Saints,

The publication below is the draft outline for what I hope to preach throughout the next several months as we explore the book of Philippians.  Some changes are expected to occur, yet I hope this post will help you in your preparation and study.

Bro. Wes

 

Sermon 1 May 7 Introduction to Philippians and

The Church, God’s Means for Contentment CH 1:1-5

Background

Philippi- The city and its Origin

Prison- Paul’s location for writing

The founding of the Philippian Church- Found in Acts 16.

 

Note: The Art of Divine Contentment (Book)

 

Greeting

Php 1:1  Paul and Timothy, servants   of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

Php 1:2  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

Php 1:3  I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,

Php 1:4  always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,

Php 1:5  because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

 

 

Sermon 2 May 14

The Work of Christ in Your Life for Contentment

Php 1:6  And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Php 1:7  It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

Php 1:8  For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Php 1:9  And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,

Php 1:10  so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

Php 1:11  filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

 

 

Sermon 3 May 21

Contentment as You Advance of the Gospel in an age of Skepticism

Php 1:12  I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,

Php 1:13  so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.

Php 1:14  And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Php 1:15  Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.

Php 1:16  The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.

Php 1:17  The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.

 

Sermon 4 May 28

Contentment Despite our Circumstances The goal of glorifying God.

Php 1:18  What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,

Php 1:19  for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,

Php 1:20  as 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.

Php 1:21  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Php 1:22  If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.

Php 1:23  I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.

Php 1:24  But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.

Php 1:25  Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,

Php 1:26  so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

 

Sermon 5 June 4

Content Comes from the Gospel

Php 1:27  Only 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,

Php 1:28  and 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.

Php 1:29  For 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,

Php 1:30  engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

 

Chapter 2

 

Sermon 6 and 7 June 11 and 18

Content in Christ (6) 

The Mind of Christ (7)

 Php 2:1  So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,

Php 2:2  complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Php 2:3  Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Php 2:4  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Php 2:5  Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

Php 2:6  who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

Php 2:7  but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

Php 2:8  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Php 2:9  Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,

 

Sermon 8 June 25

Contentment Through Worship

Php 2:10  so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Php 2:11  and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Lights in the World

 

Sermon 9 July 2

Work out Your Salvation for Your Contentment

Php 2:12  Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

Php 2:13  for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

 

Sermon 10 July 9

Flee Discontentment, Put off the Old and Put on the New

Php 2:14  Do all things without grumbling or disputing,

Php 2:15  that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

Php 2:16  holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Php 2:17  Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

Php 2:18  Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

 

Sermon 11 July 30

Timothy, A Model of Contentment in a Confusing Church

Php 2:19  I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.

Php 2:20  For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.

Php 2:21  For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

Php 2:22  But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.

Php 2:23  I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me,

Php 2:24  and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

 

Sermon 12 August 6

Epaphroditus A Biography of Contentment

Php 2:25  I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need,

Php 2:26  for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill.

Php 2:27  Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

Php 2:28  I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.

Php 2:29  So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men,

Php 2:30  for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

 

Sermon 13 August 13

Rejoice Despite Opposition for our Confidence is in Christ

Chapter 3

Php 3:1  Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

Php 3:2  Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.

Php 3:3  For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—

Php 3:4  though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:

Php 3:5  circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;

Php 3:6  as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

Php 3:7  But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

 

 

Sermon 14 August 20

Suffering Yet Joyful. Contentment Comes from Attaining a Worthy Goal while Losing What Burdens You.

Php 3:8  Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

Php 3:9  and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—

Php 3:10  that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Php 3:11  that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

 

Sermon 15 August 27

The Joy of Continual Growth

Php 3:12  Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

Php 3:13  Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

Php 3:14  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Php 3:15  Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.

Php 3:16  Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

 

Sermon 16 September 3

The Joyful Hope of a Citizenship in Heaven

Php 3:17  Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

Php 3:18  For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Php 3:19  Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

Php 3:20  But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Php 3:21  who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

 

Chapter 4

Sermon 17 September 17

Contentment in a Sure Foundation

Php 4:1  Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

 

Sermon 18 September 24

Why We Find Contentment in Serving Despite Differences

 Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer

Php 4:2  I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.

Php 4:3  Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

• Keep the Kingdom and the name of Christ as the goal.
• Serving Christ not ourselves

 

Sermon 19 October 1

Contentment by Means of Worship

Php 4:4  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Php 4:5  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;

 

Sermon 20 October 8

Contentment in an Anxious Age

Php 4:6  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Php 4:7  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Php 4:8  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Php 4:9  What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

 

Sermon 21 October 15

Handling Whatever Comes Your Way with Contentment

Php 4:10  I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.

Php 4:11  Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

Php 4:12  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

Php 4:13  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

 

Sermon 22 October 22

Thankful Contentment Through the Church

Php 4:14  Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

Php 4:15  And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.

Php 4:16  Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.

Php 4:17  Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.

Php 4:18  I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

Php 4:19  And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Php 4:20  To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

Php 4:21  Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.

Php 4:22  All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

Php 4:23  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

 

 

Below are the rough draft outline notes for the sermons preached at Ekron Baptist on March 19th and 26th.  An audio of these messages will be available at EkronBaptistChurch.com

From Matthew Chapter 23

Mat 23:1-39  Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples,  (2)  “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat,  (3)  so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.  (4)  They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.  (5)  They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long,  (6)  and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues  (7)  and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others.  (8)  But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.  (9)  And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.  (10)  Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ.  (11)  The greatest among you shall be your servant.  (12)  Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.  (13)  “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in.  (15)  Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.  (16)  “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’  (17)  You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred?  (18)  And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.’  (19)  You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred?  (20)  So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.  (21)  And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it.  (22)  And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.  (23)  “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.  (24)  You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!  (25)  “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.  (26)  You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.  (27)  “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness.  (28)  So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.  (29)  “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous,  (30)  saying, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’  (31)  Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets.  (32)  Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers.  (33)  You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell?  (34)  Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town,  (35)  so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.  (36)  Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.  (37)  “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!  (38)  See, your house is left to you desolate.  (39)  For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'”

Jesus dies to establish His church, thus He preaches that we would learn manifestations of false worship and counterfeit Christianity.

 

The Setting

Jesus teaching the crowds and disciples.

• Sincere in their beliefs
• Scholarly in studies
• Missed the point of grace and redemption as they were prideful and concerned with their own power.

Pharisees and Sadducees in Moses seat (authority)- do and observe what they say, but not what they do.

• Preach and not practice
• Load heavy burdens hard to bear, lay on people but lift no finger to help
• Do deeds to be seen by others, love fancy greetings, and titles such as Rabbi.

The idea here is not dealing with never using Rabbi, but rather the pillar placing of men.

Essentially: these were in it for what they could receive, rather than what they could give.

The greatest among you shall be a servant, “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.

 

The Woes

Woe 1.             “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.

The Pharisees and Sadducees led a religion of pretense.  They did not follow God, but rather a god of their own making.

• They preach the kingdom, but do not live the Kingdom.
• Faith for them is intellectual ascent (Mental, systematic, loopholes to obedience), not a matter of the heart (True being)
• Pride was their underlying motive. It is the subtlest damning poison.  It competes with others in judgment and assessment.  We pride ourselves on being even slightly better than anyone else at some level, not matter how minute it is.
• They did not love God, but rather the things of God.

 

Overcome: Humbly seek the God of the Bible.  Seek Justification and Sanctification, that is seek not just entering Heaven, but being changed here upon earth to serve Christ. DO not look out for your own dodges and self-appointed systems.  Seek growth and be willing to change according to the scriptures.

 

(Sidebar comments on why verse 14 is not in some translations)

Woe X.            Mat 23:14  [Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive the greater condemnation.]

Footnoted in many translations, this verse is not in many of the better and earlier manuscripts. This is a reiteration of the threefold description above.  They take from widows to exalt their own power.

 

Woe 2.             Mat 23:15  Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.

They present a false view of Christ and make disciples of themselves. They lead people to an ideology, rather than salvation.

So not only are they living a false belief, they push it upon others.  Not knowing the Scriptures (which do come later) that not everyone should aspire to be a teacher, for teachers will receive a stricter judgment.

They love the idea of control or superiority over another.

Example: Jealousy over another’s success, recognition, achievement, or respect.

 

Overcome:  The charge of raising a family, teaching a class, or ministering within a church should never be about us, but ultimately all about Christ.  The focus and center is to be the glory, the all sufficiency of Jesus.  The cross is the power, not some rule of thumb and  7 things for this or 3 for that that guarantee success.  That is salvation by works. We must live, in fear of God, leading others to Him, knowing that we will give an account for the way we invested in lives.

Overcome by keeping everything under subjection to point to Jesus, not ourselves.

 

Woe 3.             Mat 23:16-22  “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’  (17)  You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred?  (18)  And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.’  (19)  You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred?  (20)  So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.  (21)  And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it.  (22)  And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.

The Pharisees and Sadducees operated by traditions that had loopholes to obedience.  This passage essentially points out the dodges to obedience that had been worked in the swearing of oaths. Thus, when hard pressed to do what they did not wish, they would change the rules to suit the needs of the moment.  They would claim to not be bound to certain circumstances.

For example, the promising of their savings to the church rather than helping their parents in old age.

Overcome: Overcome this by love that costs you something.  Obedience is costly. Do not treasure convenience or avoid duty.  Delight in being part of the Kingdom of God rather than building your own kingdom that will perish. Lay your treasures up in Heaven. Pitch in and do the work of an evangelist, have a costly Christianity.  Do not love the things of the world, the things of the flesh.  Demonstrate the love of God to all, and remember the verses about loving your enemies.  They were written for a purpose.

 

Woe 4.             Mat 23:23-24  “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.  (24)  You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!

The Hypocrite nitpicks the details but fails in the big picture. They criticize in one area, but limit it to other people.  They are experts at finding excuses.

Example 1: Serving the poor.  They judge that the poor person is simply stupid, or getting what they deserve.  They there is no compassion.  They curtail love in order to serve themselves further.

Example 2: I watched a live stream youth event at Southern Friday night.  In the comments, someone criticized the smoke machine.  This is not a doctrinal issue. It is not immoral.  It was a personal preference coming in and taking away from the bigger picture.  The evening was not built upon entertainment of the focus on a person, other than Christ. They were criticizing to draw attention to their own superiority rather than looking at the depth of Gospel being presented.

Example 3: They nit-pick translations of the Bible but fail to love and seek the actual message of the text.

Overcome: by getting dirty in practical ministry.   Working with people is messy. Do something beyond tithing or putting $10 in the offering place for a special need.  Actually get out and meet people where they are at and disciple them in love.

Love someone of another race.

Feed the hungry regularly with the intention of sharing the gospel, not soothing conscience.

Find someone in the church and walk with them, not just in a time of need but beyond that.

Bare the burdens of someone who cannot, for the long haul.

Bring folks into your home and life as a means of sharing the gospel and being the gospel.

 

Woe 5.            Mat 23:25-26  “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.  (26)  You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.

Hypocrites wear a mask, to impress others.  In some way, we are all guilty here. We often are more concerned with what other people think of us than what God sees on the inside.

So, by greed and self-indulgence, were all about themselves.  There is no evidence of refined love for God by loving others. Hypocrites want to appear holy, but are not.

Overcome: By the power of the Holy Spirit, overcome the idolatry of the fear of man and the false appearance of being holy. Do not be rude, for that is not love.  But become ever more concerned with what God sees in your life than what man judges.  Strive for holiness and purity before God. A truly repentant believer will always be more concerned for their own sin than the sin of others (Isaiah, “Woe is me for I am a man of unclean lips.”)  When it comes to the sins of others, they will not harbor judgment, but rather a sense of “I dwell among a people of unclean lips.”

 

Woe 6.            Mat 23:27-28 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness.  (28)  So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Hypocrites appear beautiful and monumental. Yet, inside they are dead.

The tombs of the area were often washed white, especially during the Passover.  This was to warn people not to come in contact with a dead body, and then become ceremoniously unclean for participation in worship at the Temple.  The Pharisees appeared glorious outside, but inside were dead and unfit.

Overcome: Fight against everything that seeks to bring Spiritual death. Practice the art of abiding in Christ. (Romans 8) Rid your life of sin. Flee the appearance of evil.  Be more concerned with your heart before God and your heart before men will change.

 

Woe 7.            Mat 23:29-36  “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous,  (30)  saying, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’  (31)  Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets.  (32)  Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers.  (33)  You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell?  (34)  Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town,  (35)  so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of innocent Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.  (36)  Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

The Pharisees harbored disgust at their forefathers for the crimes against God’s prophets and teachers yet they were guilty also.  They swore against such things. And yet, in just days they would lead murder against Jesus, culminating in a far worse rebellion against God Himself.

We are no different.  How often do we praise Christ on Sunday but go back to living like the world on Monday, or even Sunday afternoon?  We condemn things of the past, but make not preparation to live differently in the present and future.

Overcome: Be redemptive and seek to work redemption for others.  A transformed life seeks to expound the glories of what God can do. Break free from traditions and lead a radical authentic missionary life. Seek, by faith, to live out the very teaching of Christ in a way that goes and makes disciples of all nations.  Realize, others are not your enemy, they are the objective.  Muslims, Jews, Black, White, Straight, Gay, or whatever, we are called to be redemptive.  What better way to demonstrate al almighty power of God than to go to the most desperate situations and see radical redemption. Be doers of the word and not hearers only.  Demonstrate the change that can only come by Christ

 

Summation

Mat 23:37-39  “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!  (38)  See, your house is left to you desolate.  (39)  For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'”

The overcoming life is gathered in Jesus.  It is a life that abides in Him, forsaking all its own pretenses. It is always more concerned with its own standing before God rather than rants on Facebook and being better than someone else.  It holds to the standards of God and practices them, even when no one else does.  It is a life centered on Jesus Christ and therefore is Kingdom minds and biblically authoritative. It is a life of the love of God.

 

Dear all,

This past election has taught me several things.  One of the most prominent lessons is the age-old adage, “Don’t believe everything you hear,” or for that matter read, especially on the internet.  Many times, alarmist groups or personalities go about slandering others by creating nonsense stories.  Each lie follows the plan of Satan, wrap a whole lot of evil in a truth coating.  This is just how Eve was deceived and ate of the forbidden fruit.

Listed below is a short list of some of the more popular websites for checking the credibility of stories, rumors, and facts.  One helpful tip is to copy a portion of the story, paste that in your browser search bar, and see if it comes up anywhere else.  Odds are, that if it is old news, hyperbole, rumor, disingenuous, urban legend, factual, actually true, or credible you will find it mentioned in a reliable source to confirm or deny suspicions.

Even if a dear trustworthy friend posts a story on Facebook, you need to consider whether you are falling victim to fake news.  I personally have failed to do this in the past, and it causes embarrassment.  As Christians, we need to be wise, are commanded to stop gossip, and should concern ourselves with righteousness in all that we speak, post, or read.

By the way, I am not endorsing these sites or advertisers that may be connected with them.  They are secular sources and should be treated with caution themselves.

http://www.snopes.com/

http://www.factcheck.org/

http://urbanlegendsonline.com/

https://www.truthorfiction.com/

 

 

 

What a great week it has been at Ekron Baptist.   Perhaps the most exciting event was having International Mission Board missionary Bart Gibbs with us for both services and discipleship training.

In the morning he preached from Esther 4:14 where Esther learns that perhaps her entire life was created for a time to save her people.

What is your ministry?  What is your calling? How are you being a missionary right where God has you?

 

As we talked with Bart, we can see that the entire world is now seeing unprecedented growth of the Muslim faith.  This photo was taken in Louisville, of a store that caters to the dietary requirements of those following Islam.  The effect of Islam is not only predominate in Europe and parts of southeast Asia, it is a reality in the United States.  Those following this belief are in our schools, governments, neighborhoods, and commerce.  And as Bart said, “They are not they enemy, they are the objective.”  As Christ has loved us while we were yet sinners, we need to love all people and work to share the good news of Christ.

We need to become educated in how to share our faith with Muslim people.  To do so, this list will help you find books and videos to get started.

If there is enough interest, we will have a series of classes on reaching our Muslim neighbors.

 

Books on Islam, Muslims Converting to Christianity and Other Resources

   https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Muslims-Encouragement-Christ-Confidence/dp/0802471110/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1484576488&sr=1-6&keywords=thabiti+anyabwile

https://www.amazon.com/Seeking-Allah-Finding-Jesus-Christianity/dp/0310527236/ref=pd_sim_14_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0310527236&pd_rd_r=ZYEENNCFBXFHCB2XHCJ0&pd_rd_w=B6wYK&pd_rd_wg=fRE9P&psc=1&refRID=ZYEENNCFBXFHCB2XHCJ0

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/DREAMS-VISIONS-Jesus-Awakening-Muslim/dp/0849947200/ref=pd_sim_14_8?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0849947200&pd_rd_r=GYTY89Q9VS3BGKX71XZT&pd_rd_w=aBGdC&pd_rd_wg=tPv9q&psc=1&refRID=GYTY89Q9VS3BGKX71XZT

 

  https://www.amazon.com/Am-Inspiring-Stories-Christians-Extremists/dp/1434709876/ref=pd_sim_14_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1434709876&pd_rd_r=BBF8S4FCA8SZY5ADQV2S&pd_rd_w=bqo6c&pd_rd_wg=QshQk&psc=1&refRID=BBF8S4FCA8SZY5ADQV2S

 

    https://www.amazon.com/Insanity-God-Story-Faith-Resurrected/dp/1433673088/ref=pd_sim_14_8?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1433673088&pd_rd_r=BBF8S4FCA8SZY5ADQV2S&pd_rd_w=bqo6c&pd_rd_wg=QshQk&psc=1&refRID=BBF8S4FCA8SZY5ADQV2S

 

   https://www.amazon.com/Land-Blue-Burqas-Kate-McCord/dp/0802408141/ref=pd_sim_14_10?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0802408141&pd_rd_r=BBF8S4FCA8SZY5ADQV2S&pd_rd_w=bqo6c&pd_rd_wg=QshQk&psc=1&refRID=BBF8S4FCA8SZY5ADQV2S

 

 

 https://www.amazon.com/Every-Christian-Needs-About-Quran/dp/0764209760/ref=pd_sim_14_14?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0764209760&pd_rd_r=BBF8S4FCA8SZY5ADQV2S&pd_rd_w=bqo6c&pd_rd_wg=QshQk&psc=1&refRID=BBF8S4FCA8SZY5ADQV2S

 

 

International Mission Board Resources

https://www.imb.org/2016/09/06/20160906islam-101-zane-pratt/

https://www.imb.org/2017/01/13/walking-with-the-spirit-in-dark-places/

https://www.imb.org/2016/09/01/get-involved-with-global-missions-now/

https://www.imb.org/2016/08/31/2016083120160831reach-chinas-muslims/

https://www.imb.org/2016/12/16/how-to-explain-the-incarnation-to-muslims/

https://www.imb.org/2016/12/15/discipling-new-believers-in-church-involvement/

To help you be On Misssion, we have developed a great new resource.  At the entrances of the church you will find our new invite cards.  You can use these as a step towards inviting the people you meet to come and hear the Gospel.  Pick some up every time you come to church and put them into action by inviting folks to Ekron Baptist.

 

On Sunday nights, we are just getting started with two new discipleships.   At 6:30, I am leading Shepherding a child’s Heart.  This is a great study for using the Bible to make a life changing impact on our kids, grand kids, and anyone whom you may disciple.  Too often, we parent with behavior in mind.  But a quick read of the Bible will reveal that God looks at the heart, ans we should too.  Drop in anytime to be a pert of this study.

Also on Sunday nights, and a repeat on Wednesday nights, is our Men’s Study, The Cross and Everyday Life.  This video driven study is led by Jimmy Busby on Sunday nights, and Mark Zweifel on Wednesdays.

 

Don’t forget, this Saturday at 7:00am is our quarterly Men’s Prayer Breakfast.  Come for Food, Faith, and Fellowship. Our guest speaker is Rev. Christ Wilson of Payneville Baptist.  Men of all ages are welcome.

 

 

 

 

 

On March 3^rd of 2017 a screen adaptation of The Shack, by William Paul Young will be released.  It breaks my heart to be writing this.  For the book, itself is blaspheme.  I tried reading it once, as several in my church recommended it to me, but I could not stomach the text.  That being said, what I read and what I have researched from credible sources, comes with enough concern for me to advise you to be prepared to talk about the book, but do not be given into the sin of making God in your own image.

Through a loose allegory, God is perceived, by Young in ways that were never meant to be.  God is portrayed in man’s own image or at least fanciful imagination.  Young makes God out as he desires God to be, and none of it is solidly rooted in scripture, but by twisted interpretation.

At the risk of perking a curiosity, and in a need to bring about information that will help you in conversations with those who will inevitably discuss the movie and book, I want to share two articles that were written in years past analyzing the poor theology of this tome.

The first article, The Missing Art of Evangelical Discernment, by Al Mohler deals with how we so often lack the necessary discernment to guard our hearts.

The second article is of the same era, “The Shack by WIlliam P. Young,” by Tim Challies.  It is a lengthier article, focusing more on the content of the book itself.

Many times, people hold to a story or idea because it pulls at the heartstrings.  But this should cause us to remember, Satan himself uses this tactic, and we are warned explicitly in scripture that

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. (2Ti 4:3-4)

Remember, God gave us His word as our first source for discerning truth from falsehood.  The Bible was written that we can know God.  We do not need the help of Mr. Young to do this.  It is the sheep of God who hear His voice and discern it form the voice of others.  Pray for those who may be led astray by The Shack.  Pray that they may come to the true Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

However, the problem at hand is more than false teachers teaching falsehood.  That has been around since before the birth of Christ.  The real underlying problem is rather deeper.  It is that too many professing Christians do not know their God well enough to tell the difference between what is clearly in the bible and what is counterfeit.

So, let us learn from the Berean brethren; let us comparing everything we hear with the bible we already have.

 

2 Funerals

I would like to ask the Ekron Baptist family to remain in prayer for the Biddle and Matthews families.

On November 16, we saw Herb Elroy Biddle go on to be with Jesus.  He and Verna were married for 64 great years.  His life was a real testimony to the grace and glory of God.

Then, on November we lost Mike Matthews, Henry’s son, and Nellie’s stepson.  Mike was well known and loved by many of us here.  For years, he played softball and participated in activities of our church.  Please pray for the Matthews family and for Mikes girlfriend Terri in this loss.

We are comforted that these men claimed Christ as their Savior.  However, let us also bear one another’s burdens in the days ahead. Please consider sending a card, making a call, or expressing your love for them through some tangible means.

 

Decorated for Christmas

I want to give a big shout out of thanks to all those who helped decorate the Christian Life Center for Christmas.  Everyone who participated is appreciated, from the youth who hauled boxes to the volunteers who came in on Monday.  A big special thanks also goes to Lisa Frankie and Tina Lewis for heading up the projects.

 

Lottie Moon

This week we also kicked off our Lottie Moon Christmas offering campaign.  When you give to this annual offering you help to support our Southern Baptist missionaries to reach the 7.125 Billion people of the world.  As it stands, we are currently reaching 896 people groups with 3,667 missionaries.  That leaves 3.060 people groups still without any gospel witness.

Our church goal is $6,000.  For each $100 given to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, a gold cross will be hung on the Christmas tree next to the platform.  Please, prayerfully consider what part you will play in reaching the world for Christ.

To find more information, please visit IMB.Org.

 

Deacon Ordination

Sunday we ordained Mike Cummins and Paul McRae for the deacon ministry.  As well we also installed Mark Zweifel  as a current deacon.  It is an honor to serve with these men.  In future days, be watching this blog for my personal interview with these men so that you may get to know more about them.

Children Preform at The Park

A HUGE shout out to our church children and the children’s ministries teams.  Our Youth puppet team also needs recognition.  Last Saturday both groups preformed at the park for the annual Brandenburg Christmas by the River Lighting Ceremony.  The songs, and puppet act were a huge hit to the point that the kids have been asked to return next year.  We praise God for this opportunity to shine a light to our community.

Please use this even in your conversation this week to invite people to Ekron Baptist.  The kids will be preforming on December 11^th at 7:15 in the evening.  Invite anyone who missed it to attend the evening service,

 

 

 

Welcome Jeb Adams

Sunday November 27^th Jeb Adams safely arrived!  Angela had to be hospitalized on Wednesday with restricted bedrest. But on Sunday, God blessed the family with a healthy birth.  She and Lance are great parents, and I ask that you continue to pray for them and the family.  Jeb came in at 6lbs and 13 ounces. 19.5 inches long.

Shepherding a Child’s Heart= A Class for Parents

Have you ever been frustrated with parenting your Children?  Do the things kids do baffle you?  Do you long for your children to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength?

Beginning Sunday, January 8^th, Bro. Wes will be teaching a discipleship class for parents from the book, Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp. Classes will run from 6:30 till 7:15 on Sunday evenings. You will need to purchase a copy of the book, and read the chapters for each class as this will be a group discussion session. If you purchase the book from Lifeway, please know that they will do price matching, even with online stores.

 

Last night was a wonderful opportunity at our church.  Our annual Fall Festival once again proved to be a great way to get involved to reach the community.  I was excited to see the booths and costumes come together.  Every year I anticipate the Cross family group theme.  Lance and Angela tickled me as a chicken and cow. The energy of the kitchen crew always humbles me as to how they just can’t seem to stop serving with joy.

   

I thank God for so much that was achieved in our event.  We had at least a thousand people come through. Several guests expressed to me thankfulness for the effort we put out to provide a fun and family friendly ministry.

I love our church.  It’s easy to do. The saints of Ekron are unlike any other church I know.  Even though it has been Pastor Appreciation Month, this pastor appreciates all of you. Every member, every committee, and every soul who has helped build our legacy. We all have much to be thankful for around here. So, in thinking of last night, I like to share a top ten list of things I was thankful for last night.

10. I am overwhelmed at the participation of those who served last night in setting up games, booths, and welcoming folks. The creativity of our families helps to spark a little awe over the various costumes and themes for as one person put it “Track or Treat.  We always wonder if we are going to pull the event off.  However, God has always provided successfully.

  

9. Our kitchen crew once again proved to be awesome. Big thanks to Rachel and her ministry team for getting the job done. They served up 15 gallons of tea, 15 gallons of lemonade, 776 hot dogs, 3 gallons of cheese with nachos, and 42 cups of coffee.  This all involved set up, cooking , cleaning and cleaning some more.  They even cleaned the dishes that people brought in with sup and chili.

 

8 Speaking of cleaning a big shout out of thanks to sue and her cleaning crew.  Having over 1,000 guests creates quite a mess.  Week after week Sue and her team work behind the scenes to have God’s house clean and ready to go for service.  They clean spilt coffee, unclog toilets, and knock down countless spider webs, over and over again. It is often a thankless ministry, but we thank you all for taking care of our worship facility.  And as a note, Darrel C ought to be thanked also for caring for the lawn and the tedious work of the cemetery.

7 I am also filled with joy over those who were able to help set up and stayed late after the party was over.  Jenny, Karen, Lance, several youth, and many others both took extra time on Sunday to get every game, basket, and goodies ready to begin the night, and they also stayed after most left in order to get us back into shape.  Than you all for your ongoing service in our church.  Time and again y’all have been instrumental in our outreaches.

In cleaning, last night, we found all sorts of wrappers, food, and mystery goo.  Thank you all for getting dirty so that the gospel could be lived out and shared.  I believe the efforts we quite worth it all as I can attest to connecting your love through the outreach with hurting people looking for a church that would love them.

  

6 And while I list behind the scenes people, let it be known that Angela as secretary and Daryl as trustee are both quite active in behind the scenes accomplishments.  Some may only notice if things do not get done, but day in and day out they serve well above the description of their position.  I know Angela gets calls at all hours during the week.  I have seen Daryl here as early as 5 am checking on problems and finding efficient solutions.  Truly, I could not do my job without them.

 

5 I am thankful that last night several guests came to me  expressing the joy they had at being able to bring their kids to a family friendly environment.  For some we have become an annual event. During the evening, I met folks that were looking for a church, some were struggling with life, some welled up with almost tears, as you all  treated them with compassion.  I had the impression from these, that they had been rejected by churches in the past or felt unwanted by “Church people.”  One father even shared how his blended family had been told to leave a church before.  Gladly, I assured him that at Ekron, his whole family would be loved and encouraged to worship with us.

 

4 I am thankful we met a need. A hungry family came.  Speaking to a parent last night, I learned of their poverty.  Often they go without enough food to last the month.   To some of us, a simple hot dog and chips are what we make when we just do not want to cook.  To this family, it was a grand feast.  I thank God for showing me how much I have received and that opportunities exist right here to make a difference.

3 We could not pull this off without financial support.  I am thankful for those who give to the ministries of Ekron Baptist. Ministry is about people. With the resources your tithes have provided, we directly connected with people last night and do so week after week to show them the glory of God.

Yesterday, I had at least three families ask me about the free biblical counseling that we offer.  This is a gateway of evangelism and adding to the Kingdom. Just as much, let me remind you that our gifts minister locally and throughout the world. So thank you givers, for helping to spread the gospel.

 

2  With as much as we work around here, I am reminded of how much does go unnoticed behind the scenes.

Rarely do you see how much the deacons really do, and its huge. They get all sorts of requests for various helps and advice.  They stop gossip and care for the needy.  They pray and pray without ceasing. Visitors are contacted each week, and loose ends tied up.  With great wisdom, they have often helped me to make good decisions and avoid treacherous ones.

We have so many teams of ministry that I cannot possibly mention them all.  When you think of all the teachers, nursery workers, committees; such a decorating, children’s ministries, social event planning, education, and others our church simply amazes me.  I am stilled by wondering at the magnitude of the prayer ministry and serving of Bob and Betty and how we all are better off.

Truly, I hate to leave anyone out.  And when I do, I appreciate how thoughtfully forgiving y’all are.  When you think about it, it is often the quietest servants that have the most meaningful impact.

But let me mention or praise team, and various choirs.  Missy McRae is a master of talent.  Repeatedly she prays about and strives to help us worship.  Touching each life in a way that inspires us towards God each week is not at all easy, and in some ways is harder than preaching a text of Scripture.  Being thankful for her and her crew of choir members, musicians, technology wizards and the like, we can agree that have been blessed.

 

1              Truly, a church requires a team effort. Again, the saints of Ekron, the body of Christ that worships here is a great family.  I love every one of you. I thank God for you. Week after week, I am thrilled to see us doing life with one another in a way that brings the practicality of Scripture to the needs of living.  I love how we operate as a church, loving, forgiving, teaching, equipping, gladly serving, weeping with those who week and rejoicing with those who rejoice.  Getting involved in lives is a messy business.  But, there is no better example of what Christ has done for us.  Let’s continue to love God and love others.

 

Please excuse the rough outline of the sermon notes.  These notes are as I had prepared them for the morning message.  Audio of the actual sermon can be found at Ekronbaptistchurch.com.

Recap of last week….

I.   Last week we looked at Luke 12:13-34

• Who by being anxious can add a single hour to their life?
• Instead of anxiety ”Seek the Kingdom.”
• Fear not.
• Rather than store up possessions, sell them(v33) give to the needy, provide moneybags that do not grow old, put your treasure in Heaven.
• Anxiety is a heart issue.
• Anxiety is a twisted form of the original emotion of watchfulness.
• Watchfulness/vigilance is a concern for the wellbeing of others, a concern for God’s kingdom.
• Anxiety is vigilance without faith in God. It is an overload of self-seeking vigilance.  It lacks faith in the sovereignty of God.
• Anxiety reveals the treasure of your heart.

Phil 3 is the straining toward Christ, forgetting the past, with Joy by a man who is in prison for his faith.

Our citizenship is in Heaven

II. And so we begin with Philippians 4:1-13

1. Stand Firm
2. Stand firm- make plans ahead of time, know Scripture.
3. Dealing with two workers who have disagreements.
4. Problems do come- Gospel together instead.

III.      Rejoice in the Lord (v4-13)

V6 Be anxious?

What makes us anxious?

Why are we anxious?

What removes anxiety?

Prayer and supplication are to be made unto God.

With Thanksgiving, make requests.

This leads to peace. (Heart focus)

Most often we do not pray right, we are focused on the stuff we want to happen, rather than the person of God.

When we come to worship we often are focused on stuff rather than God Himself.  The result is, we miss God and are more troubled than before.

Guard heart and mind, your emotions and reason, which are two roots of anxiety.

Christians are called to battle the root of the problem, not the multitude of symptoms.

V8 True, honorable, right, pure, lovely, good repute, excellence, worthy of praise, Let your mind dwell on these things.  We are to meditate upon such things.  We are to constantly be orienting our lives to God.

V11 Learn contentment.

Humble means/prosperity, filled/hungry, abundance/suffering.

V13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

This is not a work out slogan.  It is not a twisting to personal strength.

This verse is about keeping your heart at peace despite circumstances. It is about the strength of God keeping up Christ focused.

It is about hope. Hope in what is hopeful.  Hope in Christ.

 

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. (Php 2:5-7)

(This is a reprint from my former blog)

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to be the sexton of the church as our regular team, a husband and wife, were on vacation.  I was glad to get the opportunity as years ago, while in seminary, I had a short stint cleaning a church.

When you clean the church you have a lot of time to think, much akin to the thinking you do when mowing the lawn.  Also, when cleaning the church you often find surprises.  Sometimes, the surprises are messes of careless living.  At other times, they may be lost jewelry, drawings children have created, or just a simple amusement, such as an intricate spider web.  Cleaning the church also reveals where all the activity takes place.

Thus, as I began my work God reminded me that the messes, spills, and wear from use of the building were all positive signs of His blessing.  It was good to see dirty diapers in the pail and cookie crumbs from a small child.  The senior adults had their obligatory Styrofoam cups of coffee.  The youth has all sorts of snack wrappers.  I found where in forgetfulness, I had left a pile of bulletins, scribbled notes, and my coat.

Some of the messes were a mystery to me as to why they would have been made in the first place.  But God was reminding me of what it is to be a servant.  A servant is one who often serves others in obscurity.  A servant never sets the agenda, but takes their lead from the master.  A servant rarely hears praise for the ingenuity of a task well done, more often they only gain another duty.  At one point, after nearly having the entire building ready for Sunday, a funeral was put on the agenda.  Thus all the previous work would need to be redone.  (This was a blessing however to the funeral family, they had a clean church at their disposal)

In the grand scheme of the weekend, it was a blessing to go through what another person experiences in ministry on a weekly basis.  Too often I can become routine in my duties, and here I benefited from the viewpoint of another co-laborer.

This has served as a reminder that often, the work of many is overlooked. But without their efforts a noticeable disparity would affect all.  Thus, the body of believers, when each one does their part, may not get noticed for the little things, but without everyone’s involvement we all suffer.

To the Reader

From time to time I hope to publish in this blog notes from the Sunday sermon. Please be aware that these notes may differ greatly from the actual spoken message.  They may also have typographical errors and truncated sentences.

Audio recordings of my sermons may be found at Ekronbaptistchurch.com or can be requested in CD format by contacting musicdirector@ekronbaptistchurch.com.  There is no charge for pick up at the church campus, a small fee is charged for mailing.

Notes for this message.  

Much of what was spoken in this message is not in the notes.  I want to encourage you to attend our church or at a minimum look for next weeks installment for a practical walk through of the scriptures to battle anxiety.

As a trained biblical counselor, I do not want you to live in anxiety.  Ekron Baptist offers FREE biblical counseling as a ministry of the gospel. Appointments can be made by calling our office (270) 828-3454 or by email at seniorpastor@ekronbaptistchurchcom

Sermon Notes from Sunday October 16th, 2016

Anxiety

Luke 12:13-31

Anxiety is a twisted form of an emotion that God intended to be for our good.

The original emotion of watchfulness or vigilance, was so that a person would be watchful for the wonders of God and to look out for the care of others; such as a mother to her child.

However, when sin entered the picture so did selfishness.  This led to anxiety, a watchfulness overload.

Anxiety is vigilance without faith in God.  It is a turning to self.

Anxiety is not looking to God but looking to the strength of your own abilities.  It fears loss.  Fear, that accompanies anxiety, is our response when we are uncertain about our future and/or our supply of resources to meet a need.  Often, it looks at the danger of the situation, rather than looking at God and His promises.  This is a lack of faith.

Some people struggle with anxiety after severe or ongoing causes; battle in war, traffic accidents, growing up in abusive homes, and the like.  Some folks, resort to anxiety as a means of at exerting at least some control over a situation. We need to be gentle with each person as an individual rather than using a blanket remedy to say read the Bible and pray.  Real help comes when we care and walk with an individual who is struggling.  God helps those with anxiety through the discipleship of the church, using Scripture and through the Holy Spirit, to grow in faith, thus finding God rather than reasons to fear.

The more we know God and have lived, abiding in Him by His word, and having come through trials and temptations, the less we will experience anxiety.  Because of this, greater growth occurs, enabling us to be faithful to persevere, having our joy in Him.

Turning to the scriptures…..

20 laying up treasure for God vs self

22 Therefore, do not be anxious about your life.  James 2

Eat= food

Body= health, fitness

Put on= appearance, fashion, style

24 Consider ravens, God feeds them

25 Who, by being anxious can add a single hour?  (It only ruins many hours)

26 God calls it a small thing to lengthen life.

27 Consider Lillys of the field

29 Do not seek- food or drink or be worried

31 Instead seek His Kingdom

32 Fear Not. Little Flock (Compassion, tenderness)

33 Converse of store up= sell your possessions

Give to the needy

Provide moneybags that do not grow old

Treasure in Heaven

No their or moth or rust

Anxiety is a heart issue.

Pills do not cure the real problem, they only minimize symptoms

We are a nation addicted to prescriptions

Medicines can help.  No one should ever abandon medication without a doctor’s approval.

Anxiety is a faith issue- Knowing God

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the world of God.

• Context of application
• Application comes through doing what the Word says with our problems
• Perseverance factor

Problems are an opportunity to apply the Word of God and grow.

By that we gain experiential knowledge of God. He does what He says He will do.

What is the treasure of your heart?  It will not find peace or joy unless it is in the Kingdom of God.

God speaks to anxiety.

• Red sea experience
• Jerico
• David pursued by Saul
• God speaks of the Kingdom

These two are related, success/joy/value/ eternity are all wrapped up in our abiding in Christ.