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Sermon Quotes Nov, 2002 - March, 2003

Matt 13:44-46     The Ultimate Treasure Hunt  
BPC 3/23/03  AM Service

In the same way that Americans have come to value and appreciate the rule and dominion we find in America, To an even greater extent Christians should value and demonstrate our desire for the kingdom of heaven.

Because the kingdom of heaven is desirable above all other things combined, Christ’s disciples must make use of all they have to possess the kingdom.

It’s one thing to profess that we value the kingdom, it’s another to have the evidence of our lives compare to the desire of those who found the treasure and pearl.

Often, possessions equate to opportunities for possessing the kingdom.

We cannot buy the kingdom of heaven, but we do make choices that determine whether or not and to what extent the kingdom of heaven becomes ours!

The kingdom of heaven is worth more that all we possess combined.

We can’t receive the kingdom and go on living the way we did before.

Luke 13:18-21     Comparing the Kingdom  
BPC 3/23/03  PM Service

Things may not always end up as they appear in the beginning.  Things may be taking place even when it doesn’t appear to be.

Though the kingdom of God may not at times appear to be able and to accomplish its intended end, it is… and it will!

God’s kingdom is characterized by phenomenal growth, greatness and grace.

God’s kingdom is characterized by a phenomenal ability to pervade and permeate.

Mark 4:1-9     The Premier Parable  

BPC 3/9/03  AM Service

Jesus was doing more than just crowd control, he physically got his students to participate in what he wanted them to do spiritually, to really work at listening to what he had to teach them.

Because many things are taught by Jesus in the parables, we need to pay attention to how we listen to the parables.

It’s possible to hear a message without hearing the message.

What was more important than how many people attended worship that day, was whether or not the word was having a redemptive and fruitful effect on the hearts and lives of those who followed Jesus and participated in the worship.

You must first master the lesson of The Parable of the Sower to benefit from the other parables.

The way we approach, handle and apply the Word of God is important!

Here, we find four representative responses (and results) to the Word of God, but what is taught through them together is the fact that we need to pay attention to how we listen to the Word.

Luke 6:46-49     The Flood of ’79 was Nothing!  

BPC 3/9/03  PM Service

It’s possible for a person to claim with their mouths they are in a right relationship with God when they are not.

We need to guard against the practice and habit of finding satisfaction in simply listening to or agreeing with the Word of God but failing to put it into practice.

It’s not enough to hear God’s Word, we must follow it and lay a good foundation or we will fall to ruin.

A person can look very spiritual but not be applying the Scripture to their lives.

It makes no sense and it does not benefit a man to call Jesus ‘Lord’ but not submit to him as Lord.

We can’t cheat the principles of God for a time and get away with it.

The best time to prepare for future difficulties is now, not when the waters are mounting up at your doorstep.

If you will do all you can to avoid a faulty foundation when purchasing your earthly home, should you not do the same when considering your spiritual home.

Matt 4:11-17     Parables that Preach  
BPC 3/2/03  AM Service

When you look at the larger context surrounding the parables, what you find is that Jesus had one overarching theme to His preaching (Mt 4:17).  He provides a summary sermon of that theme in the Sermon on the Mount and flushes out those same truths and principles as he is on the move preaching and teaching including when he presents the parables.

There is a direct and undeniable relationship between the parables of Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount.  That relationship can be seen in the primary topic of each of them (kingdom of God), in the calling presented in them (repent), in the fact that Jesus uses parables in the sermon on the mount, etc.; so that if the primary teaching of the Sermon on the Mount is the message “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near”; the primary message of the parables is the same – ‘in view of the truth concerning the kingdom of heaven, we are called to repent of our ways and receive and participate in the kingdom.”

We need to study the parables (1) Because they reflect the core preaching of Jesus; (2) Because we live in a day when people think they don’t need the kingdom; (3) Because we live in a day when repentance is often more of a concept than a practice.

We need to think of the parables (1) In light of Jesus’ primary message and mission, not simply as a group of isolated and independent stories; (2) Not Just as some sweet stories whose purpose is to entertain, but as preaching that confronts our way of life.

Matt 5-7     Coming to Christ thru the Call of Kingdom Knowledge  
BPC 3/2/03  PM Service

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus preaches 1 central message (Mt 4:17); but in preaching the message lays out nine reasons for us to repent.

You and I need to REPENT because of:

·         The Good News of the Kingdom

·         The Good Deeds of the Kingdom

·         The Good Name of the Kingdom

·         The Good Entrance of the Kingdom

·         The Good Fruit of the Kingdom

·         The Good Nature of  the Kingdom

·         The Good Foundation of the Kingdom

·         The Good Teacher of the Kingdom

Gen 27:30-40     A Timely Warning  
BPC 2/22/03  AM Service

At the same time that God did not reward any of the individuals in this passage for their sinful actions, God did accomplish his eternal and immutable plan, including his purpose in election.

Man can appear to do all the right things, but still miss out on the blessing, if he is more concerned about earthly pleasures and treasures rather than receiving the spiritual inheritance.

If man chooses his own course, he can try every trick in the book, including complaining, saying “it’s not fair”, and selfishly crying out, but it will do him no good, for the inheritance belongs to those who seek it and repent of their sins.

Man can lament all he wants, but still receive his just punishment if he seeks earthly rather than spiritual blessings.

Galatians 6:11-18     A New Creation   
BPC 2/15/03  AM Service

Because a new life is what matters, believers must be careful who and what we follow.

The point of this passage should be regarded as one of the most significant in Scripture.

Because new life is what matters, and because it is through the cross that we come to experience this new life, we must beware of those who preach or live Christ without the cross.

In our ministries, we must be careful to not minor on the majors.

1 Peter 4:1-11   A New Attitude   
BPC 2/15/03  AM Service

Those who are new creations in Christ must arm themselves with a new attitude.

We must be prepared to suffer on a daily basis that we might mortify sin and be done with it.

Christ provides a new focus, a new attitude, new tools, and a new approach to life.

Because we all have an aversion to suffering, we must come to Christ, for we must embrace suffering that results in the praise of God.

Daniel 11     Persistence Amidst the Rising and Falling   
BPC 2/2/03  AM Service

 At times, major events in World and U.S. history can bring about a measure of concern for people.

God provides for his people, regardless of the problems we face, we might stand firm, be unmoved, and even be courageous and encouraged to act heroically in times of difficulty or uncertainty.

God provides (a) Prophecy, not just history; (b) Certainty, not just half-hearted advice; (c) Principles, not just histories

Other kingdoms will rise and fall, but the kingdom of Christ will stand.

Just because we experience difficulty, does not mean we are given the right to sin.

We are not to rebel, to feel overly secure, to forsake the covenant, or to be flattered by the enemy; rather, we are to resist the evil one.

Romans 13:1-5     The Fear Factor of Authority   
BPC 2/2/03  PM Service

A governing authority is not only to serve as one who does good, but as an agent of wrath.

A governing authority is a “higher power” that is to carry the sword to punish evil doers.

A governing authority is to serve as a “judge”, not as a voice of public opinion.

Daniel 10     From Helplessness to Strength   
BPC 1/26/03  AM Service

There is a GREAT WAR taking place everyday in the spiritual realm and the events that take place here on earth are linked to that great war.

There is GREAT TURBULENCE and troubles experienced by the church.

There is a GREAT VISION that has been given to the church, to enable us to better understand the battle and to encourage us in the battle.

God calls his people to (1) Stare up not cover up; (2 Stand up not give up; (3) Speak up not tear up; and (4) Strengthen up not stop up.

Romans 15      Need a Lift         
BPC 1/26/03 PM Service

The way we relate to one another affects the praise and worship of God.

We must get along with one another and serve the interests of others.  Such service leads to Christ likeness and unity.

God has set us an example in Christ of how we are to live and he equips his people with endurance and encouragement to make it happen!

Daniel 9     Favor for What We Forfeited   
BPC 2/29/03  AM Service

God hears the prayers of those who take him at his word, who seek his glory, and who come to him based on his mercy rather than their merit.

Though God was righteous in pouring out the curse on his people, he also was merciful in dealing with the root of their problems and providing the best for them in the end!

The covenant is confirmed with many, but in times of trouble. 

Gentiles too, need to humble themselves before God, confess their sins, seek his mercy, and look to God for deliverance and salvation.

Psalm 105: 16-23     Looking at Jesus thru Joseph   
BPC 2/29/03  PM Service

God is to be praised for the wonders he performs.

Often, God fails to receive the praise and glory he deserves.

It’s good for God’s people to remember what God has done in the past, even that we might look to him rightly in the present and future.

Joseph’s Life served as a type (picture) of Christ!

God provided a man; proved a martyr; and appointed a master in Joseph and Jesus!

Daniel 8:1-14   “Restoration of the Sanctuary”  
BPC 1/12/03  AM Service

Because God’s wrath upon his people who rebel after being delivered is (or will be) so great, we must stand in awe of God and give him the worship and obedience he deserves!

Because God’s wrath upon his people who rebel after being delivered is (or will be) so great, you and I should not:  (1)  Interpret deliverance as the end of all our trials; (2) Interpret deliverance as freedom to rebel; (3) Interpret difficult times as reason to give up.

God may chastise and pour out his wrath, but God will not allow his name to be trodden underfoot forever!

Daniel 8:15-27   “The Ultimate Conquest!”  
BPC 1/12/03  PM Service

It does the God’s people good not only to read of the kindness and compassion of God, but to look upon his purpose and power in times of his greatest wrath and indignation.

Because God sovereignty orchestrates and brings about all things, including the end, then it benefits us to know his word and to consider the things he reveals concerning the end.

It is “by analogy” that we may draw applicable principles from this end to the events concerning the end related to the return of Christ.

There is an appointed end for God’s wrath.

There is suffering of unprecedented measure during the time of the end.

There are lessons given now to help us in the future

Psalm 81     What Will It Be in 2003?    
BPC 1/5/03  A.M.  Service

God calls his people to his exclusive worship & calls on us to remember He (and no other) delivered us.

It’s not enough to go through the motions of worship, we must worship GOD corporately and with the whole of our lives.

The CHOICE:  to follow God’s ways or our own ways.

The CHANGE:  either we will be given over to our own stubbornness & devices, or we will be abundantly filled by God.

The CHALLENGE – Will we “listen” to God, or not?

Psalm 19     Why Should I Study The Bible?    
BPC 1/5/03  P.M.  Service

We must not take the Word of God and the opportunity to study it for granted.

In the same way the glory of God is revealed in the heavens, to a greater extent the glory of God is revealed in his Word.

We need to be reminded this is the LORD'S Word, which brings life and renewal; provides a solid and lasting foundation; gives wisdom, illumination, joy to the heart, and unparalleled riches.

Daniel 7:-14 God’s Sovereign Dominion 
BPC 12/8/02 AM Service

Sometimes, it’s good to examine where our hopes lie (& where we’re putting our trust).

Our hope is not to be found in a nation or ruler of this earth, but in Jesus Christ alone, because his kingdom is eternal and will not pass away.

In this chapter, the curtain of heaven is pulled back and we are given opportunity to peak a glance and witness the God of heaven taking his seat upon the throne of heaven and judging various kingdoms of the world.

God raises up and removes the nations as he pleases.

Those who act in outright rebellion and contempt and hostility are shown more immediate judgment.

If we don’t fear God and honor the one He has crowned, we have missed the point!


Daniel 7:-15-28 God’s Sovereign Dominion 
BPC 12/8/02 PM Service

Though believers are going to have to face some things in this life that are troubling, we can do so with the confidence that the kingdom is ours and it will not be kept or taken from us!

God provides his people with confidence amidst adversity and defeat.

Identifying the beasts and horns can provide insight that will be missed otherwise, but understanding the ongoing battle between the world and God (and his people) is more critical and fruitful.

At the same time we must stand on the hope of God’s Word concerning his kingdom, we must be naïve concerning the battle on earth, and we must be concerned for the suffering that God’s people endure.

Romans 6:1-23  Gratitude for His Great Goodness        
BPC 11/24/02     AM Service

For many, Thanksgiving has become more about the family and friends we meet, the food we eat, and the neat ways we find to spend our time than about anything resembling the dedication and worship of God that our forefathers intended.

God has set us free from an unloving, unrelenting, unrighteous taskmaster who was leading us to live empty, worthless, shameful, and destructive lives whose end is death… for this He is worthy of our thanks!

God has provided not only for our freedom and forgiveness; but for our sanctification and salvation as well.

God’s plan is for us to be given over fully and completely to righteousness and obedience.

With personal benefit comes personal responsibility and obligation.  We are to offer personal thanks for the grace we have personally received.

1 Thess 5:16-18  Ongoing Gratitude     
BPC 11/24/02     PM Service

God’s people must keep on keeping on when it comes to rejoicing, praying and giving thanks.

That which is pleasing to God is always pleasing to God.  The only thing that pleases him more is when we participate in those activities more and more.

Model churches depend on the Lord, draw their strength from him and possess the ability to rejoice in all things.

More Sermon Quotes (July, 02 - Oct, 02)
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