Sermons in outlines. 03+ main points and 3+ sub points per main point.
People ask “If God really exists why do we suffer so much in life?” There are many answers. A possible explanation is that God has a great purpose in man’s sufferings. He uses suffering to bring the sufferer to know his saving power. Luke’s narrative of Jesus healing the ten Lepers is a classic example (Luke 17:11-19). We can draw six life applications from this incident today.
The current revival that is sweeping the world speaks a great deal about “the anointing of God.” The term raises several questions. In this message, I want to attempt to answer some of those questions. Read Psalm 92:10; Luke 4:18-19; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; I John 2:27 (Emphasis: Just as Christ was anointed; so are we anointed) [A sermon preached by Dr. Arnold Lastinger. Published with permission.]
The Holy Communion is an act of worship we engage in every Sunday. It is also known as the Lord’s Supper as well as the Eucharist. A term with its roots in the Greek ‘eucharisto’ which means “giving of thanks“. Though it’s a seemingly simple act where Christians break bread and drink from the cup, holy communion is an important act.
Therefore we should seek to understand (especially if we are new to the faith) why we do it because otherwise, our participation becomes meaningless, displeasing to God, and detrimental to us also. So in today’s sermon, I am going to address three important truths that all of us should be aware of. (Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-33)
A. That a new covenant was established when Jesus shed his blood on the cross of Calvary, (1 Corinthians 11:25)
B. That Christ himself became the sacrifice and the old covenant which relied on animal sacrifices to provide atonement for sin is no longer necessary, (Hebrews 8:13)
C. That God seals his agreement of salvation with those who believe Jesus died to set them free, (Ephesians 1:13-14).
A. To remember his sufferings and death as it was mandated by Christ himself, (1 Corinthians 11:23-25)
B. To proclaim our faith in the efficiency of his death, (1 Corinthians 11:26a) and in his return, (1 Corinthians 11:26b)
C. To fellowship in the body of Christ in the sense of reinforcing fellowship among each other in the church, (1 Corinthians 11:33)
A. Must not take part in a manner unworthy of Christ’s sufferings. Implies sin not repented for and irreverent attitudes, (1 Corinthians 11:27)
B. Each one should put himself to the test as to the attitude of his heart, outward conduct, and understanding of the true nature and purpose of the communion, (1 Corinthians 11:28)
C. Because of those who participate in an unworthy manner and are guilty of re-crucifying Christ. They risk illness and even physical death, (1 Corinthians 11:29-30)
D. If we judge ourselves before participating however the Lord shall not judge us eternally with the world but discipline us, (1 Corinthians 11:31-33)
Observing the holy communion or the eucharist in a manner worthy of Christ’s sufferings is at the core of Paul’s instructions to the church of Corinth which reminds me of Jesus’ conversation with Peter right before the Last Supper recorded in the gospel of John chapter 13 from verse 9 to 10.
Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, [in that case, wash] not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “Anyone who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, and is completely clean. And you [My disciples] are clean, but not all of you.” (AMP)
If you found this content helpful, I kindly ask you to leave your feedback in the comments section below. Sharing it with your friends and family through email or social media would also be greatly appreciated. Your feedback not only encourages me but also contributes to the growth and edification of the Church. In order to promote meaningful and respectful dialogue, I request that you use your full name when commenting. Please note that any comments containing profanity, name-calling, or a disrespectful tone will be deleted. Thank you for your understanding and participation.
The origin of Halloween can be traced back to the early Druids in France who worshipped Samhain on the 1st of November. They believed evil spirits were left to harm people on such nights. People thought leaving food for them will neutralize the danger. Later on, the Catholics made it a Christian holiday which they called “All Saints’ day”. So the night before became the “Hallowed Evening”. Later on, it was shortened to “Halloween”. Halloween is not for the Children of God! But why? Let me explain to you. [A sermon preached by Dr. Arnold Lastinger. Published with permission.]
Speaking of discipleship there is a question I am asked when meeting with colleagues in ministry. ‘How many members do you have in your church?’ After answering the question I ask them, ‘How many disciples do you have in your church?’ Not to the offense, but most of the time my question knocks their brains out. Statistics are important. Still, they aren’t as important as discipleship because discipleship is the heart of any church. I know that discipleship is far more complicated than what I can discuss in a sermon. This is why I choose to cover the 3 most basic requirements as Jesus laid them out in Luke 9:23.
A. Self-denial was the foundation of Jesus’ ministry. Evident in the incarnation (Philippians 2:5-8) and the death of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53:7).
B. Two biblical methods. First by living for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31) and serving others (Mark 10:45).
C. Secondly in how we relate to others, (Matthew 5:39-42). Healthy relationships were Jesus’ main ministerial strategy.
A. Jesus was sought after to kill for who he was, (Matthew 26:62-68) and the crowds rejected him for his actions, (John 6:66).
B. We also will be persecuted for who we are (John 1:12) and be ridiculed for our lifestyle, (John 16:33). That is the cross.
C. Resist pressure and stand firm to the end regardless of what the world will say or do unto us, (Matthew 24:13). That is how we shall carry the cross.
A. Discipleship is a painful, lifelong, daily process of transformation, (Philippians 3:13-14).
B. Our willpower, determination, and strength can’t help us meet the challenges in discipleship. Therefore we need to do exactly as Jesus did.
C. First he was led by the Spirit (Matthew 4:1), Second, he had an intimate relationship with God (John 5:19-20), and third, he depended on God’s grace (Luke 22:43).
Why is discipleship so important? If Jesus’ death and resurrection were the brains of God’s salvation plan discipleship is the heartbeat. It is the sacrificial lifestyle of true disciples that inspires the world to leave everything behind and follow Christ exclusively. God sent his son to set the captives free. It’s the disciples who shall go forth and ring the bell, in every possible way.
If you found this content helpful, I kindly ask you to leave your feedback in the comments section below. Sharing it with your friends and family through email or social media would also be greatly appreciated. Your feedback not only encourages me but also contributes to the growth and edification of the Church. In order to promote meaningful and respectful dialogue, I request that you use your full name when commenting. Please note that any comments containing profanity, name-calling, or a disrespectful tone will be deleted. Thank you for your understanding and participation.
In the controversial TV series “The Good Wife”, Wendy Carr promises to financially back Pastor Isaiah’s church in return for his endorsement. Later Pastor Isaiah tells his father that he endorsed Peter Florrick, Wendy’s rival candidate instead because unlike her, Peter didn’t put money before God.
A similar incident is recorded in the Gospel of Luke where a greedy man attempted to manipulate Jesus’ influence as a teacher to convince his older brother to share the inheritance. (In ancient times the firstborn was entitled to a double portion of his father’s inheritance.) Jesus immediately discerned this man’s intention and told him (as well as everyone else in an earshot) the parable of the rich fool.
The ending of the parable (“…Not rich toward God…”) leaves two important questions. In which way this man was not rich towards God? What can we do differently so that you and I shall not end up like the rich fool? Let’s find the answers. Please open your Bibles to Luke 12:13-21.
A. We are introduced to a man who was materially blessed by God already; his land produced plentifully.
B. From a businessman’s point of view, the rich fool had a strategic and excellent plan. But from God’s point of view, it had two problems.
C. First, his plans didn’t concern furthering God’s will. Secondly, he trusted his future with his accumulated wealth.
A. Charity is an obligation in Judaism, a duty that cannot be forsaken even by those who are in need themselves.
B. Its importance is so much that people who don’t give were sometimes considered guiltier than idol worshipers.
C. In spite of all these the rich fool intended to lay up all the good things only for his pleasure and for the sake of his welfare.
A. Traditional Judaism firmly believes that death is not the end of human existence and this man was surely aware of it.
B. The behavior he exhibited despite his religious knowledge suggests that he was spiritually ignorant.
C. I am not surprised that Luke called him the rich fool. He had religious knowledge but did not live up to it.
Now let me answer the second question. What can we do differently so that you and I shall not end up like this man? We learned what he did wrong. Let’s finish with the right things that we must do.
Read James 4:13-15
It’s not sinning to plan ahead. But God must have the first place in our plans. We can plan without God but we can’t expect God to intervene when our plans get messed up.
Read Matthew 6:19; 25:34-46; Galatians 6:10
Saving money isn’t wrong. But don’t place your confidence in your savings. On the other hand, we are also to bless others with our blessings. Not to pile them up.
Read Luke 17:26-36; Hebrews 9:27
“Tripping Billies” – A famous song by Dave Matthews. “Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die”. Heaven and Hell are real. If you are not rich towards God as much as you are towards your comfort you will miss heaven.
Remember that going to church, paying your tithes, and getting involved in ministry will not take you to heaven. Only being rich towards God in this life can guarantee you will spend the life to come in God’s presence.
If you found this content helpful, I kindly ask you to leave your feedback in the comments section below. Sharing it with your friends and family through email or social media would also be greatly appreciated. Your feedback not only encourages me but also contributes to the growth and edification of the Church. In order to promote meaningful and respectful dialogue, I request that you use your full name when commenting. Please note that any comments containing profanity, name-calling, or a disrespectful tone will be deleted. Thank you for your understanding and participation.
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