SERMON SEEDS
BIBLE OUTLINES FOR PASTORS, TEACHERS, AND STUDENTS
U34 – FOR WEEK OF 12/4/22
First Baptist Church of New Holland PA - SERMON SEEDS (fbcnhremembers.com)
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LUKE 1:5-25 – NEVER TOO OLD (OR YOUNG)!
CHRISTMAS REVISITED #2
- What goes up but never comes down? Your age!
- Aging gracefully is like the nice way of saying you're slowly looking worse.
- The older we get, the earlier it gets late.
- You know you're getting older when you have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.
- Why am I getting older and wider instead of older and wiser?
- These are not gray hairs! They are wisdom highlights! I happen to be very wise.
- You're not getting older, you're just becoming a classic!
Old People Jokes & Puns - Funny Jokes for Seniors (bestlifeonline.com)
In a church where we have more senior citizens than not, we can be comforted that the Christmas Story includes Old People to whom we can relate!
So this morning we’d like to show you from their story that you’re never old, or for that matter, too young, to please God!
- We’re never too old to be faithful. Luke 1:5-6
Blameless is not sinless!
As Christians, we should be faithful, no matter what our age. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, A Fruit of the Spirit, Rev. 1:10
- We’re never too old to be tested. Luke 1:7 Often, God holds back the good to give us His Best! John 11:4, James 1:2-8
- We’re never too old to be available. Luke 1:8-10, Isaiah 6:8
- We’re Never too old to be used by God. Luke 1:11-17
Psalm 71:17-18, John “Jehovah is gracious”, Malachi 3:1, 4:5-6
- We’re never too old to doubt. Luke 1:18, Hebrews 3:18-19
- We’re never too old to be corrected. Luke 1:19-23, Hebrews 12:5-6
- We’re never too old to be blessed. Luke 1:24-25
Zechariah obeyed and was blessed!
TO HEAR PASTOR JACK PREACH THIS SERMON VISIT:
First Baptist Church of New Holland PA - Sermons (fbcnhremembers.com)
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JOSHUA 24:1-28 – A SECOND FAREWELL – LEADER TO FOLLOWERS
#20 – MOVING FORWARD – THE BOOK OF JOSHUA – FINAL LESSON
He had served as Moses' servant.
He had been Moses' general for the armies of Israel.
He and Caleb had been the only spies that came back from the promised land wanting to go in.
He had taken over leadership of Israel after Moses' death.
He led Israel into the promised land.
Now he was at the end of his life. He would pass on the torch to men known as judges, who would rule the land.
It was time for him to give his farewell speech to the nation.
What would this man of God, General Joshua, say to the people? He knew their bent towards sin. He knew that they were prone to wander away from God. Under the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, he challenged them to Godliness.
You and I, who live many years after Joshua, need to be challenged to Godliness as well.
REVIEW OF THE PAST - Vss. 1-13
It is always good to remember past blessings.
Joshua reminds Israel of God's blessing on them in the past.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PRESENT - Vss. 14-15
God's blessings require our current cooperation. Because He has been so good to us, we should choose to serve Him now.
RECOGNITION OF A PROBLEM - Vss. 16-20
When Joshua gave his challenge to the people to choose whom they would serve, they evidently answered quickly. In Vs. 19 he reminds them of their bent towards sin. He basically tells the Israelites that they can't do what they were promising to do. And it's true for us as well. In our own strength we cannot live Godly lives. We need God's strength.
RESOLVE TO PERFORM - Vss. 21-24
The people are persistent.
They claim that they will serve the Lord.
Joshua points out that they are witnesses against themselves.
Later, their own words could be witnesses against them if they did not do as they said they would. The people agreed with Joshua and resolved to serve the Lord.
REMINDER OF THE PROMISE - Vss. 26-28
A stone was put up as a reminder.
People would see the stone and remember their promise or commitment.
Reminders of our promises are good as well.
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2 KINGS 4:8-37 – STEADY UNDER PRESSURE
LIFE OF ELISHA, THE STEADY PROPHET - #5 of 9
There will be times in our lives that we will face pressure.
- The pressure of persecution - 2 Timothy 3:12
- The pressure of trials - James 1:2-4
- The pressure of sickness
- The pressure of some dying
- The pressure of family problems
- The pressure of church disputes
- The pressure of financial struggles
- And many more pressures
The prophet Elisha faced pressure as well.
Through his reliance on God, he remained steady under pressure.
CATASTROPHE - Vss. 8-23
A lady had taken care of Elisha's physical needs and Elisha promised the reward of a child. Vss. 8-16
The child was born. Vs. 17
The child died. The lady went to find Elisha. Vss. 18-23
Talk about pressure!
CHARACTER - Vs. 9
It was obvious that Elisha was a "holy man of God."
If we expect to remain steady under pressure, we need to have a similar character.
CONCERN - Vss. 24-30
Elisha was genuinely concerned about the well being of this woman and her family. Vss. 25-26
He understood that the woman was hurting. Vss. 27-28
He sent Gehazi, his servant to help. Vs. 29
He went himself. He was willing to get involved. Vs. 30
Many people want to withdraw when there is pressure. We need to follow Elisha's example and get involved.
CRY - Vss. 31-33
Gehazi was unsuccessful. Evidently there was no prayer on his part.
Elisha got alone with God and the problem and cried out in prayer.
Crying out to God is of ultimate importance when we are under pressure. Jeremiah 33:3, Mark 11:22-24
CLOSENESS - Vs. 34
After prayer, Elisha got involved with a dirty problem. He was dealing with a corpse. He got close anyway. Often God will require us to get close to unpleasant problems in order for them to be solved.
CONTINUATION - Vs. 35
Elisha stuck with the problem until it was totally solved.
There will be times we will have to bear long with a problem until the pressure is relieved completely!
CONCLUSION - Vss. 36-37
The pressure was relieved!
The boy came back to life!
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THE HILLS ARE ALIVE! – LUKE 1:57-80
A MIRACULOUS BIRTH – Vss. 57-58
- Vss. 57-58 – Elizabeth gave birth to her son. Her neighbors and relatives rejoiced with her. I imagine that Elizabeth, who would have been viewed in a bad way when she was barren, was now somewhat a celebrity.
A MYSTERIOUS NAME – Vss. 59-66
· Vs. 59 – Jewish children were circumcised on the eighth day as a sign of God’s covenant. Genesis 17:12-14
· I think that those present at the circumcision and official naming of the child just assumed that the baby was automatically “Zacharias Junior”. They probably figured that the couple had waited so long for a child that he should be named after his father.
· Vs. 60 – Elizabeth knew what the name of the child was supposed to be and insisted on the name “John”.
· Vss. 61-62 – Tradition was being violated! According to custom, the child should have been named after a relative. How does following tradition help/hurt a church? Mark 6:6-13
· It appears that John was deaf as well as dumb because they had to signal to him to ask the child’s name.
· Vs. 63 – Zacharias had been told the child’s name by Gabriel in Luke 1:13. I think the people marveled because of his agreement with Elizabeth, without him hearing what was said.
· The name John means “Yahweh has been gracious”. How was John a fitting name for this prophet?
· Vs. 64 – The moment Zacharias named the child in obedience and faith his tongue was loosed. The discipline was over. Zacharias emerged with a strong faith, and with praise to God! Proverbs 3:11-12
- Vss. 65-66 – Why was the stir caused by these events not surprising?
MEANINGFUL PRAISE – Vss. 67-75
· Vs. 67 – Under the control of the Holy Spirit, Zacharias uttered what we know as the “Benedictus”.
· Vs. 68 – In what ways is it awesome that the Lord visited His people?
· The Lord also redeemed His people. The Lord Jesus certainly understood his ministry of redemption. John 10:11, 17-18
· Vs. 69 – A horn refers to the horn of an animal and is a symbol for strength. In this case it is the horn of salvation, promised to come through David.
· Vs. 70 – Beginning in Genesis 3:15 there are prophecies concerning the coming redeemer. One of the most precious and complete prophecies is Isaiah 53.
· Vs. 71 – In a real way, sin is our biggest enemy (Romans 6:23). Satan is the one that hates us (1 Peter 5:8).
- Vss. 72-75 – The fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 22:15-18) in Christ leads to serving God without fear and in holiness and righteousness. How is this possible? 1 John 4:18-19, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Romans 5:1.
MARVELOUS PROPHECY – Vss. 76-79
· Vs. 76 – Zacharias now directs his attention to the ministry of his son. He was to be a prophet of God and the one preparing for the coming of the Lord. Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1, 4:5
· Vs. 77 – John would be getting Israel Spiritually ready for the appearing of their Messiah and would preach a Gospel of repentance towards remission of their sins. Luke 3:3
· Vs. 78 – The “Dayspring” is the morning sun that came from Heaven to visit us. Jesus is the “sun of righteousness” referred to in Malachi 4:2.
· Vs. 79 – In what ways has the Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled this verse?
· Vs. 80 – In one verse Luke sums up John’s childhood. In what ways would dwelling in the wilderness prepare John for ministry? Why did God keep John isolated until his time of ministry? Is there a lesson here for us?
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ISAIAH 9:6-7 – GREAT NEWS!
Isaiah 9:6-7 - For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
THE PERSON
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
THE PROCLAMATION
…and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
THE PROMISE
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
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MATTHEW 2:1-12 – THE SEARCH FOR MESSIAH
REQUEST – Vss. 1-3
The Wise Men came asking “Where is He that is born King of the Jews?”
RESEARCH – Vss. 4-6
Herod was troubled and researched to find any information he could.
He learned of the prophecy of Micah 5:2.
REPORT – Vss. 7-8
Herod privately got the information to the Wise Men. His hope is that they would report back and that he would be able to kill the Lord Jesus.
REWARDS – Vss. 9-11
The rewards the Wise Men received for finding Jesus was actually seeing Him, worshipping Him, and sharing with Him.
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IT’S CHRISTMAS!
As you drive through neighborhoods this time of year, you see many light displays, reminding you that it's Christmas. Turn on the television and you will see many special holiday programs and commercials, telling you that it's Christmas. Go to the stores and the merchants don't want you to forget that it's Christmas. Come to church and you will notice the decorations, music, Scripture Readings and Sermons are telling you that it's Christmas. Over the next several moments, let's remind ourselves of the true meaning of Christmas as we consider:
THE POWER OF CHRISTMAS - Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:30-35
God's power is shown at Christmas through the Virgin Birth.
THE PROCLAMATION OF CHRISTMAS - Luke 2:11
The angel tells the shepherds that a Savior is born who is Christ the Lord.
THE PRAISE OF CHRISTMAS - Luke 2:13-14
The angel choir gives praise to God, reminding us that praise is our responsibility.
THE PROPONENTS OF CHRISTMAS
The Shepherds - Luke 2:15-20
Simeon - Luke 2:25-35
Anna - Luke 2:36-39
The Wise Men - Matthew 2:1-12
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THE CHRISTMAS TOP TEN PART 2
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers has released a list of the most performed Christmas songs for the past five years, based on performance data tracked by radio airplay monitoring service Media guide, which is co-owned by ASCAP and monitors radio broadcast music in real-time to facilitate the accurate distribution of royalty payments to composers, lyricists and publishers.
The Top 10 most performed Christmas songs are listed below. Each song includes songwriter credits, and cites the most popular artist version played on radio. (This is an old list.)
1) The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
Written by: Mel Tormé, Robert Wells - Performed by: Nat "King" Cole
2) Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Written by: Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin - Performed by: The Pretenders
3) Winter Wonderland
Written by: Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith - Performed by: Eurythmics
4) Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Written by: Fred Coots, Haven Gillespie - Performed by: Bruce Springsteen
5) White Christmas
Written by: Irving Berlin - Performed by: Bing Crosby
6) Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Written by: Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne - Performed by: Andy Williams
7) Jingle Bell Rock
Written by: Joseph Carleton Beal, James Ross Boothe - Performed by: Bobby Helms
8) Little Drummer Boy
Written by: Katherine K. Davis, Henry V. Onorati, Harry Simeone
Performed by: The Harry Simeone Chorale & Orchestra
9) Sleigh Ride
Written by: Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish - Performed by: The Ronettes
10) Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
Written by: Johnny Marks - Performed by: Gene Autry
Virginia Soto http://chicago.about.com/od/christmas/tp/120406_christma.htm
On a more serious note, we began a “Christmas Top Ten” list of our own last week. We are trying to center in on the real meaning of Christmas by examining what I would say are the top ten characters or groups of characters involved in Christmas.
Let’s review:
10 – HEROD – THE FOE
9 – The PROPHETS – THE FORETELLERS
8 – ZACHARIAS AND ELIZABETH – THE FAITHFUL
7 – SIMEON AND ANNA – THE FULFILLED
6 – THE WISE MEN – THE FOLLOWERS
5. THE SHEPHERDS – THE HEARERS
God was not going to do the most terrific thing that ever happened in behalf of the human race without making it known.
God was not going to send his Son to earth without having a welcoming committee.
God chose men who were of humble, even despised occupation, to hear about the birth of his Son.
The shepherds were common men. Jesus came for the common man.
God actually let the shepherds know that the Good Shepherd had arrived.
John 10:14 - I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
- THEY WERE ALERT
Luke 2:8 - And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
- THEY WERE ALARMED
Luke 2:9 - And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
- THEY WERE ADVISED
Luke 2:10-12 - And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. [11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. [12] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
- THEY WERE ACTIVE
Luke 2:15-16 - And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. [16] And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
- THEY WERE ANNOUNCERS
Luke 2:17 - And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
- THEY WERE APPRECIATIVE
Luke 2:20 - And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
4 - THE ANGELS – THE HERALDS
Luke 2:10-12 - And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. [11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. [12] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:13-14 - And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, [14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
3 - JOSEPH – THE HELPER
Matthew 1:18-19 - Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. [19] Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
Matthew 1:20-21 - But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. [21] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Matthew 1:24-25 - Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: [25] And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.
Matthew 2:13-14 - And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. [14] When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
God doesn’t need our help, but has graciously chosen to us it. The greatest way to help God is to do His will.
Ephesians 5:15-17 - See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, [16] Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. [17] Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
2 - MARY – THE HANDMAID (SERVANT)
Luke 1:37-38 - For with God nothing shall be impossible. [38] And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Luke 2:19 - But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
Romans 12:1 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
1 - JESUS – THE HOPE
Isaiah 9:6 - For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
1 Peter 1:3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Colossians 1:27 - To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Titus 2:13 - Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
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