Pastoral Concern 2: Local Church Membership - Part 1

My second pastor concern is posted at this location if you wish to read it. 

"Never": A Sermon Outline for Sunday, June 26, 2011

Never

John 7:45-52

Proposition:  The words of Jesus impact those who hear them even today.

Transition:  I ask 3 questions concerning the words of Jesus.

I.  Why Do His Words Impact Us?

   A.  They are Blessed Words

   B.  They are Gracious Words

   C.  They are Saving Words

   D.  They are Judging Words

   E.  They are Dogmatic Words

   F.  They are Authoritative Words

   G.  They are Eternal Words

   H.  They are Unique Words

      1.  Is Abraham as Unique?

      2.  Is Moses or Elijah as Unique?

      3.  Is the Pope as Unique?

      4.  Is Mohammed as Unique?

      5.  Are the Political Leaders of recent days as Unique?

      6.  Are the Religious Leaders of recent days as Unique?

II.  How Do His Words Impact Us?

   A.  For Some, They Result in Hatred.

   B.  For Some, They Result in Conviction

   C.  For Some, They Result in Faith

III.  What Should be Our Response When His Words Impact Us?

   A.  Let Us Carefully Them

   B.  Let Us Consciously Receive Them

   C.  Let Us Constantly Obey Them

"Schism!": A Sermon Outline for Sunday, June 12, 2011

Schism!

John 7:40-44

Proposition:  Jesus and His message divides those who hear it.

Transition:  This morning we focus on this division by examining 3 characteristics of it found in our text.

I.  This division is a result of Jesus and His message.  (vv. 40,43)

   A.  The division is the result of the message of Christ. (40)

   B.  The division is, ultimately, the result of Christ himself. (43)

II.  This division occurs among a variety of individuals. 

   A.  He divides crowds.

   B.  He divides organizations.

      1.  He divides government.s

      2.  He divides religions.

   C.  He divides families.

III.  This division is evident in the responses of the listeners. (vv. 40-44)  

   A.  Some receive Him. (40-41)

      1.  Some receive Him as a religious leader. (40)

      2.  Some receive Him as Messiah. (41)

   B.  Some reject Him. (41, 42, 44)

      1.  Some reject Him due to lack of knowledge. (41-42)

      2.  Some reject Him due to hatred. (44)

   C.  None can ignore Him.

      1.  His claims are inclusive.

      2.  His claims are personal.

Pastoral Concern 1: Education

The first of some concerns I have as a Christian and as a pastor may be read here.

May the Lord be glorified.

"Living Water": A Sermon Outline for Sunday, June 5, 2011

Living Water

John 7:37-39

Proposition:  Those who seek a meaningful, satisfying life must come to Jesus.

Transition:  We will consider this life by making 5 observations from Jesus’ statement in this text.

I.  All May Have Such a Life (v. 37)

   A.  It is Available to Anyone

   B.  It is Available Free

II.  Only the Thirsty May Receive Such a Life (v. 37)

   A.  All Men are Naturally Thirsty.

   B.  Not All Recognize Their Thirst

III.  Only Those Who Trust Christ Have Such a Life (vv. 37-38)

   A.  Only Christ Can Satisfy

   B.  Christ Commands the Thirsty to Come and Drink

IV.  Those Who Drink Will Forever Have Such a Life (v. 38)

V.  Those Who Drink Will Have an Overflowing Life (v. 38)