogance for many in our culture is believing that something is true and feeling like you must tell others they must believe it as well. Humility according to our culture is believing that you are right but keeping it to yourself.   That is not humility or arrogance. In reality it is pride that will not say what needs to be said for fear of the consequences.

Witnessing is the deep seated conviction that the greatest favor that I can do for others is to introduce them to Jesus.

Many people use false humility as an excuse not to witness.

Prov. 30:5
5 Every word of God proves true;
   he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Prov. 8:22-30
22 "The LORD possessed me at the beginning of his work,
   the first of his acts of old.
23 Ages ago I was set up,
   at the first, before the beginning of the earth.
24 When there were no depths I was brought forth,
   when there were no springs abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains had been shaped,
   before the hills, I was brought forth,
26 before he had made the earth with its fields,
   or the first of the dust of the world.
27 When he established the heavens, I was there;
   when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,
28 when he made firm the skies above,
   when he established the fountains of the deep,
29 when he assigned to the sea its limit,
   so that the waters might not transgress his command,
   when he marked out(AV) the foundations of the earth,
30 then I was beside him, like a master workman,
   and I was daily his delight,
   rejoicing before him always,

John 3:2-10, 13-15
2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him." 3 Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."
9 Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?" 10 Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?

13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

Humility IS NOT remaining silent concerning the very truth of a world that is dying without Jesus. Humility says, "I know Wisdom, I know the One who came down, I know the One who ascended, I know the One who holds the entire world in His hands, and you can know Him to.

Who Will Walk with You? Wisdom and the Value of a Friend - 02/22/2009

TBC Sermons — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:59:00 GMT

Who Will Walk with You? Wisdom and the Value of a Friend
Proverbs 13:18-20

18 Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction,
   but whoever heeds reproof is honored.
19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
   but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.
20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
   but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

1) Biblical friendship requires COMMITMENT
Prov. 17:24
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,
   but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

2) Biblical friendship requires CANDOR
Prov. 27:5-6
5 Better is open rebuke
   than hidden love.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
   profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

3) Biblical friendship develops CHARACTER
Prov. 27:17
17 Iron sharpens iron,
   and one man sharpens another.

What friendship in your life is doing anything for your character?

4) Biblical friendship (or lack thereof) has spiritual CONSEQUENCES
Prov. 13:20
20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
   but the companion of fools will suffer harm.