Title: Why Is The Church So Opposed?
Text: Acts 28:22

SERIES on the Church (Part Eight)

Introduction: We all know that there seems to be a problem among folks about the church of Christ. Many of the denominations are accepted without hesitation. However, the Lord’s church is opposed by a majority. I daresay that most of the time “church of Christ” comes up in a conversation, it is generally in a very negative way. Sometimes you can even notice a “flash of the eyes” or a flaring of the nostrils at the mere mention of the church. One wonders just exactly what it is that elicits such reaction and opposition.

One thing is sure—it is not some new thing. When Paul arrive in Rome, he “called the leaders of the Jews together” (Acts 28:17a). He tells them of his innocence in regard to the charges leveled against him by the Jews in Israel (Acts 28:17b-20). They proceed to tell Paul that they have no report about him. There is something, though, that they ask of him. “But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere” (Acts 28:22). They wanted to know why this is so. And so do we.

I. Some Suggested Reasons For This Opposition.

A. Is it because of whom we say is the founder of the church?
1. Churches of men have founders among men—Martin Luther, John Wesley, Joseph Smith, Mary Baker Eddy, Charles Russell.
2. We say that Jesus is the founder of the church (Matt. 16:18).
3. Is this the reason for the opposition?

B. Is it because of when we say the church began?
1. Some will point to dates such as 1532, 1729, 1830, 1879, 1872.
2. Yet, we see in Acts 2 that the church began on Pentecost in about the year 30 A. D.
3. Is this the reason for the opposition?

C. Is it because of the name or designation we say the church ought to wear?
1. Some will take a man-made name.
2. However, we will point to Scriptural names (1 Cor. 1:2; Rom. 16:16).
3. Is this the reason for the opposition?

D. Is it because of the manner in which we worship God?
1. Some will say that just about anything goes as long as God is included in it somewhere.
2. Yet, we find in the New Testament:
a. The Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).
b. Singing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).
c. Giving (1 Cor. 16:1-2).
d. Prayers (Acts 2:42).
e. Preaching (Acts 2:42).
3. Is this the reason for the opposition?

E. Is it because of what we say is necessary to do to be saved?
1. Some say saved by faith only, others say saved by praying through, still others say saved by grace and do nothing.
2. Yet, we se in the New Testament:
a. Believe {faith} (Jn. 8:24; Mk. 16:16).
b. Repent (Lk. 13:3; Acts 2:38).
c. Confess (Matt. 10:32; Acts 8:37).
d. Be baptized (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21).
3. Is this the reason for the opposition?

[All of these may be factors toward producing the opposition to the church. Yet, no one is a “stand out’ reason. It is that each one is a part of a concept (or attitude) and that concept (or attitude) is what causes this opposition.]

II. The Opposition Comes As A Result Of An Insistence To Follow Nothing
But The New Testament.
A. “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Col. 3:17).
1. This verse sums up the attitude of Christians.
2. We will not accept or follow anything that is not according to the truth of the New Testament.
3. Slogans have been developed that express this attitude.
a. “It is written.”
b. “Speaking as the oracles of God.”
c. “Thus saith the Lord.”
d. “What do the Scriptures say?”
e. “Book, chapter, and verse, please.”
f. “Bible things in Bible ways.”

B. A corresponding rejection of all creeds, traditions, modern day revelations, “think-so’s”, etc.

C. Notice Matthew 21:23-27.
1. The Pharisees were the ones who brought up the matter of authority
(v. 23).
2. Jesus is perfectly willing to comply with their request, under certain stipulations (v. 24).
3. Jesus states a clear and timeless principle in that there are only two sources for authority—heaven or men (v. 25).
a. If we follow this procedure and insist on authority from heaven, we will find that opposition will result.
b. This may strike us as odd because it may come from folks who say they have a high regard and respect for the Bible.
c. However, the existence of opposition shows that it is a sham. They say one thing and do another.

Conclusion: We should keep in mind that when we encounter opposition to the church, it is really opposition to Christ. Remember that Paul (Saul) was said to have persecuted the church (Acts 8:1-3). Yet, when Jesus appeared to Paul, He said, “Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4). To persecute the church is to persecute Christ. To hate Christians is to hate Christ (Jn. 7:7; 15:18). To oppose the church is to oppose Christ.

Title: The People Of God (2)
Text: James 2:7

SERIES on the Church (Part Seven)

Introduction: In our last lesson we studied about the name or designation of the people of God when gathered together as a group. This lesson focuses our study once again upon the people of God only in an individual sense. What name or designation should be used for such an individual.

I. There Are Wrong Names to Use.

A. Names honoring men.
1. This was clearly prohibited at Corinth (1 Cor. 1:11-15).
2. The Corinthians, in doing this, were acting carnally (1 Cor. 3:3-4).
3. Carnality is sin (Rom. 8:6).
4. It is preposterous to think that this was so serious a matter in the 1st century, but is a matter of indifference today.

B. Names honoring man’s practices or doctrines.
1. Martin Luther said, “Do not call yourselves Lutherans.”
2. John Wesley said, “I would to God all party names were forgotten.”
3. Some might call themselves “Baptists.” They would either be:
a. Followers of John.
b. Elevating a practice.

4. Some might call themselves “Charismatics” after certain doctrine concerning the Holy Spirit.

II. Prophecy Of A “New Name” (Isaiah 62:2).

A. Notice a few things in this important verse:
1. When “The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, And all kings [nations, tfs} your glory.”
2. “You shall be called by a new name…”
3. “…Which the mouth of the LORD will name.”

B. Fulfillment.
1. Notice Acts 11.
a. Gospel preached to Gentiles (Acts 11:12-14; re. 15:7).
b. Other nations heard gospel (Acts 11:19-21).
2. What name?
a. Saints? (Psa. 30:4).
b. Disciples? (Isa. 8:16).
c. Brethren? (Psa. 122:8).
d. Witnesses? (Isa. 43:10).
e. Christians.
1) Never used before, thus it was new.
2) Word “first” indicates it began here and continued thereafter.

C. “Called.”
1. The original word (CHREMATIDZO) literally means “called of (by) God.”
2. All lexicographers agree on this point as “spoken as an oracle of God.”

III. What This Name Incorporates.

A. Honors (glorifies) God (1 Peter 4:16).
B. Honors our Savior (Acts 4:12).
C. Acknowledges Christ’s authority and our obedience (Col. 3:17).

Conclusion: Let nothing be done to bring shame or dishonor to this name for that would make us become a reproach in the sight of God.
This is a name to be worn with dignity and respect. Our actions and activities should be such as to honor the One whose name we carry with us.

Title: The People Of God (1)
Text: James 2:7

SERIES on the Church (Part Six)

Introduction: The American Heritage Talking dictionary says that a name is “a word or words by which an entity is designated and distinguished from others.” It is said to be synonymous with “designation.” A designation is “a name given principally to classify according to distinguishing characteristics.” It is in this sense that we will use the words “name” or “designation” in this sermon.

We are primarily interested in what name we shall use in a group of Christians meeting together in a local church. What name shall be used to designate such a group of God’s people in this regard.

I. There Are Wrong Names to Use.

A. Names honoring men.
1. This was clearly prohibited at Corinth (1 Cor. 1:11-15).
2. The Corinthians, in doing this, were acting carnally (1 Cor. 3:3-4).
3. Carnality is sin (Rom. 8:6).
4. It is preposterous to think that this was so serious a matter in the 1st century, but is a matter of indifference today.

B. Names honoring man’s practices or doctrines.
1. “Presbytery” or “Episcopal” concern a type of church government.
2. Some bear a name according to some man-made “method.”
3. Some might be trying to reach the “community.”
4. Some might follow what is called the “evangelical” doctrine.

C. As a bride, the church should bear the husband’s name (Eph. 5:23-27).
1. What if when I married Martha she decided to use the last name of Horner (Mother’s maiden name)?
2. Where would the honor be directed in such a case?

II. Use A Scriptural Name.

A. Using a name found in the New Testament would be indisputable..
B. What are some possibilities?
1. Church of God (Acts 20:28, ASV has “Church of the Lord”).
2. Church of Christ (Rom. 16:16).
3. Church of the saints (1 Cor. 14:33).
4. Church of the firstborn (Heb. 12:23).

C. Found, but impractical.
1. Church of the Gentiles (Rom. 16:4).
2. Church of Galatians (1 Cor. 16:1). {Six other geographical references found].

III. What Is Heard Among Brethren.

A. Socially, conversationally, in sermons, in classes I have heard “The Lord’s church” used more than any other designation.
B. Second most often used is “church of Christ.”
C. What of these? How do they stand up to examination?
1. Bears the name of the One who was crucified, died for the church (1 Cor. 1:12-13; Eph. 5:25).
2. Credits one who built the church (Matt. 16:18).
a. “Noah’s Ark.”
b. “Solomon’s Temple.”
3. Honors the One who has “all authority” (Matt. 28:18).
4. Neither one harms, dishonors or blasphemes Christ in any way.

IV. Incorrect Insistences.#

A. Should use no name at all.
B. Should use only one name.
C. Should use “Church of Christ” only.
D. Should use all names. {Leaving one out is unscriptural}.

Conclusion: “Call Bible Things By Bible Names.” That is always right and never wrong.

Title: The Membership Of The Church
Text: 1 Corinthians 12:12

SERIES on the Church (Part Five)

Introduction: The very idea that there is such a thing as the church implies membership. We covered this in a previous lesson. It would be hard for there to be a group without the individual components. This is true no matter if we are considering the church in either its universal or local aspect.
What is it that allows one to be counted as a member? Is there a pattern that can be deduced from the Scriptures? Is there a difference in becoming a member of the universal church as opposed to becoming a member of a local church?

I. How Does One Become A Member?

A. Universal sense.
1. “… he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matt. 7:21).
2. That will is revealed by Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:1-2; Jn. 5:30; 6:37-39).

a. The saved make up the universal church (Acts 2:47).
b. Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved…”
(Mk. 16:16).
c. Acts 2:37-41 clearly shows compliance with what Jesus said.

3. The Lord does not make any mistake in this (2 Tim. 2:19).

B. Local sense.
1. These saved ones (AKA Christians) choose to meet together
(1 Cor. 11:17-20).

2. Membership here is eclectic.

a. Saul was refused (Acts 9:26).
b. The Corinthian fornicator included (1 Cor. 5:2).

3. Some may be deceivers (1 Jn. 2:19).

4. Men may make mistakes in this due to human judgment which is never 100%.

II. Notice Who Are Mentioned.

A. Jews and Gentiles (Rom. 1:16; Eph. 2:11-18).
B. Bond and free (Gal. 3:28).
C. Male and female (Gal. 3:28).
D. Rich and poor (James 2:2-3).
E. Servants and masters (Eph. 6:5-10).
F. To sum up, all who are “in Christ” (Gal. 3:26-27).

III. Membership Has Responsibilities.

A. Subjection to God (Heb. 12:9).
B. To shine in the darkness (Matt. 5:16; Phil 2:12-16).
C. “Ready for every good work” (Titus 3:1-2).
D. Promoting unity among believers (1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 4:1-3).
E. To keep oneself pure (James 1:27).
F. Bearing fruit (Col. 1:5-6; Jn. 15:2, 8).

Conclusion: What of our questions in the beginning?

1. What is it that allows one to be counted as a member?

Obedience to the will of God.

2. Is there a pattern that can be deduced from the Scriptures?

Yes. Such a pattern, if followed, will produce the same results as it did in the first century, time notwithstanding.

3. Is there a difference in becoming a member of the universal church as opposed
to becoming a member of a local church?

A slight difference. God makes no mistakes on who is a member, but man often does.

Title: The Nature Of The Church
Text: Matthew 16:18

SERIES on the Church (Part Four)

Introduction: The New Testament teaches much about the church. One must approach this New Testament subject with the determination to understand what is said on this important subject.
It has been my experience that sometimes brethren are not as well-versed on this subject as they ought to be nor as they think they are! This comes out in conversations or in classes where the positions of some are discussed. What is revealed is some confusion and/or a “blurring” of distinctions that ought to be kept clear. Let’s study this.

I. The Word “Church” (Ekklesia).

A. This word first appears in the New Testament in our text.
B. It is a compound word:
1. “ek” (“out of”) and “kaleo” (“called”).
2. Thus, the literal meaning of this word is “the called out.”
C. Yet this word is used in both a common and divine sense in the NewTestament. Thayer brings this out very capably (pp. 195-196):
1. Common sense: “a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly.”
a. “an assembly of the people convened at the public place of the council for the purpose of deliberating” (Acts 19:39).
b. “the assembly of the Israelites” (Acts 7:38).
c. “any gathering or throng of men assembled by chance, tumultuously” (Acts 19:40-41).

2. Divine sense (or “religious,” Thayer says “in the Christian sense”):
a. “an assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting” (1 Cor. 14:19, 35).
b. “a company of Christians, or of those who, hoping for eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, observe their own religious rites, hold their own religious meetings, and manage their own affairs, according to regulations prescribed for the body for order’s sake” (1 Thess. 1:1).
c. “those who anywhere, in a city, village, constitute such a company and are united into one body” (1 Cor. 1:2).
d. “the whole body of Christians scattered throughout the earth” (Eph. 1:22-23).
e. “the assembly of faithful Christians already dead and received into heaven” (Heb. 12:22-23).
3. We can see that this word typifies the assembly of people regardless of which sense it is used.
4. However, we are interested in the second sense, that which pertains to divine things.
5. Thayer’s definition and the Scriptures we have cited all show the church is spoken of in the New Testament in two (2) senses:
a. A “universal” sense. The whole assembly of people who are saved, both living and dead
b. A “local” sense. A company of saved people in a geographical area who work and worship together as a local congregation

II. Acknowledging The Distinction Between Universal The Church And
The Local Church.

A. Let me suggest a few points that illustrate this distinction:
1. Jesus is the head of the church (Col. 1:18).
a. Which one is that? Corinth? Ephesus? Jerusalem? Antioch?
b. He is head of all? He is head of that one body (Eph. 4:4). Not a local church or an aggregation of local churches. He is the head of all Christians (universal church).

2. “Elders in every church” (Acts 14:23). “Churches of Galatia” (Gal. 1:2) Is there more than one church?
a. Yes! To say otherwise is to deny the plain words of these (and other) passages.
b. The only possible meaning that can be assigned here is that there are local churches.
B. Important note here!
1. I have a number of brethren who will affirm that there is such a thing as universal membership, only to also deny there is such a thing as local church membership.
2. Such a position is absurd.
a. The minute one admits there is such a thing as a local church, you admit local church membership.
b. Let me hasten to add the New Testament admits there are local churches also!

c. To say there is a local church in ____________________, but no local members is like saying there is a Mickey Mouse Club in ____________________, we’re only missing the members!

d. To deny what one freely (though tacitly) affirms is to either be confused or cause confusion.

Title: Metaphors Of The Church
Text: Vaious Text’s

SERIES on the Church (Part Three)

Introduction: What is a metaphor? “A figure of speech in which a word or a phrase is transferred to some sense not a part of its ordinary meaning, as, the boat plows the waves” (WEBSTER’S ILLUSTRATE DICTIONARY). In EXAMPLES OF BIBLICAL FIGURES OF SPEECH by Luther Martin, the point is made of the usage of a metaphor. “The Greek word METAPHORA, means a transference, a carrying across or carrying over. A simile will gently or mildly state that one thing is like another, or resembles another, while a metaphor boldly declares that one thing is another! Thus, it might be said that the metaphor is not so true to fact as a simile, but is much truer to feeling. Keep in mind that the word “resembles” (like, as) identifies the simile, while the word “represents” marks the metaphor. When we take a photograph and hand it to a friend, saying: “This is my wife;” We are not literally meaning that this piece of paper is the wife, but that the likeness shown “represents” the spouse. Such an expression is a metaphor.” When Jesus said “I am the door…” (Jn. 10:9) He was using a metaphor. Many times metaphors in the Bible illustrate pertinent facts. The metaphors we will study reveal aspects of relationships and actions within the church of our Lord.

I. The Body Of Christ.

A. The New Testament teaches that the church is the body of Christ (Eph. 1:2-23; Col. 1:18).
1. Ephesians 4:4 says there is one body. This eliminates the idea that “one church is as good as another” or “God is working through all of the various churches.”

B. The body respects the head.
1. Head of the body (Eph. 1:22).
2. Subject to Christ (Eph. 5:24).
3. How a body is subject to a head physically will explain how so spiritually.

C. The body parts have distinct functions.
1. Romans 12:4-5 says individual members (parts) of the body have different functions.
2. 1 Corinthians 12:20, 27 says that many members make up the body. It is not that churches make up the body. The church (comprised of individuals) at Corinth were the body of Christ.

D. God uses the parts to His purpose.
1. 1 Corinthians 12:24 “Tempered” is rendered as “composed” (NKJV, NASB); “combined” (NIV); “mixed together” (ROBERTSON’S WORD PICTURES); “blend together” (VINE’S).

II. The Kingdom Of God.

A. Yes, the church is the kingdom. The popular idea that the kingdom is yet to come is not taught in the New Testament.
B. The church at Colossae was in the kingdom (Col. 1:13) – - approx. 63 AD.
C. John was in the kingdom (Rev. 1:9) – - approx. 96 AD.

D. If a kingdom today, do we have:
1. A king (Jn. 18:36; 1 Tim. 6:15).
2. A ruling king (Matt. 28:18).
3. A king on a throne (Acts 2:30-31; 1 Pet. 3:22).
4. Citizens (Eph. 1:19).
5. Availability of entry (Jn. 3:5).

III. The Household Of God.

A. This describes the church as the family of God (1 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 3:6).
B. Brethren of Christ (Heb. 2:11-12; Matt. 12:46-50).
C. Ephesians 2:19 states that we have been included. Romans 8:14-17 states that this has come about through adoption.
D. Children in a household are to be in subjection to the father of the household (Eph. 6:1). Anything else is rebellion! In the spiritual household it is the same. Christians are to be in subjection to God the Father or be in rebellion!

IV. The Temple Of God.

A. The church is the temple of God (Eph. 2:20-22; 1 Cor. 3:16).
B. Likened, no doubt, to the temple of the Old Testament
1. A high priest (Heb. 3:1; 8:1-5).
2. Other priests (1 Pet. 2:5).
3. All activities of the priesthood are points and actions of service to God.

Conclusion:

A. The body illustrates the parts of the church and shows subjection to the head.
B. The kingdom illustrates that the church is a planned unit, a monarchy.
C. The household illustrates the inner working of the members.
D. The temple illustrates the necessary roles of service by the participants.
E. Entry into any of these hinge upon requirements. One must be a Christian to be in the body, kingdom, household, or temple. Are you so today?

Title: The Church In Prophecy And Promise
Text: Ephesians 3:10-11

SERIES on the Church (Part Two)

Introduction: There are prophecies and promises in the Bible concerning the Lord’s church. It was a part of God’s plan from the beginning. Thus, the church is not an accident, nor an “after-thought.” It is not a substitute for earthly kingdom of Christ. The church also serves as in important part in the scheme of redemption.

I. The Church In Prophecy.

A. Isaiah prophesied in about 725 B. C. of the establishment of the mountain of the house of the Lord (Isa. 2:2-3).
1. Time of establishment: “the last days.”
2. What to be established: “the mountain of the Lord’s house.”
3. Place of establishment: “Zion…Jerusalem.”
4. Extent of blessings: “all nations…many people.”

B. Daniel prophesied in about 600 B. C. of setting up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed (Dan. 2:44).
1. This was initiated by dream of Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 2:1-27).
2. Daniel said it concerned the “latter days.”
3. Nebuchadnezzar had seen a “great image” (Dan. 2:31). This image had different compositions of its body parts (Dan. 2:32-33).

a. The head was of gold (Dan. 2:32).
b. The chest and arms were of silver (Dan. 2:32).
c. The belly and thighs were of bronze(Dan. 2:33).
d. The legs and feet were an admixture of iron and clay (Dan. 2:33).

4. Each one of the components represented a kingdom.
a. “…you are this head of gold” (Dan. 2:38). Nebuchadnezzar (Babylon) is this kingdom.
b. The silver represents the Medo-Persian kingdom.
c. The bronze represents the Greek kingdom.
d. The iron and clay represents the Roman kingdom.

5. “And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever” (Dan. 2:44).
a. This refers to the last component, the iron and clay or Roman kingdom.
b. This is when the indestructible kingdom will be established.

II. The Church In Promise.

A. John said, “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!’” (Matt. 3:12) 30 A. D.

B. Jesus said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt.4:17). 30 A. D.
C. Disciples were to pray “Your kingdom come” (Matt. 6:10). 30 A. D.
D. The twelve were to say, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 10:7). 31 A. D.
E. Peter was told “… on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of

Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matt. 16:18-19). 32 A. D.

F. Jesus said, “for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes” (Lk. 22:18). 33 A. D.

G. Kingdom would come with power in the lifetime of the apostles: “And He said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power’” (Mk. 9:1). 33 A. D.

III. Fulfillment.

A. Pentecost (Acts 2). 33 A. D.
1. Power (Acts 2:2-4).
2. In Jerusalem (Acts 2:5).
3. Every nation (Acts 2:5).
4. In last days (Acts 2:16-17).

B. Church spoken of in present tense (Acts 2:47). 33 A. D.
C. Kingdom in past tense (Col. 1:13). 64 A. D.
D. Kingdom cannot be shaken (Heb. 12:28). 68 A. D.

Conclusion: Church of Christ and kingdom of Christ are one and the same. It is a part of the plan that was “according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Eph. 3:11).

Text: Matthew 16:18
Title: What Is The Church?

SERIES on the Church (Part One)

I. The Word “Church” (Ekklesia).

A. Its meaning: “An assembly of the people, convoked (called together) by public proclamation.” In other words, “Those who are CALLED OUT.” (more on this later)

B. The word first appears in the New Testament (Matt. 16:18).

C. Its use in the New Testament:

1. The word occurs 110 times in all.
2. It appears 3 times before the cross, (Matt. 16:18; 18:17) 107 times after Jesus’ death.
3. It is used in a general or universal sense to designate all of God’s children upon the earth 18 times (i. e., Acts 2:47; Eph. 1:22).
4. The word “church” refers to a local congregation 92 times (i. e., 2 Cor. 1:1; 1 Cor. 1:1-2).

D. The word “churches” in the plural, in the scripture is never used to designate different kinds of institutions. When the plural is used, it refers to Christ’s church in different places, as the church in Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, Sardis, Jerusalem (Rev. 1:4; 1 Cor. 16:19; Rom. 16:16).

II. What The Church Is Not.

A. It is not a material building (Acts 7:48-50, Acts 17:24-25). (Webster’s: “Church – a building for public esp. Christian worship.” (This is the popular, not Biblical use.)

B. It is not after the Jewish order
(Col. 2:14-17; Eph. 2:14,15; Heb. 8:7-8, 10:9-10).

C. It is not a political government (Jn. 18:36).

D. It is not a denomination. The church is not a part of anything.
Denominations are formed by adding to the things God has ordained (Phil. 3:16; Rev. 22:18-19). Christ’s church began before the days of denominationalism.
1. Catholic – 606 A. D.
2. Protestant – Lutheran 1517 A. D.
3. Denomination: “A class, society, or collection of individuals called by the same name. A religious sect, a group distinguished by its name.”

III. The Church Is The Lord’s “Called Out.” From What Are They Called?

A. Sinners called out of sin unto salvation and righteousness
(Lk. 5:32; Acts 2:40-41; 1 Cor. 6:9-11).

B. Devout Jews were called out of Judaism to the religion of Christ (Acts 2:5, 41, 47; 3:25-26).

C. Gentiles were called “out of darkness into his marvelous light”
(Acts 10:34-35; 11:18; 1 Peter 2:9-10).

D. Idolaters were called out of idolatry to serve the living God
(1 Thess. 1:9; 1 Cor. 12:2; Acts 17:22-31).

E. Sincere, truth-seeking souls are called out of confusion and error
(Rev. 18:4).

Conclusion: We will agree with many people when they say you can’t be saved without being called. The problem is that those who are called make up the Lord’s church. Those who believe you must be called, curiously do not believe in the “called out body.” Do not be deceived. Salvation is not without the church.

Text: Marks Gospel 4:1-20
Title: MULTIPLYING FRUIT

The New Testament has much to say about God’s people bearing fruit. For example certain parables of Jesus, such as….
• the Vine and the Branches (John 15:1-6),
• the Barren Fig Tree (Luke 13:6-9),
• the Sower and the Seed (Mark 4:1-20)

All these passages teach that Christians need to be abundantly fruitful and productive in Christ. We are to be abundant in spiritual fruit as was the Tree of Life in the vision of heaven: it bore twelve crops of fruit every year, a crop every month (Rev 22:2).
Jesus in this parable speaks plainly about the subject of fruitfulness. The parable also proclaims that God has planned for fruitfulness. We can see in the parable that there are barriers to fruitfulness as well. No-one disputes that the good soil is the human heart that the seed falls on and bears fruit by absorbing the nutriments of that soil.
What I would like to do this evening is to use this parable as a backdrop for looking at the kind of heart that bears the good fruit as Jesus says “produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times.”

So what kind of heart bears this “multiplying fruit”?

We can find our answers in the rest of scripture.
1. The Resurrected Heart (Colossians 3:10)
2. The Righteous Heart -The Zacchaeus Principle (Luke 19:1-10)
3. The Disciplined Heart (Hebrews 12:11)
4. The Evangelistic Heart (Matthew 9:36-38)
5. The Spirit Controlled Heart (Galatians 5:22-25)
6. The Careful Heart (Matthew 12:33-37)

Conclusion
In this passage we hear Jesus communicates the secret of multiplying fruit. Jesus finishes the parable with “He who has ears let him hear” Let’s be the kind people who continue to be fruitful people.

Text: Matthew 20:1-16
Title: The heart of God revealed

Introduction:
We see the heart of God supremely displayed in this wonderful parable. Matthew 20:1-16 highlights for us God’s great grace. It reflects his wonderful attributes. It demonstrates who God is in his nature, it encourages us to think about what we can expect God to be like toward us.

1. He is the one who goes out:
Matthew 20:Vs 1,3,5,6 each have the words ‘Went Out’
Ezekiel 34:11-16.11 For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. 14 I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD. 16 I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.

Matthew 18:12-14.12 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.

2. He is the one who gives out.
Matthew 20:Vs 8 `Call the workers and pay them their wages.
Psalm 146: 7-8 7.He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free,8 the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous.
God’s provision for us. In Philippians 4:19. Paul makes this comment. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

3. He is the one who calls us and sends us out.
Matthew 20:Vs 2 ‘Sent them’ Vs4 ‘You go also’ Vs 7 ‘You also go’
Matthew 4:18-22 18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
Matthew 28:19 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

4. He is the one who leaves no-one out.
Matthew 20:Vs 12 ‘You have made them equal’
Mark 6:41-44 41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, 43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44 The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.

The God who has a heart for all. The Poor, The widows, The Orphans, the Sick, The Lonely No matter who we are. Inferiority and superiority are not in God’s vocabulary. Grace places people on an equal par.

Conclusion: God comes out to us in Jesus, he calls us to work for him, he promises to provide for us, he does not give us that provision based on what we deserve but based on his grace toward us.

Text: Matthew 21:23-32
Title: Real Believing

Introduction:
This passage is about what constitutes real faith and what is just ritual or words (Going through the motions) We find in the passage clear illustrations of direct action, The action that displays faith. (Vs 23 By what authority are you doing these things; Vs 24 ‘by what authority I do these things.; Vs 25 ‘the baptism of John’ (Code for John’s life and ministry, The things he did.) Vs 27 “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.; Vs 29-30 ‘go and work in the vineyard today.’ (Work = Doing /Action) Vs 32 ‘For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.’ (Did not = Doing)

This passage links these doing passages with thoughts of Believing or faith. In trying to answer Jesus Question the Chief priests and elder touch on the subject of believing, Vs 25 “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ Vs Jesus speak to the Chief priest and Elders about believing in Vs 32, He also speaks of the unbelieving attitudes and actions of the Chief priests and Elders.

This passage is rich with dual thoughts of Doing and Believing. James in chapter two of his Epistle speaks of these two united themes in this way. Vs 14-17 ‘What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? 17 So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.’

REAL BELIEF IS SOMETHING YOU CAN SEE!

You can see it in the life of John, You can see it in the life of Jesus,
You can see it in the lives of the prostitutes and Tax Collectors. You can see it in the first son.

1. Real Believing is a challenge to others. (Vs 23)
Matthew 21:23: When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?”

Commentary: These Leaders of the Jewish establishment were challenged by Jesus Authority. His Faith and Action challenged others. He had just come into Jerusalem and over turned the money changers tables in the temple and now he was back their again teaching.

Application: Real believing has a challenge, People around us should see the difference in our lives that faith brings. People will see our faith by the things that we do, by the morals and ethics that we hold to, by the compassion that we display.

2. Real Believing is like a light in the darkness (Vs 24-27)
Matthew 21:24-27 24 Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

Commentary: John the Baptist Comments at the beginning of John’s gospel Vs 6 ‘There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

The Jesus life is a faith life, combining action and belief this combination is a light that sends the leaders into confusion, Light explodes onto the scene, the kind of light that show up, that penetrates the darkness and leaves these people feeling uncomfortable.

Application: Real faith shines out and penetrates through the darkness of this world, it gives light, it shows up evil and reveals God to others. Search lights from a helicopter, Light houses, Light pointer for Power point. We are encouraged to be shining out what we believe. These Religious leaders are sent into confusion by Jesus light, he was beaming, penetrating their darkness.

3. Real Believing is an action, not just a knowing, or a position (Vs 28-32)
Matthew 21:28-32. The Parable of the Two sons is an Illustration in Real believing. “What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. 30 The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.

Commentary: in this parable real believing is an action, the second son was all mouth and no trousers, this action is called obedience. Doing God’s Will. We are back to the doing. Actions speak louder than words. You will be judged not by what you say but by what you do. You will not be able to blame others if you ignore the truth when you hear it.

Application: People believed he could do it, but something more was required, action was required.

4. Real Believing is not a profession but a total change of direction (Vs 29)
Matthew 21:29 ‘he changed his mind and went’

Commentary: Professions are Two a penny, If they are not combined with direct action they are meaningless, they have no value, they have no currency. The Jewish leaders Were proud of there religious standing, there great heritage, there knowledge, there position. If the truth be known these things, kept them from obeying God’s will, O yes they could have said that they were workers in God’s vineyard, but so often instead of picking the harvest workers tend to spend there labour in re-arranging the stones on the pathway in to the vineyard. They shut the outsiders out, no mercy for the poor, the lame, the sick, the widows , the orphans, the Sinners and prostitutes, the tax collectors. They had no display of faith. What they needed was a change of mind, a change of direction, a willingness to do the Will of God. The Son in the Parable had a change of direction.

Application: We can all give a mental appreciation to the Gospel, this parable shows that what is needed is more that a mental appreciation or a profession but an action.

Conclusion:
From the Text: Jesus demonstrates that Doing – Action is real belief , What John did was real belief, What Jesus is doing is real belief, What the prostitutes and Tax collectors are doing is real belief. What the Jewish Leaders are practicing is revealed in their question Matthew 21:23 “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” They are playing power games with the poor They are not doing the Will of God.

Contemporary Application: What is our version of belief like? Is our belief something you can see? Do our actions speak louder than our words. Can people read our lives? Are we demonstrating our belief by the things we do.

Text: Matthew 21:33-46
Title: Bearing the fruit of the kingdom

Introduction:
Jesus introduces another parable to the Chief priests and elders of the people. This parable has direct links with Isaiah chapter 5. In Isaiah the owner of the vineyard destroys it altogether but here in this parable Jesus speaks of the vineyard being turned over to different owners. The same theme runs through them both. In Isaiah 5:2 we find these words ‘Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit’. In the parable that Jesus tells we find these words in Vs34:- “When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit”. Vs 41 “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.” The owner of the vineyard is still expecting a crop of fruit. Galatians 5:22 & 23 Tells us about the fruit that God is looking for from our lives. ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Jesus is spelling out to these Chief priests and the elders of the people the fact that they too are charged with the heavy responsibility of producing the fruits of the kingdom.

God’s plan for his people has always been to bring them into a covenant relationship with him and that they might, live out that relationship in community with others and that they should be seeking to extend the boundaries of that community to the ends of the earth.
“The owner of the vineyard is still expecting righteous living, human caring, and courageous witnessing, these three being Matthew’s understanding of ‘fruit’ ” (Craddock, 467).

1. The fruit of Righteous living:
Righteous ;- What does it mean?
God is righteous. What does that mean?
The faithfulness of God to keep and act, according to his promises. To save god’s people from their enemies and to forgive their Sin.

Righteous people.
1. Faithful Living in accordance with God’s will.
2. A life that is pleasing to God (see Genesis 6:9 Noah ‘Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God. 10 Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth.
3. The out flowing of a life that is centred on submitting to, worshipping and seeking after God.
4. Right thinking, right feeling, speaking, and right behaviour towards God.

Commentary: In this parable Jesus aims his sight at the failure of the religious establishment to live out the righteous life that God wanted. In Isaiah 5:7 we find this ‘And he looked for justice, but saw bloodshed;’ for righteousness, but heard cries of distress.’ and in Matthew 21: We find killing beating and stoning when we hear of the Vineyard. We hear of unrighteous behaviour. That which brings dishonour to God. That which is a rejection to God and his plans. Jesus is calling for a harvest the fruit of righteous living.

2. The fruit of Human caring:
There are a number of Great passages over the length and breadth of Scripture that has as their focus the role of caring for one another. This is the great mission that Jesus undertakes. To care for God’s people. We find often the picture of shepherds in the scripture that describe to us about God’s care. In the N.T. we find numerous passages that speak of Human caring. Here are two.

1. Romans 12:9-21 ‘9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

2. Ephesians 4:2-3 ‘ Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.’

This ties in with the character and conduct of the tenants in this parable. ‘Killing beating and stoning’ vs35 This is the rejection and de-valuing of humanity.

Commentary: Jesus perhaps aims his sight at the amount of people who are widowed, orphaned, poor, lame, outcast on ritual grounds, outcast on religious grounds, outcast on civic grounds.

We might never have stoned, killed or even beat someone up, but perhaps we have assaulted people in other ways, perhaps we have been quick to react, Quick to judge and condemn. Where is the milk of human kindness. For those who are suffering, for those who are troubled and need comfort. Where is the fruit of Human caring?

3. The fruit of Courageous witnessing:
Although we do not find any direct thoughts of witnessing in this parable we do find when we look at this parable that the harvest is one of it’s central great themes. Fruit is the outcome of the planting and growing of the vine. Jesus likens the Vineyard to the Kingdom of God in Vs 43 “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.”

In the Old Testament the people of God were to be the ambassadors of God’s Blessing to other nations and the means by which his word would be declared throughout the world and the means by which his power and kingdom would be extended. This is the harvest of the world.

God has in his view the whole world, not Just the Nation of Israel. This was the constant cry of the prophets of the O.T. for the people of God to recognise who they were and reach out to others with the blessing of God. This they failed to do.

Jesus calls his disciples to rise to the work of the harvest.
Luke 10:2 ‘He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field’.

Matthew 9:37-38 ‘Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Jesus in this parable is reminding the chief priests and the elders of the people of their responsibilities concerning the extension of God’s kingdom. They had taken their eyes off what God’s plan for the world around them.

Contemporary Application:
We are reminded in this parable about the responsibilities we have for bearing fruit of righteousness and righteous living. The out flowing of a life that is centred on submitting to, worshipping and seeking after God.

We are reminded in this parable about the responsibilities that we have one for the other, for those who are in our church and those who are the widows, the orphans those who need our help and care in this troubled world.

We are reminded about the plan that God has for the world in which we live in, he is serious that the world hears the good news of Jesus Christ. That we are the ambassadors of Jesus in the worlds of Paul ‘We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.’

We as God’s church have a challenge from this passage to bear the right kinds of fruit in our lives.

Text:John 20:19-31
Title: “Jesus gives bread for the Journey”

1. Jesus Gives “Peace to the fearful”. (Vs 19-20)
Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”

What is this “three times” peace? Shalom.
Where in the world is peace needed today?

2. Jesus Gives “Equipping to the weak”. (Vs 21-23)
As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

“Sent” Ones. To anyone, to everyone.

1.Sent to Comfort the disturbed.
2.Sent to disturb the comfortable.

“Breathed” on Ones. Given life to give life to others.

1. The full power of that breathing comes in Acts 2
2. An upper room transformation.

3. Jesus Gives “Faith to the Doubting” (Vs 24-28)
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas makes a journey from doubt to faith.
Many are on that journey today. Battle of belief.
Thomas makes a discovery about Jesus.

4. Jesus Gives “Promise for the future” (Vs 29 –31)
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed”
This is a mission statement, the promise of blessed believers, responding to the gospel.

Text: Luke 10:1-11 and 16-20
Title: “Disciples – Commissioned and Equipped”

Introduction:
1. Context
2. Vv 1 – Appointed and Sent.
3. Who were they? Just disciples! Commissioned

Disciples who are commissioned are……

1. ……….to pray for the harvest.
Vv2 “He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Praying as we have our gaze upon God.
Praying as we have our gaze upon the harvest.

In what ways can I/we pray for the harvest today?

Disciples who are commissioned are……

2. ……….to prepare hearts.
Vv3-7 3 Go! “I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.5 “When you enter a house, first say, `Peace to this house.’ 6 If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.”

“lambs among wolves” The work of preparing hearts is not an easy one, we become vulnerable to all sorts of trials and temptations.

“Do not take…..” The work of preparing hearts requires sacrifice and perseverance and singlemindedness.

“do not greet anyone on the road” The work of preparing hearts is a matter of urgency. Do not get tied up with things that take all of you time. And do not hinder or retard yourselves with needless ceremonies or compliments

“If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him” The work of preparing hearts brings us into contact with those who will receive and those who will reject the message of the kingdom.

In what ways can I/We prepare hearts today?

Disciples who are commissioned are……

3. ……….to provide healing.
Vv 9 “Heal the sick who are there and tell them, `The kingdom of God is near you.”
“Heal” – Means 2 things in the original language (1) To serve, do service. (To Minister to) (2) To heal, cure, restore to health.

“Sick” Means weak, infirm, feeble.

You could translate this “minister to the weak and infirm” in addition to “heal the sick”

In what ways can I/We provide healing today?

Disciples who are commissioned are……

4. ………..to present the kingdom
Vv 8-11 8 “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. 9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, `The kingdom of God is near you.’ 10 But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, 11 `Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.’

“The Kingdom of God is near you” Means a number of things from the original greek
1.Royal power, kingship, dominion and rule.
2.It could mean – God’s restoring presence is about to break in among you. Near your doors.
3.It could mean – God’s power and authority dealing with evil and it’s effects.
4.It could mean – God’s ultimate sovereign rule governing and influencing peoples lives and decisions.

“tell them” Means a number of things in the original language ,
1.to say, to speak
2.affirm over, maintain
3.to teach
4.to exhort, advise, to command, direct
5.to point out with words,
6.to call,
7.to speak out, speak of, mention

Presenting the kingdom as being close at hand.
His help, presence and peace are only a prayer away.

In what ways can I/we present the kingdom today?

Text: Ephesians 1:5-6
Title: Adopted, Adopted, Adopted!

My nerves were in tatters, my heart was pounding in side my chest, I was sweating, Fear was gripping me, I was dreading this moment, but I knew that this single moment could effect the rest of my life. The sound of the door opening and these familiar words ‘Hello, Boy’ I had just been released from prison, and the person I was now seeing was the person I had committed offences against I had stolen a vast quantity of money from this persons house. And now I was facing them, and instead of the rejection I deserved and thought would come came something wonderful, I couldn’t believe my ears as I heard these words ‘We love you Graeme, and God hasn’t finished with you yet and neither have we, we would like you to come and live with us’. Two weeks after this occasion I became a child of God. The family I went to live with were Christians, they had prayed for me every day since I broke into their house, and had decided before God that by God’s grace they needed to respond to my needs. I stayed with them for over 3 years. A former prisoner became an adopted son. I became part of their family; I was living in a privileged relationship with them. A prisoner set free from more than just prison, and an orphan become a son. My own response to God’s grace through this sequence of events was that I should live differently, I had an obligation to live as a child of God.

(1) A quick look at Adoption:
Firstly we look at adoption in Roman Legal practice: Adoption was the legal action by which a person takes into his family a child not his own with the purpose of treating him as and giving him all the privileges of his own natural child. An adopted child was legally entitled to all rights and privileges of a natural-born child.

Barclay observes, (1) “The adopted person lost all rights in his old family and gained all the rights of a legitimate son in his new family… He got a new father. He became heir to his new father’s estate. Even if other sons were afterwards born it did not affect his rights. He was inalienably co—heir with them.
In law, the old life of the adopted person was completely wiped out; for instance all debts were canceled. He was regarded as a new person entering into a new life with which the past had nothing to do. In the eyes of the law he was absolutely the son of his new father.” They even had an adoption ceremony that was carried out in the presence of seven witnesses. (William Barclay, The Letter to the Romans. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1977, p. 106)

Adoption in Jewish Life: In the Old Testament God adopted the people of Israel as His own peculiar people. They enjoyed a special relationship as the chosen people of God. They were God’s people by adoption (Romans 9:4, 26).
Why did God choose Israel and not Babylon, Egypt or Assyria? They were much larger and more powerful than Israel. Deuteronomy 7:6-8 tells us it was an act of God’s grace. God told Moses:

“For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but because the Lord loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers, the Lord brought you out by a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful”

To Paul’s hearers the idea of adoption was not a foreign idea, but something that both the Romans and Jew knew. The status of adoption brought a sense of a privileged position and because of this promoted a response to it.
Adoption is by grace alone and applies to both Jews and Gentiles alike. Paul reminds the Christians at in Ephesus that adoption comes by God’s sovereignty. By God alone and not by observance to the law or reliance on nationalistic pride. Paul silences his critics by reminding all Christians every where what adoption means. This should cause them to live differently.
.

There are some things that we want to consider in the light of this for our lives today.

Firstly: Paul helps us in his Roman Epistle “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:14b & 15

Lets look at what Paul says here in this Roman Epistle about the subject of Adoption before returning to Ephesians.

(1) We are prisoners no longer – We should live differently.
Paul reminds his hearers that they are Sons of God – Not slaves, or prisoners of sin, and because of this they should live differently.

We consider what these 2 verses might mean for our lives today.

For us today this means we are not prisoners: Paul reminds us that we are not prisoners any longer to the power of fear & sin. We are reminded that no longer do we need to toil and strain beneath the old life of obedience to our own sinful desires. We are reminded that by the Holy Spirit and as we are led by the Holy Spirit we have been and are being set free and that the grace of God has been given to us like a royal pardon.

For us today this means we are not slaves. We have been given a new life, the power behind our old life has been broken and we have been released from slavery into a new life living as one of God’s children.

For us today this means we are not in bondage. We have been delivered from the power of sin by the death of Jesus on the Cross. He destroyed death and rose again to give us life. Why? This has happened to bring us into a relationship with God. The things of the past can be laid to rest and by God’s Spirit can have no effect and place in our future. This is a gift of God’s grace to us.

For us today this means we have a new life. We are assured this new life daily by the Spirit as we yield to the Spirit’s guidance and walk in obedience to God.

Secondly: lets return to the Ephesian Epistleand chapter 1:5 as we look further in to the subject of Adoption.

The Contemporary English version puts it this way ‘God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God’s own adopted children. 6 God was very kind to us because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God.’

(2) We are orphans no Longer – We should live differently.

Paul reminds his hearers that they are children of God of God – Not orphans, they have been adopted and because of this they should live differently.

We consider what this verse might mean for us today..
We find in this verse we have just read 3 significant impressions for our lives today.

Impression number one: Adoption:

For us today this means we have been welcomed into God’s Family. Lets remind ourselves that God welcomes and adopts slaves and orphans, people who have lived their lives as if God did not matter, and he has made them his children.
This means that they have full rights as the children of God. That they carry the father’s name, they bear his authority, and they display his character: That’s significant! and we remind ourselves of this.

Impression number two: Intimacy:

For us today this means we can know the Father’s love and enjoy His affection. Lets remind ourselves of the closeness and intimacy we can have with our Father God.
We can hear the words of John echo in our ears ‘How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1) Closeness with God is a wonderful thing. Knowing his presence and his care is strengthening. It brings joy to us. It’s transforming. To be in this relationship does not mean we communicate from long distance but communicate face to face. That is significant! and we remind ourselves of this.

Impression Number Three: Sharing:

For us today this means we can share the Father’s care and receive his blessings. At this moment in time I am thinking about the prodigal son of Luke chapter 15: returning to his fathers home and receiving a son’s welcome, and receiving the benefits of the fathers home. `Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it’ (Luke 15:22-23). We can remind ourselves that by sharing in the fathers’ home means sharing in his provision for his children. As a child of the Father we share in the blessings and treasures of God. That is significant! and we remind ourselves of this.

Conclusion:
When I was made part of that Christian family that I stole from, my life changed radically.
When I became part of the family of God I no longer wanted to live as I once did, as a prisoner, within myself and my desires, captive in sin as or as an orphan who lived as if father God was dead. I had an obligation to live differently.

‘A prisoner become a freeman, An orphan become a son. The old life has gone and a new one begun’

As Christians we should live in the fullness of this, If we are not we should seek God today for his forgiveness and enabling power. If we have not opened our lives to God yet, then today we have been handed his free pardon to begin a new life as a son, welcomed into the family of God.

Text: Ephesians 1:11-14
Title: Sealed, Sealed, Sealed!

The Significance of a Seal. What kind of seal is Paul talking about?

When royal business was conducted, documents were sealed with hot wax and imprinted with the king’s signet ring. Seals we administered by kings, it was a visible sign of their authority over an issue , people, or geographic location.

A kings seal signified a number of things as is illustrated in Esther 8:8 ‘Now write another decree in the king’s name in behalf of the Jews as seems best to you, and seal it with the king’s signet ring–for no document written in the king’s name and sealed with his ring can be revoked.’

1.The Seal – A sign of Ownership
Written in the kings name, sealed with his signet ring. A sign of the kings property.
Further study:- I Cor. 6:19-20 You are not your own; you were bought at a price.

2.The Seal – A sign of Security –
The built in security of the seal was the king’s authority.
Further study:- John 10: 27-30 ‘My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

3.The Seal – A sign of Protection. –
v 8b. No One, It appears not even the king himself can reverse such a decree. There is thoughts of being untouchable. Secure and tamperproof. A “seal” was a visible symbol used to protect against tampering or harm (*Mt 27:66; Re 5:1)
Further study:- John 6:37-39‘ All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day’

Further Examples
In Daniel 6:6-16 King Darius was tricked and forced to throw Daniel to the lions because of his irrevocable decree.
In Matt 27:62-66 Jesus’ tomb was not only sealed, but guarded under the authority of Pilate.
The Significance of the Spirit. What does it mean, sealed with the Holy Spirit?
The Epistle of Paul to the Romans helps us here, In chapter 8 which highlights the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

1. The Spirit – A sign of Ownership.
In Romans 8:9, if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. The indwelling Holy Spirit is considered evidence that we are truly Christ’s (i.e., a mark of ownership.

2. The Spirit – A sign of Security.
In Romans 8:16, the Spirit Himself “bears witness” that we are children of God (i.e., guarantees our security)

3. The Spirit – A sign of Protection.
In Romans 8:13-14, it is by the Spirit of God that we “put to death the deeds of the body” so we can live (i.e., to some degree helping to protect against tampering or harm,

However, There is another aspect In the context of Ephesians that Paul offers for our consideration This is what Paul had in mind… the Spirit as a sign of Hope

4. The Spirit – A sign of Hope.

Ephesians 1:14 ‘who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession–to the praise of his glory.’ Paul speak of the Holy Spirit as a ‘deposit’ or a ‘pledge’ that guarantees our destiny in heaven.

Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

The Greek word translated Deposit or Pledge is arrabon. This word means “an earnest, a part payment given in advance.”

What is in view here is a down payment. Literally, the Holy Spirit is given to us as the first instalment of all that will follow.

When you get a first instalment, you are assured that there will be much more of the same kind of thing to follow. The Holy Spirit by whom we are indwelt is the real thing, but only just a taste! He is merely the down payment. A foretaste of all that will come.

BIBLE STUDIES BASED ON THE HYMN “Christ triumphant ever reigning.”

Part Three

Title: Priestly King
Text: Hebrews 1:1-4

INTRODUCTION to the Study
Is the picture of Jesus at Christmas a true picture of who he is and what he has done. The smallness of the Christmas babe is all well and good but there is more to Jesus than a borrowed manger in stable in Bethlehem. The Bible does not portray a small Jesus, but a majestic, mighty, strong, compassionate, and awesome Jesus. During the last few weeks we have been looking at some of the attributes and character of this wonderful Jesus. We have been using for our backdrop the hymn “Christ Triumphant”!
The first week we looked at the 2nd verse of the hymn “Word Incarnate” and combined that with some studies in John 1. We also were asking the broad question “Who is Jesus?” and finding some answers from the John 1 passage. Last wee we looked at verse 3 of the hymn “Suffering Servant” we combined that with some studies from the 53rd chapter of Isaiah. We on that occasion we in a general sense asking the question “What was Christ’s purpose?” We were turning to Isaiah 53 to find some answers. This week we will be spending time in the fourth verse of the hymn “Priestly King” We will be focusing our attention to the book of Hebrews, Chapter one verses 1-4. We will be asking again a question. “What is Jesus doing now?” and seeking to find some answers from the book of Hebrews.

INTRODUCTION to Hebrews
This book of Hebrew is unlike any other in the New Testament. It’s subject matter is distinctive and it’s dual pictures of Jesus as king and high priest is prominent. Through out the book we find the author alluding to old testament themes and types that were more pointed toward the tabernacle rather than the temple. The book was written to Jewish Christians to affirm to them the Glory of Jesus and his wonderful service and purpose. The author sees the thrust of the entire O.T. canon leading inescapably to Jesus. That the entirety of Jewish history is brought to a climax in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Only in Jesus can we fully understand the old testament. The New is in the old concealed and the old is in the new revealed.

A KING AND A PRIEST. Christ is Reigning and Ministering.
The two themes that we are going to look at this evening in answer to the question “What is Jesus doing now?”

Jesus Christ – A KING He is reigning

(a) Hebrews 1:3
“sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high”

(b) Hebrews 1:8 & 9
“Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever”

Revelation 19:16
“KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS”.

1 Timothy 6:14
“Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords”

So what is Jesus doing now? He is reigning. Paul puts it again in a different manner in Ephesians 1:20-23. All power is his, all authority is his, all rule is his, indeed the King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s. indeed this is consistent with Isaiah’s prophesy about the messiah. Isaiah 9:7.

Reigning over the nations. All authority is in his hand. We do not see an abdicated king. We see Jesus. Our King. Nothing happens in this world without the knowledge of Jesus. This is against the current thought of process theology that says Jesus is changeable and that he does not have complete rule.

Reigning over the church. He is our King and we are his people. Do we honour him as our king? Are our lives subject to him. Do we revere him in our worship. Do we acknowledge in our daily lives that he is reigning over us, leading and guiding us. Have we surrendered to him and his will.

(2) Jesus Christ – A PRIEST He is ministering.
In the sense of applying the benefits of a finished work

Hebrews 5:9-11
“High Priest”

Hebrews 8: 2&6 & 9:15
“Minister & Mediator”

Hebrews 10:19-23
“Sprinkled and Washed”

1 John 2:1
“The Advocate”

Romans 8:34
“Makes intercession for us”

Acts 5:31
“to give repentance… and forgiveness of sins”

Ephesians 1:18-23
“The Fullness who fills all in all”

The Son, is seated at the right hand of the majesty on high. This conjures up all kinds of images for us. Thrones and authority (Isaiah 6 or Revelation 4) Resting, the work of redemption complete, finished. That’s what “sitting at the right hand” means. He is the mediator of a finished work that no one can add to. Well, yes, the atoning work is done, and what Jesus does now is mind blowing reigning and serving ministering that New Covenant, applying the blood, applying the ministry of the cross by the ministry of the given spirit. Giving to us through the spirit, providing for us and so on the list is endless.

The third verse of the hymn “Christ Triumphant Ever Reigning”
Priestly king, enthroned for ever
high in heaven above!
sin and death and hell shall never
stifle hymns of love:
Yours the glory and the crown,
the high renown, the eternal name.

BIBLE STUDIES BASED ON THE HYMN “Christ triumphant ever reigning.”

Part Two

Title: Suffering Servant
Text: ISAIAH 52:13-53:12

INTRODUCTION to the Study

To what extent have you ever sacrificed for someone else?

Sacrifice can mean giving up something you really want in order for someone else to have it. An even greater sacrifice involves taking on something that you really do not want so that someone else will not have to bear it.
This is what Jesus did when He was “wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities.” (53:5) He took upon Himself the punishment that we deserved for our sins so we would not have to bear it. He did not relish suffering but He submitted Himself to suffering because of His great love. Hundreds of years before Christ was born, Isaiah describes in remarkable detail how the Messiah would suffer on behalf of others.

This evening before we look at the main theme we are going to look at 3 passages among many which talk about the lamb. And hint at sacrifice

Genesis 22:7 and Exodus 12:12.
John 1:29 and 35

INTRODUCTION to the Passage
The passage that we are going to look at tonight is rich in poetic language in fact it is known as one of Isaiah’s servant songs. Of which the poetry, the lyrics, the language and pictures are rich with description and impact.
There are five main descriptions. Five main scenes and five main themes that come to us from this passage that we are going to attempt to look at this evening.

The Picture of Substitution, which is the language of exchange.
The Picture of Propitiation, which is the language of sacrifice.
The Picture of Ransom, which is the language of trading.
The picture of Justification, which is the language of the law courts.
The Picture of Reconciliation, which is the language of relationships

In this study we consider the question “What is his purpose?”
So what does this passage tell us about his purpose?

(1) The Picture of Substitution. Vv 4-6
The language of exchange.
The graphic picture of a substitute.
In the O.T. The animal sacrifice—Substitution
The animal died in place of the offender.
The offender deserves punishment
The offender is exchanged with the victim.
Jesus Christ stood in our place.

(2) The Picture of Propitiation. Vv 8 &10
The language of sacrifice.
The meaning of propitiation.
The satisfying of someone else’s anger.
The turning aside of God’s Wrath.
The blood on the lintel in Exodus 12:
The anger of God is not satisfied until payment is made in full.
Jesus Christ averted God’s anger from us to him.

(3)The Picture of Ransom. Vv 5
The language of trading.
Ransom or redemption requires a payment
PawnBrokers, Hostages, Etc…..
Bible declares we are prisoners
Unable to free ourselves.
Condemned to a lost eternity.
God will not free us by simply wishing it.
An appropriate payment needs to be made.
Wholeness – (Healing) comes from a payment -(Stripes)
Jesus Christ frees us from the guilt and power of sin by paying the ransom.

(4)The Picture of Justification. Vv 11
The language of the law courts.
We find our selves in the law courts.
We are measured against the law.
We are guilty of breaking the law of God.
We are under condemnation by that same law.
But what’s this, someone wants to take our place.
We are acquitted and the other is condemned.
Wait he not only takes our place but we take his.
Not only acquitted but declared righteous.
Not only have a legal standing but a transformed status so that we live different lives.

(5)The Picture of Reconciliation. Vv 10
The language of relationships.
“Seed” Children, Offspring—speak of relationship..
The description here is of a broken relationship mended.
The breakdown in relationship between god and Mankind has been bridged.
The problem has been removed.
The ministry of the servant has put an end to the hostility.
Sin has broken the relationship with God and we lived outside of his will.
through the death of Jesus Christ we have been brought near to God and he invites us to be in relationship with him again (Luke 15)

Third verse of the hymn “Christ Triumphant Ever Reigning”
Suffering servant, scorned, ill-treated,
victim crucified!
death is through the cross defeated,
sinners justified:
Yours the glory and the crown,
the high renown, the eternal name.