I was posed a question as of late asking how Ekron Baptist cares for Meade County.  This is a serious question that all churches need to answer.  To often churches do become isolated within the walls of the building.  To me, church is a verb.

First off, a church is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.  A church is to love one another, even their enemies.  Without exception, everything a church does should be based within Scripture as we are commanded by God to share the gospel message, locally and globally.

With those parameters in place, churches ought to have some form of local ministry to the community.

At Ekron Baptist we annually provide backpacks and school supplies for needy children.  We provide food that day as well as entertainment that is all free of charge.  Every year on October 31^st we provide a safe environment for families to trick or treat along with another meal.

Weekly our church has helped people in need by supplying groceries from our food pantry.  We also have assisted countless people in those dire times when the utilities have run high and a payment needs to be made.  We also offer free counseling from a certified counselor and others in training.  Often, our church sponsors kids we have met on the spur of the moment, who wish to go to camp with our youth. This is quite costly.  Several of these youths go on to serve in the community, they have been found helping the elderly with needs they physically cannot meet. All this is done in a spirit of love and free of charge.

Throughout the year, we collect supplies for shoeboxes to give to the needy in Meade county.  We also are a stop on the Grim Reapers Motorcycle Club toy run.  We provide lunch to the participants as well as toys toward the efforts, all of which stay in our county. Our ongoing sewing and craft ministry creates blankets, dresses and other items for the elderly as well as creating packages for those children who are rushed into foster care in sad situations. These packages often have items that will comfort a child in crisis. Statistically, our county sees a 16.9% poverty level.  This is severe.  We do what we can and wish we could do more.

So why do we do this? Why so much without requiring an obligation from others?  It’s not because we are good neighbors.  Rather the answer finds its roots in the fact that as God so loved the world, He gave His only Son to meet the greatest poverty of all mankind.  Poverty will always be with us. But the greater need, the greatest poverty, is to be found in debt to a holy God because of our sins against Him. The greatest gift is to have the debt of sin paid for, that the wrath of God would be atoned for, that in turn, we could be forgiven of all our sins. This is the gospel message.

We love our neighbors.  And we serve in the community, not because we are good people, as a matter of fact, we are a bunch of sinners who daily rely upon the grace of God, but serve out of what God has done in our hearts.  Because we have experienced our sin being dealt with by the cross of Christ and have learned through the Bible about a right relationship with God, we want to share how all who repent and call upon His name can be forgiven their debt and given a new life.

The mission of Ekron Baptist Church is to love God, love others, and to make His glory known.

We invite you all to attend and hear the good news for yourself.

Below re the rough draft sermon notes for the message on January 7, 2018

In Christ Jesus, Eternal Security by the Hand of God

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 1 as a statement is expounded upon by Romans 2 to the end.

To be free of condemnation has much more to do with the life ahead than the life behind.

We have assurance in this chapter.  Assurance of forgiveness, of grace to grow, and for the eternal security in Christ.

Justified by Faith

Peace and access

Value of suffering leads to endurance, character, and hope, which are all effects of God being at work in you.  If you do not quit, if you find daily strength in Him, that is evidence of His hand.

God is at work.  For no one repents apart from God working in him. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Conviction however is not conversion.  You can agree with the scriptures, you can boast in their morality, but without a change of heart you are still lost. Romans 7:13-25 shows early manifestations of Christ’s work.

The Christian, according to chapter 8, speaks not of law, but of grace.  For we are not under law but under grace.

Seven things about being in Christ Jesus

1. No condemnation, (1-4) but what about the law?  The law could never do what Christ has done.

2. Adopted and sealed by the Holy Spirit. (5-13) Our salvation is guaranteed because of the work of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification and

3. Witness of the Spirit (14-17) the presence of the Spirit is a proof that we are children of God. Not just forgiven but adopted. We handle life’s problems different from the world using them for His glory. (Coram Deo)

4. The World is Condemned, but the Holy Spirit gives hope. (18-25) because we are sons and daughters, an inheritance of glory is before us. We are often so subjective by moods, this is an assurance that even if we are not feeling it, we are still saved. Creation is corrupted by sin. Look at salvation and ourselves in the big picture of God’s plan.

5. The Spirit prays for Us. (26-27) God does not leave us alone. The Holy Spirit is our intercessor. Our paraclete. He leads, guides, directs, teaches, reveals understanding of scripture. He enriches our prayers.  He seals us for redemption.

6. We are in a process of growth. (28-34) Do not forget this. Especially on the emotional rollercoaster of events.   The very character of God is assured upon the believer’s life. Salvation has a process that God guarantees.  The stages of growth may be obscure, but the are definite.  This cannot fail as God is the one in control.  If He did not spare His own son, how can He not fulfill even the least little event? The son is the guarantee.

7. God’s love is assured by the cross of Christ. (35-39) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? There is no condemnation, thus there remains love. No entity can remove you from God’s love, for it is God who saves you.

• If there is no work that you can do to save you, and yet God chooses to save, you are secure.
• If there is nothing you can do to make God love you any more, and nothing you can do to make God love you less, you are secure.
• If you could sin to lose your salvation, that would mean that your power is greater than God’s. But the cross proves the power of Christ over sin, and the grave.  Nothing is greater.
• “If you could lose your salvation you would.” John MacArthur. But you can’t Man cannot thwart the will of God.

 

 

 

While the world mourns the death of Hugh Hefner, I mourn his life. It was a life wasted in the pursuit of every fleshly vice that King Solomon warned against.  He took many down the path of sin.  His efforts belittled the value of women and taught sexuality without bounds. He is no hero.

Yesterday I sat in a courtroom watching as defendant after defendant stood statuesque before an earthly judge awaiting his fate. Some received a small fine, others jail time, some a second probationary chance.

But one day, we all will stand before God as Holy Judge and we guilty on all counts.  Without excuse.

Let that sink in.

If Christ be our plea, how do we evidence that now? What cry do we have above Matthew 7:22  “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?”

Remembering the words of John Newton,

“Although my memory’s fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.”

Let us live preparing for the day we stand before God.

 

Below are my preaching notes for Sunday September 17, 2017

Php 4:1-3  Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.  (2)  I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.  (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.

Paul has taught well on straining toward the gospel. He mentions enemies of the cross of Christ, and reminds us that our citizenship is in Heaven.

Now he reminds us, to stand firm in the Lord.

• Opposition is part of the Christian life.
• To be without trials and opposition is to be a worldly church, for the world hates the Gospel message.
• To be without trials is to be unloved by God, for God chastens and reproves those whom He loves.

 

Paul inserts an admonition to two women, Euodia an Syntiche.

• Not getting along
• Creating a disruption
• We are not told the exact circumstance, only enough to know that whatever the problem, it was not gospel centered.
• They have labored in the Gospel, but need help in regaining a focus of what is important.

Distractions such as these cause major problems in the church

• Distraction from the goal of the Gospel.
• Disunity among believers
• Displaced worship.

 

Paul takes time to simply address the issue and the feel of the message ought to be that our mission is the gospel, not personal agendas.

I can think of several verses on this issue.

1 John states

1Jn 2:9-11  Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.  (10)  Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.  (11)  But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

In Matthew Jesus teaches

Mat 5:21-24  “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’  (22)  But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.  (23)  So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,  (24)  leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

 

Today, I’d like to offer solutions to the heart.  We can’t make everyone happy with us.  But we are accountable to God for our heart condition.  Our focus is commanded to be gospel centered. And the heart of the Gospel is God’s love.

 

1Co 13:1-13  If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.  (2)  And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  (3)  If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.  (4)  Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant  (5)  or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;  (6)  it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  (7)  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  (8)  Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.  (9)  For we know in part and we prophesy in part,  (10)  but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.  (11)  When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.  (12)  For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.  (13)  So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

 

Love is (Agape = Brotherly Love) a verb.  Brings about a harmony and unity.  It is a bond of Christianity like no other.

• Patient- Longsuffering, put up with failures. Opposed to hasty anger or conclusions.
• Kind- Purposefully seeking to benefit others by helping or assisting.
• Not envy or boast It is not jealous or self-promoting.
• Arrogant It has humility, not elevating oneself above others. Not self-inflated (Literaly means to blow wind)
• Rude Does not act unbecomingly (Has manners)
• Does not insist on its own way It does not insist on its own agenda or spotlight.
• Not irritable or resentful Not easily put off or carries a grudge. Lets things go.
• Does not rejoice at wrongdoing Not vengeful or happy when others suffer.
• Rejoices in truth It cares more about what is right than looking good.
• Bears all things Hides the faults of others.  Easily willing to overlook others lack of grace.
• Believes all things It does not readily believe rumors or gossip.
• Hopes all things Love gives second chances and focuses on the good of a person.
• Love never ends Loves in not limited by time, distance, events. See romans 8:31-39

 

Christian maturity is evidenced by the fact that we have repented of fleshly ways and are learning to love like Christ.  We look like Jesus.

Below is the answer key for those who are taking notes and may not have recorded all that was taught.

Stand firm in the Lord.

• Opposition is part of the Christian life.

Euodia an Syntiche.

Distractions such as these cause major problems in the church

• Distraction from the goal of the Gospel.
• Disunity among believers
• Displaced worship.

1Jn 2:9-11

Mat 5:21-24

1Co 13:1-13

 

Love is

• Patient- Longsuffering, put up with failures.
• Kind- Purposefully seeking to benefit others by helping or assisting.
• Not envy or boast It is not jealous or self-promoting.
• Arrogant It has humility, not elevating oneself above others. Not self-inflated
• Rude Does not act unbecomingly (Has manners)
• Does not insist on its own way It does not insist on its own agenda or spotlight.
• Not irritable or resentful Not easily put off or carries a grudge. Lets things go.
• Does not rejoice at wrongdoing Not vengeful or happy when others suffer.
• Rejoices in truth It cares more about what is right than looking good.
• Bears all things Hides the faults of others.
• Believes all things It does not readily believe rumors or gossip.
• Hopes all things Love gives second chances and focuses on the good of a person.
• Love never ends Loves in not limited by time, distance, events. See romans 8:31-39

 

Below is a copy of the survey that was passed around during our think tank Sunday evening July 16th.

Reaching our Jerusalem and Judea

Act 1:8  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Mat 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

How would you define our mission field? (In your own thoughts of what you think of when you hear mission field or Meade county)

 

What is the gospel message?

 

Have you ever shared the gospel with a person and challenged them to follow Christ as their Savior?    Y  N

What does it take to reach a person with the message of the gospel?

 

What hinders a person from Christ?

 

What can we do to better create opportunities to share the gospel?

 

How can we as a church support you to share the gospel?

 

Who do you see as your personal mission field?

What keeps a person from attending church?

 

What things can we do differently at church to reach people?

 

What new things can we do?

 

Please rank the following on a 1 to 10 scale, 1 being less important and 10 being critically important.

How important is it for you to share the gospel?

How much effort do you make in praying for the lost?

How important is Sunday School to you?

Would you attend a special Bible study if it were offered?

What things would you like to learn, and would bring an un-churched friend to attend in a small group?

1

2

3

 

What ideas for reaching people would you like to share?

 

 

What else comes to mind that you would like to share?

Below is the handout held on Sunday evening July 16th.

Trends in Reaching Our Mission Field

Southern Baptists

Southern Baptist lost 200,000 members in 2015, and had 300,000 fewer baptisms for the first time in 68 years.[1]

 

Losses of 204,409 in 2015 followed 236,467 of 2014.  The population of the United States grew 321.4MIlliion in 2015 and 318.9 in 2014.  Thus, in 2015 there were 15,294,764 Southern Baptists.  That is one Southern Baptist per 21 people in the USA.

 

The Ekron Mission Field

Meade County is only 11% churched with a 16.9% poverty level.

 

 

What is Being Said

Sam Eaton wrote an article entitled “From the depths of my heart, I want to love church.”[2]

A few insights;

• Church impressions of Millennials is the lowest in recent history (22-35 year olds)
• For under 30 y/o, only 20% , 2 in 10 believe church attendance is worthwhile. (All time low)
• 59% of these raised in church no longer attend.
• Millennials are the least likely group to attend church.

Millennials believe that no one cares what they think.

• Lack of interest in opinions
• Lack of invitation to serve as leadership

Care more about love than missions statements.

• Desire action and service
• Stick with the heart of the gospel

Churches lack a compassion for the poor

• “If our lives do not reflect radical compassion for the poor, there is reason to wonder if Christ is in us at all.” David Platt
• Become active in the community to help people in need.
• Have the church serve others regularly.

Stop Blaming the Culture

• Explicitly teach how our lives should be different than the culture.

The You Can’t Sit With Us Effect.

• Churches that feel cliquey, like high school.
• Be radically kind and compassionate.
• Serve together.
• Train people to help others connect.
• Do not blame others for not being connected. Some are shy, have anxiety, are struggle. Bridge the gap.

Millennials do not trust institutions

Millennials want to be mentored. They crave relationships.

• Urgently strive to create relationship opportunities
• Develop mentors and provide ongoing encouragements

Millennials want to feel valued.

• Have a genuine love interest in them.
• Show appreciation.
• Do not major on failures.

Millennials want to talk about controversial issues.

• Have an environment to do so.
• Create a program for youth to transition into adult life
• Intentionally train youth to live a godly life.

Public Perception

• Make your church present felt at public events.

Stop talking about US

• Respect their generation
• Don’t fail to deliver. Under promise and deliver in abundance

Churches are failing to adapt.

• Data clearly shows that churches are not connecting with Millennials.

 

Who is Growing

Some are growing, but with a twist on reading the data. [3]

The top 100 fastest growing churches tend to be larger churches in metropolitan areas.[4]

Conservative churches tend to grow while liberal churches are in decline. [5][6]

“For example, 93 percent of growing-church pastors said they agreed with the statement “Jesus rose from the dead with a real, flesh-and-blood body leaving behind an empty tomb,” compared with 56 percent of declining-church pastors, according to the summary.

And 71 percent of pastors at growing churches said they read their Bibles daily, compared with 19 percent of pastors at declining churches.”

 

5 Trends learned from the top 100 growing churches[7]

1 Non-Denominational Dominates

2 Biblical Truth Builds Churches

3 Millennials aren’t the problem

4 Transparency is Critical

5 Technology is Changing the Mission Field

[1] Baptist News Freefall continues in SBC Membership Bob Allen June 8, 2016

[2] http://faithit.com/12-reasons-millennials-over-church-sam-eaton/

[3] https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/factchecker-are-all-christian-denominations-in-decline

[4] http://www.outreachmagazine.com/outreach-100-fastest-growing-churches-2016.html

[5] https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2017/01/04/liberal-churches-are-dying-but-conservative-churches-are-thriving/?utm_term=.76107e7d0f19

[6] http://religionnews.com/2016/11/21/study-finds-churches-with-conservative-theology-still-growing/

[7] http://am.digital/5-things-learned-100-fastest-growing-churches-america/

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/