Eastside Baptist Church, Winfield, Alabama

“What Is a Healthy Church Member?: True Conversion”
(Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/October 13, 2013)
 
Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these
instructions so that,
if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct
themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the
pillar and foundation of the truth. (1 Tim. 3:14-15, NIV)
 
“What Is a Healthy Church Member?”
 
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about
three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to
the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to
prayer. (Acts 2:41-42, NIV)
 
Main Idea
A healthy church member is one who has been genuinely
converted.
 
1.  True conversion
is a gracious work of God’s Spirit.
 
"Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of
God unless they are born again. "
(Jn. 3:3, NIV)
Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can
enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh
gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
(Jn. 3:5-6, NIV)
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but
you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with
everyone born of the Spirit."
(Jn. 3:8, NIV)
 
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,
he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his
mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy
Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so
that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope
of eternal life. (Tit. 3:4-7, NIV)
 
As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even
one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. As it is
written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who
understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have
together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."
(Rom. 3:10-12, NIV)
 
2.  True conversion
manifests a biblical response to the gospel.
 
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only
Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (Jn.
3:16, NIV)
 
He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I
do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you
will be saved--you and your household." (Acts 16:30-31, NIV)
 
If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord,"
and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with
your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. (Rom. 10:9-10, NIV)
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be
saved."
(Rom. 10:13, NIV)
 
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee,
proclaiming the good news of God. "The time has come," he said.
"The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!"
(Mk. 1:14-15, NIV)
 
I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to
repentance." (Lk. 5:32, NIV)
 
Repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in
his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Lk. 24:47, NIV)
 
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and
said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of
Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of
the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:37-38, NIV)
 
In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he
commands all people everywhere to repent. (Acts 17:30, NIV)
 
I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn
to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. (Acts 20:21, NIV)
 
First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and
in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and
turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. (Acts 26:20, NIV)
 
3.  True conversion
results in a changed life.
 
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a
new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Co. 5:17, NLT)
 
Don't you know that the unjust will not inherit God's
kingdom? Do not be deceived: No sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers,
or any kind of homosexual, no thieves, greedy people, drunkards, verbally
abusive people, or swindlers will inherit God's kingdom. And some of you used
to be like this. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified
in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Co. 6:9-11,
CSB)
 
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law. (Gal. 5:22-23, NIV)
 
Main Idea
A healthy church member is one who has been genuinely
converted through the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, evidenced by a
biblical response to the gospel and a changed life.

“Solus Christus” - Christ AloneBrief Historical Background Development of centralized church authority and accumulation of church traditions  Led to corruptions of the biblical gospel of salvation Sacramental theology and the merits of human good worksRoman Catholic Justification Begun in baptism Regeneration through baptism Original Sin forgiven Christ’s merits mediated through sacrament – producing an indelible mark on the soul. Maintained and Progressed by: Church Sacraments (Penance) Meritorious Good Works co-operating with faith. Not forensic and final, but experiential and progressive On the basis of the work of Christ, plus: Church Sacraments Faith co-operating w/ good works Merits of the SaintsReformers on Justification Sinners are justified (declared righteous and forgiven before God) on the basis of the work of Christ alone by grace alone through faith alone. Christ’s work alone is the basis. By grace alone - not in co-operation with human effort. Through faith alone – good works are the fruit of justification, not the maintenance or increase of it. Justification is forensic and final, not experiential and progressive.Basics of Solus Christus No Human Merit – whether our own or those before or after us – can contribute in any way to our justification. Only Jesus Christ – through his sinless life, sacrificial death, and resurrection – can earn our justification. Christ’s merits are not mediated through the Church’s sacraments.The Obedience of Christ “Through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” (Rom 5:19) Both Christ’s law keeping obedience and his suffering obedience are necessary for our salvation and provide the sole basis for our justification.The Obedience of Christ By grace through faith… Our sin and its penalty is imputed to Christ, which he bore on the cross. His obedience is imputed to us, declaring us righteous. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor 5:21)The Obedience of Christ Satisfied the demands of God’s justice and righteousness Propitiated God’s holy anger against sin Sacrificially expiated our guilt Vicariously bore our penalty Reconciled us to God Redeemed us from sin to GodGod presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood--to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished– he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.  (Rom. 3:25-26, NIV)He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 Jn. 2:2, ESV)Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.  We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isa. 53:4-6, NIV)The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (Jn. 1:29, NIV)Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. (Heb. 9:26, NIV)"He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed.”(1 Pet. 2:24, NIV)God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Co. 5:21, NIV)For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. (1 Pet. 3:18, NIV)And you were at one time strangers and enemies in your minds as expressed through your evil deeds, but now he has reconciled you by his physical body through death to present you holy, without blemish, and blameless before him– (Col. 1:21-22, NET)For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (1 Pet. 1:18-19, NIV)Implications The cross of Christ is the focal point of the Christian gospel. Nothing can be added to what Christ has accomplished. No ritual or sacrament No human merit (past, present or future/yours or another’s) Any addition to Christ’s work is a distortion of the gospel. Good works are the fruit of justification; they do not maintain it or add to it. The cross of Christ will be an offense to an unbelieving world.For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Co. 1:18, NIV)May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Gal. 6:14, NIV)

“In the Beginning, God” - Genesis 1:1-2 – (Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/Oct 6, 2013)In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (Gen. 1:1-2, NIV)1. In the beginning, God was there.Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. (Isa. 46:9, NIV)I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'  (Isa. 46:10, NIV)From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have   planned, that I will do. (Isa. 46:11, NIV)The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  (Ps. 19:1, NIV)The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.  (Ps. 14:1, NIV)For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.  (Rom. 1:20, NIV)Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.  (Ps. 90:2, NIV)2. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (Gen. 1:1-2, NIV)"The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old; I was formed long ages ago, at the very beginning, when the world came to be. (Prov. 8:22-23, NIV)When there were no watery depths, I was given birth, when there were no springs overflowing with water; before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth, before he made the world or its fields or any of the dust of the earth. (Prov. 8:24-26)By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.  (Heb. 11:3, NIV)"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."  (Rev. 4:11, NIV)3. In the beginning, God created an unformed and unfilled world.In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.  (Gen. 1:1-2, NIV)Main Idea:The eternal God created everything that exists.

“Why Should I Join the Church?” (Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/October 6, 2013)Main IdeaThe New Testament expectation is that Christians will commit to belong and serve as part of a local congregation of believers.1. Church membership is assumed from the Bible’s teaching on church discipline."If your brother or sister sins, goand point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.  (Matt. 18:15, NIV)But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'  (Matt. 18:16, NIV)If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.  (Matt. 18:17, NIV)But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. (1 Co. 5:11, NIV)What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  (1 Co. 5:12, NIV)God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked person from among you."  (1 Co. 5:13, NIV)2. Church membership is assumed by the meaning of the word “join.”The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. (Acts 5:12, NIV)No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. (Acts 5:13, NIV)3. Church membership is assumed by the meaning of the phrase “the whole church.”So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?  (1 Co. 14:23, NIV)4. Church membership is assumed by the instructions to elders regarding pastoral oversight of the church.Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. (1 Tim. 3:1, NIV)He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (1 Tim. 3:4, NIV)(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)  (1 Tim. 3:5, NIV)To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: (1 Pet. 5:1, NIV)Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; (1 Pet. 5:2, NIV)not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (1 Pet. 5:3, NIV)And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.  (1 Pet. 5:4, NIV)Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. (Heb. 13:17, NIV)5. Church membership is assumed by the biblical metaphors used to describe the church.Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. (1 Co. 12:12, NIV)As it is, there are many parts, but one body.  (1 Co. 12:20, NIV)so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.  (1 Co. 12:25, NIV)If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.  (1 Co. 12:26, NIV)Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.  (1 Co. 12:27, NIV)For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,  (Rom. 12:4, NIV)so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.  (Rom. 12:5, NIV)6. Church membership is assumed by the numbers used to describe those who became part of the church. Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (Acts 2:41, NIV)They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42, NIV)7. Church membership is assumed based on the existence of other rolls and lists for specific groups in the church.No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, (1 Tim. 5:9, NIV)and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord's people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds. (1 Tim. 5:10, NIV)As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. (1 Tim. 5:11, NIV)8. Church membership is assumed based on the fact that the universal body of Christ has a membership roll.Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.  (Phil. 4:3, NIV)Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.  (Rev. 20:11, NIV)And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. (Rev. 20:12, NIV)The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done.  (Rev. 20:13, NIV)Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. (Rev. 20:14, NIV)Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. (Rev. 20:15, NIV)Main IdeaThe New Testament expectation is that Christians will commit to belong and serve as part of a local congregation of believers.

“The Five Solas”Brief Historical Background Progressive development of church authority Church authority came to be recognized as equal to the Bible. Church authority essentially trumped the Bible’s authority. Church authority and developing traditions led to distortion of biblical teaching, loss of the true gospel, and increasing abuse of church power. Reformation was the response.5 Guiding Principles Sola Scriptura Solus Christus Sola Gratia Sola Fide Soli Deo Gloria“Sola Scriptura”Scripture AloneAll Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16-17, NIV)What is sola scriptura? Belgic Confession, 1561 Westminster Confession, 1647 London Baptist Confession, 1689 Philadelphia Confession, 1742 New Hampshire Baptist Confession, 1833What is sola scriptura? The Bible alone is God’s true, inerrant Word and is the sole authority for faith and practice and is completely sufficient for the knowledge of salvation, growth in the Christian life, and guidance in the will of God.Key elements of sola scriptura Necessity Revelation Truthfulness Authority Canon Sufficiency ClarityChallenges to sola scriptura The world’s “-isms” Postmodern relativism Pragmatism Other academic disciplines “Morality” by majority Cultural myths Church tradition “churchy familiarity” Hearing without obedience Personal spiritual experiences Bad hermeneuticsWhere do we go from here?Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. (Eph. 2:19-20, NIV)Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. (1 Tim. 3:14-15, NIV)For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. (Rom. 1:16, NIV)For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (1 Pet. 1:23, NIV)All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16-17, NIV)

“Here Today, Gone Tomorrow” -Psalm 90- (Eastside
Baptist/Sun PM/Sept. 29, 2013)
 
1.  The Eternal God
 
Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all
generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole
world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Ps. 90:1-2, NIV)
 
2.  Humanity’s
Mortality
 
You turn people back to dust, saying, "Return to dust,
you mortals." A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just
gone by, or like a watch in the night. Yet you sweep people away in the sleep
of death-- they are like the new grass of the morning: In the morning it
springs up new, but by evening it is dry and withered. (Ps. 90:3-6, NIV)
 
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the
Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. (2
Pet. 3:8, NIV)
 
3.  Our Sin and
God’s Wrath
 
We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your
indignation. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the
light of your presence. All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our
years with a moan. Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our
strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they
quickly pass, and we fly away. If only we knew the power of your anger! Your
wrath is as great as the fear that is your due. Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Ps. 90:7-12, NIV)
 
4.  Our Sin and
God’s Mercy
 
Relent, LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on your
servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing
for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have
afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. May your deeds be
shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. May the favor of the
Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us-- yes,
establish the work of our hands. (Ps. 90:13-17, NIV)
 
Main Idea
When we meditate on our own sinful frailty in the light of
God’s eternal holiness, our proper response is to call on him for grace and
mercy and seek to do his will.
 
Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as
wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Eph. 5:15-16, NIV)

“What Does the Church Do?” (Eastside Baptist/Sun
AM/September 29, 2013)
 
Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these
instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to
conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God,
the pillar and foundation of the truth. (1 Tim. 3:14-15, NIV)
 
1.  The church
worships together.
 
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true
worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the
kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must
worship in the Spirit and in truth." (Jn. 4:23-24, NIV)
 
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about
three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to
the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to
prayer. (Acts 2:41-42, NIV)
 
On the first day of the week we came together to break
bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day,
kept on talking until midnight. (Acts 20:7, NIV)
 
For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field,
God's building. (1 Co. 3:9, NIV)
 
Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that
God's Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will
destroy that person; for God's temple is sacred, and you together are that
temple. (1 Co. 3:16-17, NIV)
 
2.  The church
learns together.
 
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about
three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to
the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to
prayer. (Acts 2:41-42, NIV)
 
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who
promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward
love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit
of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day
approaching. (Heb. 10:23-25, NIV)
 
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of
the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you
in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving
together as one for the faith of the gospel (Phil. 1:27, NIV)
 
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has
ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we
profess. (Heb. 4:14, NIV)
 
Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you
about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend
for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God's holy people. (Jude 1:3,
NIV)
For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will
of God. (Acts 20:27, NIV)
 
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of
Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
(1 Tim. 4:13, NIV)
 
3.  The church
fellowships together.
 
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42, NIV)
 
4.  The church
evangelizes together.
 
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in
heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And
surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matt. 28:18-20,
NIV)
 
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers
for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the
gospel from the first day until now, (Phil. 1:3-5, NIV)
 
5.  The church
serves together.
 
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the
evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of
service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in
the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining
to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Eph. 4:11-13, NIV)
 
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not
think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with
sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of
you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members
do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body,
and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according
to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in
accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching,
then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving,
then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show
mercy, do it cheerfully. (Rom. 12:3-8, NIV)
 
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all
people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Gal. 6:10,
NIV)
 
Main Idea
As we seek to bring honor to Christ, we must faithfully
carry out the tasks that he has given to his church in his Word.
·        
We worship together.
·        
We learn together.
·        
We fellowship together.
·        
We evangelize together.
·        
We serve together.
·        
For the Glory of Christ.
 

[Psa 73:1 NIV]A psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.[Psa 73:2 NIV]But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.[Psa 73:3 NIV]For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.[Psa 73:4 NIV]They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.[Psa 73:5 NIV]They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills.[Psa 73:6 NIV]Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.[Psa 73:7 NIV]From their callous hearts comes iniquity; their evil imaginations have no limits.[Psa 73:8 NIV]They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.[Psa 73:9 NIV]Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.[Psa 73:10 NIV]Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance.[Psa 73:11 NIV]They say, "How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?"[Psa 73:12 NIV]This is what the wicked are like-- always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.[Psa 73:13 NIV]Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence.[Psa 73:14 NIV]All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.[Psa 73:15 NIV]If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children.[Psa 73:16 NIV]When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply[Psa 73:17 NIV]till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.[Psa 73:18 NIV]Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.[Psa 73:19 NIV]How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors![Psa 73:20 NIV]They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.[Psa 73:21 NIV]When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,[Psa 73:22 NIV]I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.[Psa 73:23 NIV]Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.[Psa 73:24 NIV]You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.[Psa 73:25 NIV]Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.[Psa 73:26 NIV]My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.[Psa 73:27 NIV]Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.[Psa 73:28 NIV]But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

“Why is
the church important?” (Eastside Baptist/Sun
AM/September 22, 2013)
 
1.     
The local church is Christ’s institution.
 
18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I
will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Matt.
16:18, NIV)
 
2.     
Christ gave his life to purchase the church for
himself.
 
25 Husbands, love your
wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26
to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27
and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or
any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Eph. 5:25-27, NIV)
 
3.     
The local church is God’s means of
accomplishing the biblical mission for this age.
 
a. The
great commission is the responsibility of local churches.
 
18 Then Jesus came to them
and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching
them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age." (Matt. 28:18-20, NIV)
 
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on
you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,
and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8, NIV)
 
46 He told them, "This
is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third
day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached
in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are
witnesses of these things. (Lk. 24:46-48, NIV)
 
19 Consequently, you are no
longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also
members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles
and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. (Eph.
2:19-20, NIV)
 
b.The
great commission results in the establishment of more local churches.
 
2 While they were
worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me
Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3
So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent
them off. (Acts 13:2-3, NIV)
 
23 Paul and Barnabas
appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting,
committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. (Acts 14:23, NIV)
 
41 Those who accepted his
message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that
day. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:41-42, NIV)
 
4.     
The local church has been given the
responsibility for proclaiming and upholding the Word of God.
 
14 Although I hope to come
to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am
delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's
household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of
the truth. (1 Tim. 3:14-15, NIV)
 
5.     
The local church is essential for Christian
ministry and growth in the Christian life.
 
a. It is
essential for making disciples (Matt 28:18–20) who are being taught everything
that Christ instructed us.
 
b.It is
the incubator for Christian growth, discipleship, and the development of the
fruit of the Spirit.
 
c. It is
one of God’s primary means for spurring us on to faithfulness and perseverance
in the faith.
 
23 Let us hold unswervingly
to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let
us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25
not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but
encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Heb.
10:23-25, NIV)
 
15 "If your brother or
sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they
listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not
listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established
by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17 If they still refuse
to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the
church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. 18
"Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and
whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19
"Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything
they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." (Matt.
18:15-20, NIV)
 
6.     
The church was instituted to bring honor and
glory to Jesus Christ and ultimately to God.
 
Colossians 1:18-20   18 And
he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn
from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.  19 For God was pleased to have all
his fullness dwell in him,  20
and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or
things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
 
Ephesians 3:20-21   20 ¶
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us,  21 to him be glory in the church
and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
 
Main Idea: The
church is important to Christ; it should be important to his disciples.
 

“A Deeper Devotion” (Eastside Baptist/Sun
PM/September 22, 2013)
 

Cultivate an unquenchable desire for
God himself.

 
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul
pants for you, my God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living
God. When can I go and meet with God? (Ps. 42:1-2, NIV)
 

Cultivate an unquenchable desire for God
by spending time in his Word.

 
97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day
long. (Ps. 119:97, NIV) 103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter
than honey to my mouth! (Ps. 119:103, NIV)
 
7
The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD
are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD
are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring
forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous. 10
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than
honey, than honey from the honeycomb. (Ps. 19:7-10, NIV)
 
15 "If you love me, keep my commands. (Jn.
14:15, NIV)
 

Cultivate an unquenchable desire for
God by spending more time in prayer.

 
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every
family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out
of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in
your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through
faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18
may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and
long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this
love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the
fullness of God. (Eph. 3:14-19, NIV)
 

Cultivate an unquenchable desire for
God by spending more time in worship.

 
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul
pants for you, my God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living
God. When can I go and meet with God? (Ps. 42:1-2, NIV)
 
Main Idea: Greater fruitfulness is inseparably related to
the cultivation of a deeper devotion for God.
 
7
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8
What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of
knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider
them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not
having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is
through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of
faith. 10 I want to know Christ--yes, to know the power of his
resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his
death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the
dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already
arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus
took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself
yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and
straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win
the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Phil.
3:7-14, NIV)
 

[Psalms 130:1 NIV]A song of ascents. Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD;[Psalms 130:2 NIV]Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.[Psalms 130:3 NIV]If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?[Psalms 130:4 NIV]But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.[Psalms 130:5 NIV]I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.[Psalms 130:6 NIV]I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.[Psalms 130:7 NIV]Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.[Psalms 130:8 NIV]He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

“The Fruit of Forgiveness” (Eastside Baptist/Sun
PM/September 15, 2013)
 
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along
with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one
another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Eph.
4:31-32, NIV)
 
12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe
yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance
against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all
these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you
were called to peace. And be thankful. (Col. 3:12-15, NIV)
 
Main Idea: In order to be like Christ we must forgive as
Christ forgives.
 

His forgiveness is not determined by
the worthiness or unworthiness of the recipient.

 
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of
your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's
physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish
and free from accusation-- 23 if you continue in your faith,
established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.
This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every
creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. (Col.
1:21-23, NIV)
 
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into
the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the
forgiveness of sins. (Col. 1:13-14, NIV)
 
8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners,
Christ died for us. 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood,
how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10 For
if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of
his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his
life! (Rom. 5:8-10, NIV)
 

His forgiveness is not limited by the
severity of the offence.

 
1 Corinthians 6:9-11   9 ¶
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be
deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male
prostitutes nor homosexual offenders  10
nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will
inherit the kingdom of God.  11
And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified,
you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of
our God.
 
Blessed is the one whose transgressions are
forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the
LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. (Ps. 32:1-2,
NIV)
 

His forgiveness is not limited by the
number of offences.

 
12 But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my
hidden faults. (Ps. 19:12, NIV)
 
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I
forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?" 22
Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
(Matt. 18:21-22, NIV)
 

His forgiveness does not keep a
remembrance of wrongs committed.

 
Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being,
praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all
his benefits-- 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your
diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with
love and compassion, (Ps. 103:1-4, NIV)
 
8
The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9
He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10
he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our
iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so
great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is
from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (Ps. 103:8-12,
NIV)
 
33 "This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after
that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and
write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34
No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, 'Know the
LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the
greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more." (Jer. 31:33-34, NIV)
 

His forgiveness always results in a
relationship.

 
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father
will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their
sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matt. 6:14-15, NIV)
 
3
So watch yourselves. "If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke
them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against
you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying 'I repent,'
you must forgive them." 5 The apostles said to the Lord,
"Increase our faith!" (Lk. 17:3-5, NIV)
 

“What is the Church?” (Eastside Baptist/Sun
AM/September 15, 2013)
 
For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the
head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church
submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up
for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the
word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle
or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Eph. 5:23-27, NIV)
 
And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the
beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might
have the supremacy. (Col. 1:18, NIV)
 
Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these
instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to
conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God,
the pillar and foundation of the truth. (1 Tim. 3:14-15, NIV)
 
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about
three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to
the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to
prayer. (Acts 2:41-42, NIV)
 
1.     
The church is not...
 
a.  The church is not a building.
b.  The church is not a social club or society.
c.  The church is not a community service or
civic organization.
d.  The church is not a political lobby or
interest group.
e.  The church is not a camp, school, or
publishing house.
f.  The church is not a recovery group.
g.  The church is not a denomination.
h.  The church is not a preacher on television,
radio, or internet.
j.  The church is not a weekly time to hear
singing and preaching.
k. The church is not your family
meeting at home.
l. The church is not a human
invention or idea.
 
2.     
The church is...
 
a. The church is an assembly or
congregation.
b. The universal church is...
 
*  All of the
redeemed, regenerated believers in the Lord Jesus Christ in every age and every
location (in heaven and on earth).
 
For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one
body--whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free--and we were all given the one
Spirit to drink. (1 Co. 12:13, NIV)
 
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through
the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to
one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and
Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Eph. 4:3-6, NIV)
 
And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to
take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your
blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people
and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth." (Rev. 5:9-10, NIV)
 
c. The local church is...
 
*  A geographically
local, chronologically specific manifestation of the body of Christ with:
 
ü  A
regenerate, baptized membership
ü  Biblical
officers of pastors (elders) and deacons
ü  A
commitment to the gospel and sound doctrine
ü  A
mutual cooperation in accomplishing the biblical mission
ü  A
faithfulness to meet at regular times for worship, instruction, fellowship,
ministry, and observance of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper
 
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who
promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward
love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit
of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day
approaching. (Heb. 10:23-25, NIV)
 
A local church is a body of true believers in the Lord
Jesus Christ who have been baptized by immersion as a public testimony of faith
and commitment; who are organized with scriptural officers; who share a common
body of truth around which to fellowship; who practice mutual accountability
for godliness; who work together to carry out the Great Commission; and who
meet at regular and stated times for worship, spiritual edification,
fellowship, and the observance of the ordinances of baptism and communion.
 
Main Idea
The church is Christ’s body. He bought it with his own
blood, and he defines what it is and how it should function for his honor and
glory.
 

[Psalms 96:1 NIV]Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.[Psalms 96:2 NIV]Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.[Psalms 96:3 NIV]Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.[Psalms 96:4 NIV]For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.[Psalms 96:5 NIV]For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.[Psalms 96:6 NIV]Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary.[Psalms 96:7 NIV]Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.[Psalms 96:8 NIV]Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts.[Psalms 96:9 NIV]Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.[Psalms 96:10 NIV]Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns." The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.[Psalms 96:11 NIV]Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it.[Psalms 96:12 NIV]Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.[Psalms 96:13 NIV]Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness.

“The Fruit of Self-Control” (Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/September 8, 2013)22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Gal. 5:22-23, NIV)As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." (Acts 24:25, NIV)5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. (2 Pet. 1:5-7, NIV)24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Co. 9:24-27, NIV)8 Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. 9 But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. (1 Co. 7:8-9, NIV)6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! 7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, 8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. 9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-- 11 and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. (Prov. 6:6-11, NIV)5 He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. (Prov. 10:5, NIV)13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare. (Prov. 20:13, NIV)When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, 2 and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. (Prov. 23:1-2, NIV)20 Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, 21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. (Prov. 23:20-21, NIV)8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. (Phil. 4:8, NIV)2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Rom. 12:2, NIV)3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Co. 10:3-5, NIV)Main Idea: The Spirit who lives within us gives us the grace to control our emotions, desires, and appetites.Another way of phrasing our main idea tonight is this: Self-control is the Spirit-enabled ability to yes to the things we need to say yes to and no to the things we need to say no to. 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Phil. 1:6, NIV)

Eastside Baptist ChurchLord’s SupperSeptember 8, 2013Main Idea: Communion is a reminder of the fellowship that we have with Christ and with each other as the Body of Christ.I. The imagery of the body describes the relationship the church has with Christ.A. The church is connected with Christ.16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf. (1 Co. 10:16-17, NIV)B. Christ is the Lord of the body15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Col. 1:15-20, NIV)C. The church is the center of Christ’s activity in this age.11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Eph. 4:11-16, NIV)II. The imagery of the body describes the relationship the members of the church have with one another.A. The members of the body are interconnected.12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body--whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. (1 Co. 12:12-14, NIV) 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (1 Co. 12:27, NIV)B. The members of the body are mutually dependent.Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:15-2515 Now if the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. (1 Co. 12:15-25, NIV)C. The members of the body share unity in fellowship.As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Eph. 4:1-6, NIV)

Honoring God’s Covenant: The Message of Malachi (Eastside
Baptist/Wed PM/Sept. 4, 2013)
 
Setting and Context
Ø  Malachi,
the prophet
§  “My
Messenger”
§  Ministered
in Jerusalem in post-exilic Judah
§  After
Haggai, Zechariah
Ø  Roughly
515 to 457 B.C.
§  Before
reforms of Ezra (in 457)
Ø  Spiritual
apathy and disobedience to the covenant from apparent unfulfilled promises.
People thought God had forsaken them.
Ø  Message:
God loves his people; he is worthy of honor from his people, expressed in true
worship and obedience to his covenant.
 
Structure & Message
Ø  Malachi
the Prophet (1:1)
Ø  Series
of 6 Disputes (1:2-4:3)
§  Six
disputes revolve around the peoples’ assumption that God did not love them and
their resulting unfaithfulness to the covenant.
Ø  The
Law and the Prophets (Moses and Elijah, 4:4-6)
 
God Loves Israel (1:2-5)
Ø  Though
the people questioned God’s love, God affirms his abiding love and commitment
to his people.
§  Demonstrated
in his electing love of Jacob over Esau and in his judgment on Edom (Esau) in
fulfillment of Obadiah’s message.
 
Unacceptable Worship (1:6-2:9)
Ø  Ironically,
it was Judah who wasn’t loving and honoring God.
Ø  Priests
were dishonoring God by offering blemished animals as sacrifices.
Ø  Demonstrating
disloyalty to their covenant with God.
Ø  Called
to repent and honor God.
 
Unfaithful Spouses (2:10-16)
Ø  Disloyalty
to God’s covenant expressed in their disloyalty to their marriage covenants.
Ø  Guilty
of divorcing Hebrew wives and intermarrying with foreign
women, resulting in idolatry.
Ø  Religious
rituals will not cover up for blatant disobedience.
 
Hypocritical Complaints (2:17-3:5)
Ø  Complaining
about the lack of God’s justice against evil.
Ø  Meanwhile
they were guilty of polluted worship and injustice.
Ø  In
answer to their request, God promises to come in judgment and restore pure
worship and true justice.
 


 
A Call to Return to God (3:6-12)
Ø  “Return
to me, and I will return to you.”
Ø  How
should they repent?
Ø  Stop
robbing God and bring their tithes and offerings to the temple, so that the
Levites and the poor may have their needs met.
 
Illegitimate Complaints (3:13-4:3)
Ø  Their
complaints that God did not love them and that God was not justly punishing the
wicked were illegitimate.
Ø  God
will come in his time and his way and judge the arrogant wicked and will come
as the “sun of righteousness” for his people.
 
Last Words (4:4-6)
Ø  Malachi
points the people back to the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah).
Ø  People
are urged to keep the Torah covenant (Moses), and a second Elijah will come
before the Day of the LORD.
 
Important Themes
Ø  God’s
love for his people is unfailing, even when present circumstances seem like God
is far away.
Ø  God
is worthy of honor and deserves love and loyalty from his people.
Ø  That
love and loyalty should be expressed in:
§  Faithful
obedience to covenant
§  True,
loyal, fervent worship
§  Faithfulness
to marriage vows
§  Love
and justice to neighbors and poor
§  Not
resting on religious ritual
 
“Jesus Lens” and Application
Ø  The
promised Elijah did come in the person of John the Baptist, who prepared the
way for the coming of the Lord.
Ø  God
demonstrated his love by sending Jesus as the “sun of righteousness” with
healing in his wings for those who trust in him.
Ø  Jesus’
first coming brought healing and salvation, but it will be his second coming
that will bring final justice and the Day of the LORD.
Ø  In
the meantime, we who trust in Christ should honor him with true worship and
love, loyal obedience, and love for our neighbors.

“The Fruit of Gentleness” (Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/September 1, 2013) (Message 10)22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Gal. 5:22-23, NIV)1. Humility – not having an overly inflated estimation of yourself or your importance.Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. (Gal. 6:1-3, NIV)As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:1-3, NIV)Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, (Phil. 2:3, NIV)12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Col. 3:12-13, NIV)21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. (Jas. 1:21, NIV)2. Gentleness – responding with calmness, grace, and patience toward others.What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit? (1 Co. 4:21, NIV)By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you--I, Paul, who am "timid" when face to face with you, but "bold" toward you when away! 2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. (2 Co. 10:1-2, NIV)24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, (2 Tim. 2:24-25, NIV)Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. (Tit. 3:1-2, NIV)Main Idea: Pride will lead us to mistreat and manipulate others; but humility will cause us to be gentle and respectful toward others.Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matt. 5:5, NIV)15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Pet. 3:15-16, NIV). 28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matt. 11:28-30, NIV)

Philippians 2:1-111 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father

The Future of God’s House and People: The Message of Zechariah(Eastside Baptist/Wed PM/August 28, 2013)Setting and ContextZechariah the prophet“Yahweh Remembers”Ministered in Jerusalem after the return from exileContemporary of HaggaiPriestNov 520 to Dec 518 B.C.Discouragement from oppositionComplacency of selfishnessTemptation to return to old sins that sent them to exileDaunting task of rebuildingMessage : God has not forsaken his city, temple, or people.Structure & MessageZechariah the Prophet (1:1)Call to Repentance(1:2-6)Don’t be like your ancestors who refused to listen to the prophets.They died and went into exile.Return to the Lord.8 Night Visions (1:7-6:15)1: The Lord is returning to Jerusalem – build his house!2 & 3: God will deal with external opposition, including judgment of Judah’s enemies.4 & 5: God is with Judah’s leadership: Joshua and Zerubbabel.6 & 7: God will deal with internal opposition, including banishing evil from Judah.8: God has provided rest from enemies - build his house!Night visions were given to comfort and encourage God’s people to rebuild his temple; he is with them and has not forsaken them.True Fasting and Future blessing of Jerusalem (7:1-8:23)Fasting without obedience is meaningless.True fasting is accompanied by justice, love, and mercy.Promise of future blessing on God’s holy city of Jerusalem.Zion’s King and Glorious Future for God’s People (9:1-11:17)Judgment on the nationsRestoration of Davidic King and reunification of God’s peopleGod’s true Shepherd King will be rejected by the people (11:7-13).Final Triumph of God’s King (12:1-14:21)Suffering shepherd who is killedIn the end, God’s Kingdom will defeat all foes and will rule the whole world eternally in peace.Important ThemesGod is faithful to his covenant and has not abandoned his people. He restores them by grace.God brings comfort and encouragement to the weary.God values his presence among his people. He will dwell with them and be their God.God calls for his people to repent, be spiritually renewed, and obey his commands.God will judge his (and his peoples’) enemies.God will establish his universal, eternal kingdom of peace through his righteous, suffering Shepherd King.“Jesus Lens” and ApplicationThe temple that Zechariah was encouraging the people to build is fulfilled in a greater way in Jesus, “God with us” (Jn. 1:14)Zechariah’s future Shepherd King who will be rejected but who will ultimately rule is none other than Jesus Christ.Zechariah’s prophecies of the Messiah entail a two stage “coming” – fulfilled in a suffering and reigning Shepherd King.We are called to build God’s house, the church of Jesus.We are called to a life of peace, righteousness, justice, and mercy.