Sermon Illustrations

I have been told indirectly that I offended someone this past Sunday (August 19) while I was preaching on "Loving Jesus" from John 14:15.  Evidently at one point in my message, while attempting to illustrate professing Christians who do not obey the commandments of Christ, I said something to the effect:

"Brother so-and-so does not tithe and sister say-and-say does not...".

Of course, I used real names instead of the "so-and-so" and "say-and-say" and I guess I used the name of someone sitting in the assembly at the time.

First, if I did offend or embarrass anyone this past Sunday, please accept my apology and my plea for forgiveness.  That was never my intention.

Second, I actually do not remember what I said verbatim.  I do recall saying something like this but I can't even remember what names I used.

Third, please understand that I rarely "plan out" my illustrations.  Most of them I grab while I am preaching.  I can assure you that was the case with this specific illustration.  I never gave any thought ahead of time of using such a statement and I certainly did not consider what names I would use at the time.  Maybe I should have!

Fourth, I have absolutely no idea who in our congregation tithes and who doesn't.  I intentionally distance myself from the money.  I do not handle it or count it.  I receive no reports on who gives what and I don't want to receive such reports. 

Fifth, the only person in our congregation who might know if a specific member tithes would be our treasurer.  He must track individual giving throughout the year for tax purposes.  He and he alone knows how much you give to Christ's work.  However, the only way even the treasurer would know if you tithe or not would be if he knows how much you earn.  So, in reality, no one but you and the Lord really know if you tithe or not.

Sixth, I realize I am not the best preacher in the world.  At times I am tongue tied.  At other times my mind wanders.  Then there are moments when my mind thinks one thing and my mouth says something else (I think that may have to do with my age!).  Do not be surprise if I make the same mistake in the future.

Finally, if I EVER say anything in a message which disturbs you, embarrasses you, or offends you, PLEASE come and talk with me about it. 

The Bethesda Academy Begins Tonight

THE VISION FOR THE BETHESDA ACADEMY

The Bethesda Academy will assist the student develop a deep and thorough understanding of Christianity by promoting theological and educational programs which are firmly rooted in the Word of God.

THE MISSION OF THE BETHESDA ACADEMY

The mission of the Bethesda Academy is to glorify God by using His Word to equip His people to walk in the grace of God and to serve Him with the gifts and abilities graciously given to them.

THE PROFESSION OF FAITH FOR THE BETHESDA ACADEMY

As a ministry of Bethesda Baptist Church, the profession of faith for the Bethesda Academy is the same as the profession of faith for our church, namely, the Baptist Faith and Message (1963) of the Southern Baptist Convention.

THE CORE VALUES OF THE BETHESDA ACADEMY

The Bethesda Academy holds the following core values so that our mission may be achieved and that we remain focused on our vision.

1. Biblically Based

We believe the Bible to be the inerrant, infallible Word of God and, therefore, our only certain authority for faith and practice.  All that is taught in this Academy will be firmly grounded in the Holy Scripture.

2. Christ Centered

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is the center, the focus, of the Bible and, therefore, of every course taught at the Academy.  The success of any class is measured by whether the student knows Christ more intimately at the end of the class than at its beginning.

3. Proclaiming Salvation by Grace Through Faith

We believe and teach that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received by sinners through faith and faith alone.  All are sinners and, therefore, are in need of God’s salvation provided only in Christ.   

"Blasphemy vs. Belief": A Sermon Outline for Sunday, February 5, 2012

“Blasphemy vs. Belief”

John 10:31-39

Proposition:  Even in the midst of the accusations from unbelievers against Jesus, let us boldly call all sinners to faith in Christ.

Transition:  As we examine 3 steps Jesus used in witnessing to these 1^st century Jews, let us understand them and use them in our own service to Christ.

I.  Jesus Clarified Their Response. (31-33)    

A. He asks if He has done something to cause their reaction. (32)

B. Their problem is His claim. (31, 33)

II.  Jesus Deflected Their Charge. (34-36)

A. Jesus begins where his listeners are. (34)

B. Jesus uses the Scripture. (34, 35)

C. Jesus responds with a reasoned argument. (35-36)

III. Jesus appealed to them to consider the evidence. (37-38)

A. Consider my works.

B. Believe my works!

"Answering the Question": A Sermon Outline for Sunday, January 29, 2012

“Answering the Question”

John 10:30

Proposition:  Jesus is not some man simply chosen and anointed by God to be the deliverer of the Jews but much, much more.

Transition:  Jesus’ answer clearly reveals 4 truths concerning His identity.

I.  He is the Focus.  (“I”)    

II.  He is a Man. (“I”)

III. He is With the Father. (“I and the Father are”)

IV.  They are One. (“one”)

A. They are One in Their Care of the Sheep.

 1.  They agree on those given by the Father.

 2.  They agree on the Son redeeming those given.

 3.  They agree on the Spirit regenerating those given.

 4.  They agree on preserving those given.

B.  They are One in Their Power.

C.  They are One in Their Authority.

D.  They are One in Their Nature.

"Taking Away Their Souls": A Sermon Outline for Sunday, January 22, 2012

“Taking Away Their Souls”

John 10:22-30

Proposition:  Jesus is the Messiah and Savior of His people.  He deserves our praise for how great he is and for the great works He has done.

Transition:  John’s words reveal the greatness of Jesus in  3 ways.

I.  The Greatness of Jesus is Revealed in Contrast to Man’s Sinfulness.  (vv. 24-26a)    

A. Notice the Sinfulness of their Actions.  (24)

 1.  They are Religious.

 2.  They Confront God.

 3.  They Question God.

 4.  They Blame God.

 5.  They Command God.

B. See the Sinfulness of their Natures. (vv. 25-26a)

II.  The Greatness of Jesus is Revealed in the Characteristics of His Sheep. (vv. 26b-27)

A. The Sheep have been Sovereignly Chosen. (26b)

B. The Sheep have been Sovereignly Called. (27)

C.  The Sheep have been Sovereignly Changed. (27)

D.  The Sheep continue to Serve the Lord. (27)

III. The Greatness of Jesus is Revealed to His Care for the Sheep. (vv. 27-30)

A. He Knows Them. (27)

B.  He Gives Them Eternal Life. (28)

 1.  It is a Gift.

 2.  It is Life.

 3.  It is Life Forever.

C.  He Preserves Them Forever. (28-30)

 1.  The Son Guards Them.

 2.  The Father Guards Them.

"The Church of God on the Earth": A Sermon Outline for Sunday, January 15, 2012

“The Church of God on the Earth”

Acts 2:41-47

Proposition:  The local, visible church is the colony of heaven here on the earth.

Transition:  Today we look at the local, visible church and we do so from 4 perspectives found in our text.

I.  Observe the Nature of the Local Church. (v. 41)    

A. Those making up the church have been convicted of their sin. (37)

B. Those making up the church have repented of their sins. (38)

C. Those making up the church have received the Word. (41)

D. Those making up the church have been baptized. (41)

II.  Observe the Practice of the Local Church. (v. 42)

A. They were devoted to the apostles’ teaching.

B. They were devoted to fellowship.

C. They were devoted to the Lord’s Supper.

D. They were devoted to prayer.

III. Observe the Character of the Local Church. (vv. 43-47)

A. The Local Church was characterized by reverence. (43)

B. The Local Church was characterized by oneness. (44-45)

C. The Local Church was characterized by worship. (46-47)

IV. Observe the Impact of the Local Church. (vv. 47)

A. The Church impacted the community.

B. The Church was impacted by the Lord.

"The Church as God Sees It": A Sermon Outline for Sunday, January 8, 2012

“The Church as God Sees It”

Ephesians 5:22-33

Proposition:  Christ views His church in a far different light than how we often consider it.

Transition:  This morning I simply share with you 3 aspects of Christ’s church as revealed in this text.

I.  See the Nature of the Church. (vv. 23a, 30)    

A.  The Church is Christ’s Body.

B.  Christ is the Church’s Head.

  1.  He is the Head in that He is the Originator.

  2.  He is the Head in that He is the Authority.

II.  See the Relationship Between Christ and His Church. (vv. 23b-24)

A.  He Saves the Church.

B.  The Church Submits to Him.

III.  See the Love Christ has For His Church.  (vv. 25-30)

A.  He Loved Her So Much He Gave Himself for Her.

  1.  Note the Object of His love.

  2.  Note the Nature of His love.

  3.  Note the Depth of His love.

  4.  Note the Reason for His love.

B.  He Loves Her So Much He Continually Cares for Her.

"Stirrings at Bethesda": Newsletter updates for January 2, 2012

The link below will provide you with access to Bethesda Baptist Church's Monday updates:

Monday Briefs for January 2, 2012

"The Angelic Message of Christmas - Part 5: Providential Preservation": A Sermon Outline for Sunday, January 1, 2012

“The Angelic Message of Christmas – Part 5: The Providential Preservation”

Matthew 2:13-23

Proposition:  God is always involved in our lives through the work of His Divine Providence.

Transition:  The message of the angel following the birth of Christ gives us 5 truths concerning the great doctrine of Providence.

I.  Divine Providence Assures God’s Promises are Accomplished.    

 A.  God Does Have a Plan for You!

 B.  God Does Not Always Reveal that Plan to You.

 C.  God Does Accomplish His Plan for You.

II.  Divine Providence Executes in a Variety of Ways.

III.  Divine Providence Includes Periods of Faithful Waiting.

IV.  Divine Providence Sometimes Has More Than One Purpose.

V.  Divine Providence Often Involves Our Actions.