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Matt 24:36-51     BPC 
7/27/03  AM Service

Though you and I don’t know the day or hour it is coming, even the uncertainty itself is a cause for us being cautious and dutiful in making sure we’re prepared when Christ returns.

Believers better anticipate Christ’s return, because the nature of his return demands it.

Christ’s return will be UNSUSPECTING (vv. 36-41); UNANNOUNCED (vv. 42-44); UNFORGIVING (vv. 45-51)

The coming of Christ is not going to be something that jumps up and grabs the unfaithful by the collar prior to its arrival, rather like in the days of previous judgment, it’s going to catch many unsuspecting people off guard!

The uncertainty of it’s coming will either lure you into a false sense of security and sensuality, or lead you to take greater pains to anticipate it and be ready for it.

Many people live in total disregard of impending judgment, but the uncertainty associated with the kingdom ought to lead us to greater faithfulness!

Although we don’t know the exact hour, Christ’s coming has already been announced.

The time for preparing is now!

Jesus both warns against being an unfaithful and wicked servant at the risk of death and damnation, and encourages us toward being faithful and prudent in view of great reward!

Matthew 5:13     BPC 
7/13/03  AM Service

When we say the church today is becoming “too much” like the world, we demonstrate the influence and effect the world is having on the church, for the writers of Scripture state that we are not to become like the world at all (1 Jn 2:!5; 2 Cor 10:2; James 4:4), but to have a redemptive and transforming influence on the world.

Christians are to make a difference in the world, not the other way around!

God spreads or broadcasts believers where we might do good and have both a seasoning and preserving effect on the world around us.

As believers, we should not doubt but be confident that our witness and influence makes and will make a difference.

Believers need to understand that what we offer is different from that which the world offers.  No one else can bring a righteous and godly influence like the church!

One of the things that keeps our country and community from being what they can be is that often Christians don’t speak out!

If believers are not faithful in bearing a salty witness in our society, we should not be surprised if great judgment and punishment comes our way!

Matthew 13:33     BPC 7/13/03  PM Service

In this passage, Jesus discusses the nature of the kingdom and the way in which it works.

Rather that follow the crowd, we must look to the teaching of Jesus when it comes to what the kingdom looks like and the role the church plays within the kingdom.

Many today are looking for something other than the kingdom.

The kingdom is like leaven.  The teaching of God’s word, though its beginnings are unseen and small, permeate until it affects the whole of our hearts, the whole of our lives, and comes to bear on the whole of the world around us.

The church is like the woman, who is to work hard and prepare hearts (like the woman kneads the dough) for  the leaven (gospel of Christ).

Luke 13:22-30     BPC 
6/29/03  AM Service

JESUS says MANY will seek admittance to heaven, but will be turned away; therefore you better take caution not to be deceived, but rather to be dutiful in those things that result in salvation.

All things will not end up the way they look, appear, or are believed to be at this time.

There is an “easy believism” that many adhere to today, but it will not get them to heaven.

Desire alone will not get you to heaven.  Nor will determination alone, or dabbling in religion.

There are many who want to go to heaven, but who do not take the right path to get in!

Jesus himself is the way.  You must come through Him, or be rejected.

There are many who have an acquaintance with Christ, who do not have a saving relationship with Christ.

Knowing that many will be rejected when hoping to enter heaven, ought to motivate us to know the right path, to meet the requirements, and to be disciplined in pursuing the course of salvation.

Luke 11:1-13     BPC 
6/29/03  PM Service

Prayer doesn’t always come easy, but the disciples show that we should look the Lord to teach us how to pray.

We should be motivated to pray because of (1) God’s willing grace; (2) God’s perfect grace; (3) God’s commanding grace.

Because we often fail to take into account (or trust in) God’s desire to be good to his people, we often fail to present our petitions to God the way we should.

God desires to be good to his people.

If a inconvenienced and disgruntled man can be moved to help a friend out and give him as much as he needs, then how much more will a good and loving God find it in himself to want to help his loved ones.

Christ commands his people to petition God, and he promises that those who do will receive. (perhaps not what they wanted, … when they want it, but those who do can be confident that God always acts out of wisdom and kindness to his people.)

Matthew 18:21-35     BPC                 
6/22/03  AM Service

There is to be no limit to the extent of our forgiveness, for unless we forgive others from the heart, we will not be forgiven.

Outline:  The REQUIREMENTS of Forgiveness; The RESPONSE of Forgiveness; The RULE of Forgiveness

We, as believers, cannot set limits on forgiveness.  We are to be APT to Forgive!  & to Forgive MUCH!

It is our nature to set limits on forgiveness.

There is to be both justice and mercy, but mercy shall triumph.

There is NO LIMIT when it comes to the Number of Times we are to Forgive our Brothers!

Those Who Receive Forgiveness of Much …Must Also Be Willing to Forgive Much

The forgiveness of God carries along with it the requirement to forgive others as we have been forgiven.  It is not optional, but mandatory!

Those who refuse to forgive others (who repent) will also not be forgiven.

There is a problem with the nature (heart)  of a person who will not forgive his brother!

2 Cor 10:3-5     BPC       
6/22/03  PM Service

In demolishing arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, we must both pray and fight. (v. 4  “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.”

Christians are not to be complacent, but to fight anti-biblical proclamations and practices in our culture.

Christians need to know what the Bible teaches, as well as what the world is teaching.

1 Samuel 20     
BPC  6/1/03  AM Service

One thing that brings certainty and cohesiveness to the uncertainties of this world is that no matter what else is taking place, as Christians, we do not simply stand as individuals, but we stand in relation to God and to one another thru covenant.

This passage is not just about friendships, but about the kingdom of God and how it was ushered in through David and Jonathan’s covenant and friendship.

This text does define what covenant relationships and covenant friendships are to look like.

God honoring covenants provide us with obligations as well as benefits we would not have apart from them.

Covenant living and relationships call for unfailing kindness (devoted love).

Christian relationships are not founded on emotionalism, nor are they rooted in some list of do’s and don’ts, but our fellowship and unity comes from the bond we have with Christ and through that bond the bond we have with one another.

1 Peter 3:1-7     
BPC  6/1/03  AM Service

Submission does not imply one is inferior to another.  Jesus himself submitted to the will of the Father.   Sarah and the holy women of the past submitted to their husbands.  At the same time Peter stresses the subjection of wives to their husbands, he also refers to their equality in Christ (v. 1).

Submission is a powerful tool in reaching the lost.  The lost may be prepared for receiving the gospel without words but through the holy character and deeds of women.

Wives are to adorn themselves with submission.  It will make them beautiful.

Luke 18:9-14     A Right Response Before the Right Judge                
BPC 5/25/03  AM Service

In this parable, Jesus uses “shock and awe” to get his hearers attention and to draw their attention to something they normally didn’t consider, yet something by which they stood condemned.

When it comes to being justified before God, we better be concerned about our attitude as well as our actions.

God humbles those who exalt themselves, but lifts up those who humble themselves.

We need to examine whether we are looking to our own righteousness and good deeds, or to the Lord’s mercy and righteousness when it comes to justification and salvation.

When we begin to trust in our own supposed righteousness, we will begin to look down on others.  Those who do so  will not be exalted by God.

A deluded view of our own righteousness not only affects our attitude toward others, but it affects our attitude toward God.

Humility leads to true worship, whereas pride leads to vain worship.

Luke 18:1-8     Faith in the Justice System?                
BPC 5/25/03  PM Service

If you are not praying the way you should; if you have neglected prayer for some time; if you have become discouraged in your prayer life; if you have doubts concerning prayer; or if you simply need to be encouraged and reminded about prayer; then this parable will be helpful to you.

When we can trust someone, it provides us more reason to stay with them longer.

Because God can be trusted to bring about justice for his people; we must always pray and not give up.

During the days of the Bible, widows were vulnerable but they also received special protection under God’s law.  Even so, often widows were mistreated, oppressed or taken advantage of.

If this poor woman who had no relationship and no privileges before the court had her case heard, because she was persistent; then how much more confidence should we have who have been chosen and set apart, and who enjoy the privileges of adoption.

Carry your case before the Lord.  Be persistent!  For God WILL hear your prayers!

Luke 10:25-37     A Wrong Answer to the Right Question  
BPC 5/18/03  AM Service

If you are to keep the law & inherit eternal life, you must do as the Samaritan has done.  (Note – faith will express itself thru works, James 2:!8)

Those who are Christ-like will be focused on the need, not the racial, religious, or class distinctions.

Like the expert in the law, we often try to define and restrict the limits of who we have an obligation to love.

Christ-like pity and compassion will lead us to show mercy, at which time the cost will not be the concern!

If we fail to show mercy the way the Samaritan did, we must ask the question whether we possess the mind and nature of Christ.

Luke 13:1-9     What is YOUR Shelf-Life?  
BPC 5/18/03  PM Service

In this passage, we find the patience and long suffering of God, but we are warned that it will not go on or last forever.

We need to repent and not put off producing fruit, for though God is patient and delays judgment, the time will come when that patience ends.

We should not assume people are more guilty than others because of the extent of suffering in their life.

Matthew 20:1-16    
BPC 5/11/03  AM Service

Life is full of paradoxes, but from them we can learn valuable lessons.

God has made it such that all does not work according to mere justice in this life, that we might understand that eternal life will include grace and goodness as well.

This passage is not just for unbelievers, but primarily addresses matters related to believers.

If the kingdom is based on grace, then that’s true not only when we come to it, but also as we serve in it!

Four indicators a person is living according to a merit based relationship with God include:  (1) A Life  of Comparison; (2) A Life of Complaining; (3) A Life of Accusation; and (4) A Life of Covetousness

Matthew 13: 24-43    
BPC 5/11/03  PM Service

Even though the Church in our day is not perfect, you and I must not lose our head, but must follow the teaching of Christ with hope and confidence.

The church in our day is not going to be perfect.  Until that day comes, there will be both the good seed and the weeds mixed together.

We need to be well founded in the Doctrines of Scripture, for the weeds like to attack the roots.

We should not overreact when there are problems in the church.

We need to be alert to the fact that Satan is at work and sows his servants and his agenda among the saints.

Matthew 25:31-46     The Religious Right  
BPC 5/4/03  AM Service

The great significance of this passage is found in the fact that it forms the end (conclusion/climax) of perhaps Jesus’ last lengthy discourse to his disciples before being handed over to be crucified.

A time is coming when all people will receive their just reward; therefore you and I must produce fruit that distinguishes the righteous from the rest.

There is coming (1)  A Day of Judgment; (2)  A Day of Recompense for All;  (3)  A Day of Great Reward for the Righteous

Jesus in Mt 25 does not speak in conjecture or speculation but according to a timeline that has already been determined, just not make known to us.

When the Son comes he will both come in glory and reign in glory.

Both the righteous (v. 37) and the unrighteous (v. 41) will appear before the Lord’s throne.

All people will not be saved and receive the same reward, but there will be a separation between those who are righteous in Christ and those who are not.

Our righteous (or lack thereof) will be taken not of, and will served as the basis of how the Lord deals with us.  At the same time that we are saved by grace through faith, we will be judged according to our works.

Christ so identifies himself with his people (w/ his ministers, & missionaries, & with all the members of his body, even the lowliest & least of them) that to bestow love and charity upon them is to bestow love & charity upon Christ himself.

It is the grace of God, not the works of man that brings about blessing for believers.

Jesus Christ takes note of the fruit that faith produces in our lives.

God expects believers to display mercy and kindness, and according to the measure that we do he rewards us for it.

This passage is not saying that you and I must sacrifice and go out and try to do good deeds to earn our salvation; but that as believers we must be concerned that our faith is not without works such as love and charity.

There will be “eternal” punishment for those distinguished as unrighteous.  (It will go on, & on, & on, & will never end.)

The righteous will receive the “kingdom” prepared for us from before the creation.

Matthew 25:1-13    BPC 5/4/03  PM Service

Things can go south in a hurry if a person is not informed and is not prepared for what lies ahead.

It will not be good for those who find themselves unprepared when Christ returns for his church.

You and I need to keep watch because we do not know the day or hour.

This passage applies not only our future meeting of Christ, but our preparation for meeting him as we serve him and participate in preparations leading to that event.

Luke 7:36-50     YOU Be the Judge!  
BPC 4/27/03  AM Service

There is a direct relationship between one’s canceled debt and the degree of love and thankfulness a person expresses in their life.

The greater the amount of sin that a person has been forgiven, the greater the response of that person in showing love to the Master.

Because the one who has been forgiven much will love much, we must consider:  (1) The Indication of Salvation; (2) The Instrument of Salvation; and (3) The Invitation of Salvation

The evidence that a person has been forgiven is demonstrated by the love they show to Christ.

There’s no such thing as a person being saved and it not having a direct effect upon their life as well as an affect upon the lives of others.

According to Scripture, our the depth of our sin and the extent of our guilt was great, therefore our whole life ought to be a response of love and gratitude.

A person is not saved by the number of their tears, or by the love they show, but by the faith they put in the Lord.

Love is evidence of forgiveness.  It follow forgiveness and is the fruit of faith.

God not only requires love of us, but he enables it through the work of redemption.

The man of God is free knowing the character, even the sinful character of others, to have contact with them even in public, for it is not the sinner who makes the righteous unclean, but the righteous who can lead the sinner to Christ to become whole!

Luke 16:19-31     A Convincing Message!  

BPC 4/20/03  EASTER AM Service

It’s easy to point the finger at others and fail to see or deal with our own problems.

Like the Pharisees, we often want to be religious, but proceed after everything everyone else does.

If we have the same values as the world, as demonstrated by loving money and serving ourselves while continuing to neglect our neighbors who hunger and hurt, then we better refine our ways!

Would you consider yourself more like the rich man (who indulged himself in luxury everyday) or the beggar (who desired to be content with the little he had)?

Christ died on the cross to stand in the place of sinners, those like ourselves who think mainly of ourselves & who are given over to the lusts of our flesh, & he has been raised from the dead… that people like you & I might have newness of life! 

Matthew 22:1-14     Not Formal, but Holy Attire  
BPC 4/13/03  AM Service

Because God graciously extends the gospel to all, but does not take lightly those who refuse or abuse the gospel call; we must be careful to give a right response to the gospel.

The Gospel invitation is extended to all (to everyone) today.  It doesn’t matter if your Jew or Gentile, Arab or American, black or white, rich or poor, live in the city or the country, etc.)

We are commanded to go and as many as we find, we are to invite (extend the gospel invitation)

People can refuse the gospel invitation not only by openly rejecting it, but also by responding to it with indifference.

Are you more concerned about your vocation or avocations than about coming before the presence of the king and joining in the celebration that has been prepared?

It’s not enough just to call yourself a Christian, you must be clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

If you are not clothed with that which is presentable and acceptable to God, then you will not be allowed to stay and participate in the banquet.

Luke 15     Lost and Found  

BPC 4/6/03  AM Service

When Jesus came under attack for his treatment of sinners, he responded by telling three parables to explain the joys associated with the rescue and recovery of the lost.  He explained the (1) Joy of Discovery; (2) Joy of Recovery; (3) Joy of Rediscovery

These three parables go togther.
Parable of Lost Sheep – v. 6 “… and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.”
Parable of Lost Coin – v. 9 “And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.”
Parable of Lost Son – v.24 “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”
vv. 31-32 “’” My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”

Parable of the Lost Sheep – The emphasis in this parable is on the joy one gets in locating, possessing, reclaiming and returning that which is lost.

Parable of the Lost Coin – The emphasis in this parable is on the joy of recovering one’s personal possession.

Parable of the Lost Coin – The emphasis in this parable is on the son returning to the father whole and complete.

Matthew 21:28-32     Seeing and Believing  

BPC 4/6/03  PM Service

This parable deals with what we do (or how we respond) to Jesus’ authority.

A person can look and act religious, but still have not entered the kingdom of God.

Hearers are called to distinguish between:                                               

A Superficial Response to the Gospel and an Obedient Response

I.          A Righteous Response to the Gospel and a  Self Righteous Response

II.         A Callous Response to the Gospel & a Conversion Response

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