Dr Phillip J Huggins Sermons

Dr Phillip J HugginsAugust 23, 2020Guest Speaker at Living Faith Baptist Church, Fombell, PA Anxiety To say that I don’t struggle with it is to lie.  Some have more of a battle with anxiety than others.  For some anxiety is the besetting sin and weight that so easily hinders their running the race.  Where do I start?  How about a definition?I AnxietyA.   Webster’s Dictionary – A felling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. B.    Myself – Looking for an answer where there isn’t oneC.   Bible1.    Merimna noun - worry concern anxiety - care Connected with merizow – to draw in different directions, distract, hence signifies that which causes this, a care, especially an anxious care.On the positive side this word means to care about someone else, to allow another to impact your emotions and thoughts.On the negative this word means to worry or be anxious, to be concerned.2.    merimanaow verb – to worry, have anxiety, be concerned have a distracting care.  In KJV translated take thought 9, careth for 4, careful 2 taking thought 2, care for 1, have care 1 This morning we are going to do a word study of “Anxiety”.  What does the Bible say? We will start in Matthew and end in 1 Peter.  The goal is to form a conclusion on the Biblical teaching on Anxiety.  By the end we will understand what the Bible teaches about anxiety. ANXIETY IN EVERY DAY DAILY LIFE EVENTSMatthew 6:25-34 (Luke 12:22-34 is parallel passage)ANXIETY IN IMPORTANT LIFE ALTERING EVENTSMat 10:18-20; Luke 12:11ANXIETY PREVENTS ONE FROM ACCEPTING CHRIST AS SAVIORMatt 13:22, Mark 4:19, Luke 8:14 REPLACE ANXIETY WITH SITTING AT THE LORD’S FEET AND LISTEN TO HIS TEACHING Luke 10:38-42REPLACE ANXIETY WITH PRAYERLuke 21:34-36RIGHTLY PLACED ANXIETY 1 Corinthians 7:32-35GOOD TO BE ANXIOUS FOR OTHERS1 Corinthians 12:21-26– verb PASTORS ARE ANXIOUS FOR THE CHURCH2 Corinthians 11:28 – Anxiety for all the churchesWHY PRAY WHEN YOU CAN BE ANXIOUSPhilippians 4:4-7WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR ANXIETIES 1 Peter 5:6-11

Sept 13, 2020      I AM AFRAID    2 Corinthians 12:19-21I AM AFRAID OF BEING MISUNDERSTOOD 19Paul explained why he had gone to the extreme of boasting to edify them.  He was afraid.I AM AFRAID THAT WHEN I COME EXPECTATIONS WILL NOT BE METYou are not what I wish 20aI am not what you wish 20b I AM AFRAID THAT WHEN I COME THERE WILL BE:20cEris Strife – dissension, discord variance quarrelling, debates contention, the expression of enmity Zelos – Jealousy Desiring to have the same or the same sort of thing – envying, indignationThumos Angry tempers wrath fierceness indignation Eritheia – selfish ambition faction contention self-seeking Disputes – selfishness, strife, causing division. A hirling attempting to win followers. The order of strife, jealousy, wrath faction is same in Gal 5:20. Faction is fruit of jealousyKatalalia – Kata against laleo to speak = to speak against. slander, defamation, evil speech,  backbitingsPsithyrismos - Gossip whisperings secret slanderPhysiosis puffing up swelling with pride Arrogance Akatastasia Tumults - a negative kata down stasis standing – a state of disorder, disturbance, confusion - rebellion riot Disturbances disorderly behavior  I AM AFRAID THAT WHEN I COME AGAIN MY GOD MAY HUMILIATE ME BEFORE YOU 21aThis will happen if when Paul comes he finds them still acting like described in verse 20.Paul wanted the church to deal with their sin so that he would not have to. It would be humiliating to have to discipline over boast on them. I AM AFRAID THAT I MAY MOURN OVER MANY OF THOSE WHO HAVE SINNED IN THE PAST AND NOT REPENTED OF THE IMPURITY, IMMORALITY AND SENSUALITY WHICH THEY HAVE PRACTICED. 21bImpurity – uncleanness – a state of moral filthiness, especially in relation to sexual sin Immorality – porneia  - a generic term for sexual sin of any kind - sexual immorality, fornication, marital unfaithfulness, adultery,Sensuality – lasciviousness debauchery, lewdness  If Paul were to come to First Baptist Church would he be afraid?  Would he be afraid that he would find envying, angry tempers, people creating factions, people speaking against others, whispering slander, those who are swelled up with pride and a state of disorder?  Would he be afraid that God would humiliate him as he would have to discipline over boast on us?  Would he be afraid that there is not repentance practiced?Paul was afraid at what he might find in the church at Corinth.  Are you afraid at what God knows is in your life?

Summary | A Pledge of Good Intentions | 2 Corinthians 12:14-18Paul is preparing the church for his third visit to Cornith. False Apostles in the church had been working against Paul. They were falsely accusing that Paul wanted money from the church, that his visit would be a burden to them.  Paul assured the church that wasn't the case. Paul wanted to invest himself in the church for their spiritual gain, not his personal gain.What is the purpose of the church? Is it to fill the pews? No. Is it a place to gather where we can all feel good about each other? No. The purpose of the church is to continue the mission God began. Christ came to seek and save the lost. How do we do that?Is it a question of what the church can do for you? Or what you can do in the church? Who are you investing in for their spiritual benefit? Do we expend ourselves for other people?

Summary | When I am Weak, Then I am Strong | 2 Corinthians 12:1-10Paradise -The dream of heaven  v 1-4Paul Boasts of his Weakness  v 5-6  Pray  v 8-9Thorn in the flesh to keep humble – Have no idea what that was.  Migraine headaches, eye trouble, malaria, epilepsy have all be seriously suggestedA messenger of Satan to buffer me – to keep me from exalting myself! Need to be careful that we do not blame everything on SatanBad things can be brought by God for our goodPaul came to see this thorn as God’s way of keeping him humble and dependent on the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.  This passage makes several sharp points of application:Suffering can be used by God to make us more humbleGod does not always answer our prayers the way we wishGod never causes us to go through painful circumstances without giving us the grace to overcome them.Prayed three timesAnswered prayerMy Grace is sufficient for youGod wanted Paul to find comfort and security in the grace he had received in Christ – the same thing god desires for all believers.God’s denial of Paul’s request turned out to be to Paul’s greater good because it was to God’s greater gloryPower is made perfect in weakness. Throughout Scripture God delights in displaying His power in situations where human strength is weak. When God’s people are weak, then God’s strength becomes evident.Power  v 10Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, insults, distresses, persecutions, difficultiesThese were causes for joy because in these times of weakness, Paul was strong in the power of God Therefore I am well content with … for Christ’s sakeWhen I am weak, then I am strongPaul may have been dead or barely alive – weak – It was then that he saw vision of heaven – strong. Paul had thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan – weak – that he learned My Grace is sufficient, that power is perfected in weakness.  Paul was well content with weaknesses, insults, distresses, persecution, difficulties, for Christ sake – power.I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strengthThe 12 were nobodies, weak, but became Apostles upon whom church is builtJohn the Baptist put idea of when I am weak then I am strong like this “He must increase but I must decrease.”  I am overwhelmed.  There is nothing too hard for GodIn your life, day by day, moment by moment; remember When I am weak then I am strong But the flip side is also true.  He that thinks he stands take head lest he fall.  Pride goes before a fall and a haughty attitude before destruction.  The way up is down, and the way down is up.  Depend upon Christ, lean on the omnipotent, omniscient God and you will learn and live When I am weak then I am strong

Summary   |    A POINTED CONCLUSION   |   2 Corinthians 12:11-13In this passage the Corinthians had been fooled by false apostles into thinking that Paul  was using his position to mislead and abuse the church.We live in a day when nearly everyone has a problem with authority.  The situation is not much different in the church.Paul dealt with this tendency in the Corinthian church by reminding them of the many sacrifices he had made on their behalf. This portion of Paul’s epistle encourages us to look again at how trustworthy he and the other authors are.  They sacrificed their lives for the sake of the gospel.  Most of them met with cruel deaths because they were faithful to Christ and his church. As we wrestle with our attitudes toward their difficult teachings, we should always remember their sacrifices.  Without the word of Paul and the other apostles, we would not know how to follow our Savior.  They are the foundation of the church (Eph 2:20) upon which we are to build our lives.  They deserve our submission because Christ has ordained them and because they were faithful to their ordination up to and including death:Paul admitted that he had MADE A FOOL of himself by taking on the strategy of his opponents in boasting as he had.  Yet, he insisted that the Corinthians had driven him to it.  How was this so?  He OUGHT TO HAVE BEEN COMMENDED by the congregation.  They already knew him and his ministry. He was not IN THE LEAST INFERIOR TO THE SUPER APOSTLES and they knew this.  Of course, Paul was aware that he was NOTHING in himself, apart from the grace of God.  Yet, the Corinthians should have remembered his SIGNS and WONDERS AND MIRACLES that MARK AN APOSTLE.  Paul had performed miracles in many places as he had proclaimed the gospel of Christ, but in Corinth he had done these things WITH GREAT PERSEVERANCE.  Time and again, he had demonstrated the divine authorization of his ministry before the Corinthians. The apostles were authoritative leaders and teachers whose teaching is still binding on the church.  There are always teachers in the church who assert false doctrines.  We must obey the teachings of the apostles.  We must guard the NT authority in the church.  We must be watchful for false teaching, holding everything to the standard of the NT.

What hampered the Corinthians’ open, loving response, which Paul called for in verse 13? Answer: rival suitors vied for their affections and allegiance. The Corinthians were compromising with the world, so Paul appealed to them to separate themselves to God, the way a faithful wife is separated to her husband. Today what hampers our open, loving response to Biblical truth, to Christ, to other believers?Answer: rival suitors vying for our affections and allegiances. Like the Corinthians we need to separate ourselves to God the way a faithful wife is separated to her husband.I. The nature of the Believer 14-16     A. It is nature that determines association. Because a pig has a pig’s nature, it associated with other pigs in the mud hole. Because a sheep has a sheep’s nature, it munches grass with the flock in the pasture. According to 2 Peter 1:3-4 The Christian possesses a divine nature and therefore he should want to associate himself only with that which pleases the Lord.    B. Do not be bound together with unbelievers          1. Literally be not diversely yoked, KJV Unequally yoked          2. The concept of the unequal yoke comes from Deuteronomy 22:10. “thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together” The ox was a clean animal to the Jews, but the ass was not and it would be wrong to yoke them together. Furthermore, they have twoopposite natures and would not even work well together. It would be cruel to bindthem to each other. In the same way, it is wrong for believers to be yoked togetherwith unbelieversII. In posing antitheses that reflect the wide chasm between the kingdom of Christ and thekingdom of Satan Paul supported his admonition to separate by asking five rhetoricalquestions to which the expected the response, nothing.    A. What partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness       1. Metoxa – partnership, fellowship – Synonym of koinania, but with a more restrictivesense.       2. Paul did not speak here of righteous and wicked people, but of righteousness andwickedness as abstract principles. He did this to make the answer to his question asobvious as possible. In abstraction, righteousness and wickedness have nothing incommon.   B. What fellowship does light have with darkness     1. Fellowship, koinania, frequently describes believers spiritual union with Christ andthe consequent union that believers share with one another in Christ.     2. It is clear from this expression that Paul had in mind religious and spiritualconnections between believers and unbelievers, not natural or social connections.     3. The New testament frequently speaks of believers in association with the light ofChrist. By contrast, unbelievers remain in the darkness of sin. Here Paul arguesfrom an analogy in nature that just as light and darkness are opposites, so Christiansand non-Christians are spiritual opposites.   D. What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever     1. Part, in common – a part of the whole     2. Up to this point Paul had spoken abstractly and metaphorically, but here he spokeopenly about a believer and an unbeliever, saying that they have no part with oneanother. Again, the context makes it plain that Paul had in mind the religious andspiritual incompatibility of believers and unbelievers, not normal social contacts.

Sermon Notes; Persevere Today is the final service in 2019. The next time we meet will be 2020. At this time of year we evaluate what the previous year brought and what the next year will bring. Many of you have had times of lose during 2019. Marriages have broken. Family and friends have passed from this life into the next. Some have had positive changes in your life. New Friendships have developed. New positions at current employer or even complete changes of position and employer have occurred. Regardless of weather 2019 has been a year highlighted by positive events or a year remembered for heartache, we, you , I have had to persevere. The key word that i keep hearing over and over again persevere. Press on.A: Interestingly i found that the English word persevere is not found one time in the King James Bible. Perseverance is only found one time, in Ephesians 6:18 "With all prayer at all time in the Spirit with this view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints."B: The verb means to continue steadfastly in a thing and give unremitting care to it. Etymologically it means to be intensely strong toward. In Romans 13:6 it is used of rulers in the discharge of their functions.C: When I looked up "Steadfast" I found three different adjectives and two separate nouns that express that idea.BebaiosHedraiosStereosStereomaSterigmosD: The idea of the persevere or to be steadfast is clearly a Biblical principle. Yet one can not simply ignore the elephant in the room. There is a problem.Paul referred to himself as the prisoner Jesus Christ in Eph 3:1 and the prisoner of the Lord in Eph. 4:1Paul who is a example of perseverance and being steadfast recognized the problem.The Fifth Seal Revelation 6:9-11 Even the Mytre ar told to rest a little longer until the number would be completed of their fellow slaves and their brothers, who were going to be killed just as they had been.Taking the mark of the beast demands the perseverance of the saints, who keep God's commands and their faith in Jesus. Rev 14:12E Perspective: Christ will build His churchThat is a promiseLook at how it is and will be fulfilled in FBCNotice promise is that Christ will build His church, no promise that He will build this church. Thus we need to concentrate on building His church not this church. Christ is building His church through this church.F: Prevail Mathew 16When we are part of building His church, not this church, then the gates of hell will not prevail.As a church when we lose members it hurts,that is looking at the problem in the face. But the perspective that we are building His church means we prevail. We Persever. We are steadfast.Here is how going into 2020 FBC is going to prevail and persevere while looking at problems squarely in the face.The Dragon thrown out of heaven Revelations 12:7-13All those who live on the earth will worship the beast, everyone whose name was not written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the lamb who was slaughtered. If anyone has an ear, he should listen. If anyone is destined for captivity, into captivity he goes.If anyone is to be killed with a sword, with a sword he will be killed.This demands the perseverance and faith of the saints. Revelations 13:8-10G: Persevere like the seven churches of RevelationH: Maltble Babcock 1858-1901As we close out 2019 and enter 2020 do not grow weary in well doing. If 2019 has been a discouraging year in your personal life or you are discouraged in your church life, be steadfast, unmovable for James 1:12 reads "Blessed is the person who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."

Have a question related to this sermon?   You can "Ask the Pastor" at fbcrochester.com2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.                                                     “NO SIN TO BE SIN”Words cannot fully express the great worth of Christ’s work for us on the cross.  To think that He endured separation from the Father because of our sins staggers our finite minds.  Here is the heart of the gospel:  the sinless Savior has taken our sins that we might have God’s righteousness.     I.        Our Sinless Substitute   He willingly offered Himself to die in our place.  Having been restored to God’s favor by the sacrifice of His son, we should lift our hearts in praise to our sinless Substitute.  Christ became our sin offering.  The Messiah’s death is declared to be an offering for sin (Isa 53:10).     II.        He Took My Place   At the heart of Christian belief is this all-important fact:  Christ died for us.  When we trust Christ, we walk out of the prison house of death and step into the bright sunlight of forgiveness and freedom.  What an amazing truth!  Christ died for me.  He took my place!  Christ took our place that we might have His peace; He took our sin that we might have His salvation.  In the gospel of the New testament, salvation comes to enemies of God because Christ Himself became the perfect and final substitutionary sacrifice on behalf of those who have saving faith in him.  III.        Here is the purpose of Christ’s sacrifice   It was so that in Christ all who have saving faith might become the righteousness of God.  It is in Christ that reconciliation takes place.  The concept of in Christ formed one of Paul’s central teachings.  To be in Christ was to be joined with Him in his death and resurrection and to receive the benefits of His salvation.  The benefit received in Christ is that the believer becomes the righteousness of God.  Believers become the righteousness from God when they first receive the imputation of Christ’s righteousness in justification, but they also receive the continuous blessing of the experience of Righteousness in their lives as they grow in their sanctification (Gal 3:1-5).  When He made us righteous in Christ, He also “made us accepted in the beloved” (Eph 1:6).  We were “made near by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13).  The contexts of these passages make it abundantly clear that our being made righteous, accepted in Christ and near to God, is all of grace; we did nothing to merit such privileges.  At the same moment, He also has “made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light” (Col. 1:12).  That we in our poverty should be made joint heirs with Christ once again is only by his unmerited grace (Titus 3:7). Without Him we are nothing; but in Him we have all things.  He is “made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption” (1 Cor. 1:30).  Truly, in salvation as well as in creation, “it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves” (Psalm 100:3). Everything we are that is truly worthy and eternal was made in us by God through Jesus Christ.  Our text is clear on this.  We have been made righteous in Christ, but this was only because God made Him to be sin for us.

 We apologize for the poor sound quality this week. We're working on the issues!                    2 Corinthians 5:20 (KJV) Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.Ambassador for ChristChrist has made each of us His ambassadors here on earth.  He is no longer here in the flesh, and so now He expects us to faithfully and effectively represent Him.  We are to spread the good news of salvation in such a way that unbelievers will be drawn to the light and out of their darkness. Ambassador – mouthpiece, spokesman, diplomat, minister, envoy, emissary, messengerFor Christa.   Think about that, who you are representing, whose message you are carryingb.   Not your own message, you're not representing yourself.c.   To not be a true Christian makes you a double agent, a spy, a traitor – No better than JudasPage 1029 The Risen King Sends His PeopleGod calls us to represent Jesus in mission as we offer His forgiveness to the world.I.   First of all, we are to spread the good news of salvation in such a way that unbelievers will be drawn to the light and out of their darkness.A.  Acts 26:18 “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me”B.  The message of reconciliation is known to others only when ambassadors for Christ spread it.  The Great Commission is the responsibility of reconciled human beings 1.   Paul was a chained ambassador - Ephesians 6:19-20 “pray on my behalf that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly as I ought to speak.”2.   We are a charged ambassador - Matthew 28:18-20The Bible portrays God the Father sending His Son, God the Son sending His people to the world, and the Father and Son sending the Spirit to empower us for mission.  As Christians, we are a sent people who are being formed in the image of our Sending God and our suffering Savior.3.    We are a changed ambassador - Acts 1:8 If you want to follow Jesus, you must follow him to the ends of the earth, for that is where he is going…We cannot think of God without thinking of Him as a missionary God4.    Not all will receive the message a.    For some it is too good to be true or illogical p. 1031God calls us to be patient with doubters as we bear witness to His son, whom we have seen only with the eyes of faith.b.   For others they are too bad, outside of God’s grace 1032God calls us to demonstrate our love for Jesus by following Him, no matter where the journey might lead and no matter what happens to other followers.It has rightly been said that the only two things which will last for eternity are people and the Word of God.  These things must occupy our attention if we are to be effective ambassadors for Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:16-19 (KJV)16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.“Recognize, Recreate, Reconcile”Recognize, recreate, reconcile.  Three very powerful, positive words.  But do they mean anything to you?I. Recognize – 16A.   There are always two conflicting perspectives on a situation:  the worldly versus the divine. B.   How do you recognize Christ?C.   Paul’s life was different when He saw Christ for who He is.  When was your turning point at seeing Christ as Your lord and Savior?  If there is a turning point in your life you are a new creation.  You have been recreated.II. Recreate – 17A.    The words IN CHRIST refer to being in union with Him. B.    He is a new creation – Present tenseC.    Old things are passed away aorist tense indicating the decisive change salvation bringsD.   Behold, new things have come perfect tense indicating abiding results of the new life in ChristE.    Since you are in Christ and a new creation the old is gone and the new is here.III. Reconcile – 18-19A.    Reconciliation involves a changed relationship because our trespasses are not counted against us (19).  We are now to announce to others this message of God’s grace. (Rom 1:21; 3:23; 2 Cor 4:6). B.    The MINSTRY OF RECONCILILARION – being an agent of this good news.C.    How do you fulfill the ministry or word of reconciliation if you have not experienced it?1.    Good reason why people don’t evangelize is because they are not true Christians.2.    Good reason why people don’t share ministry of reconciliation and word of reconciliation is because they haven’t experienced either themselves.3.    So let me ask you, if you aren’t sharing the gospel, if you are not evangelizing, if you are not exercising the ministry of reconciliation to those who are without Christ why not?  The reason may be because you haven’t been reconciled to God yourself. Recognize, recreate, reconcile.  Three very powerful, positive words.  Do you recognize Christ as Lord and Savior?  Anything less and heaven is not your home.  Recreate.  Are you a new creation?  You may be reformed but not regenerated.  You may be a professor of Christ, but not a possessor of Christ.   Reconcile.  The key to First Baptist Church is everyone here being a minister of reconciliation.  But there may well be a problem with that.  You cannot be a minister of reconciliation when you yourself have never been reconciled to God. Recognize, Recreate, Reconcile.  Three very powerful, spiritually positive words.  In a nutshell what I am asking today is are you truly a blood bought, regenerated on the inside reconciled to God, born-again child of God?  

2 Corinthians 5:11-15 (KJV)  11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.                                                               WEI.           We fear GodII.          We are completely openIII.         We are opportunistic to be humble exampleIV.         We have a mental state 13V.          We Concluded 14-15 From this passage we are to do much.  My question is how much of what we are to do are you doing? Do you reverence God?  Are you completely open before God?  Are you an example of humility?  Does God’s love compel you? 

I. PEITHOW – PERSUADE, TO APPLY PERSUASION, TOPREVAIL UPON OR WIN OVER, BRING ABOUT A CHANGE OF MINDII. ACTS 13:43A.   Take advantage of opportunities when and if they come upIII.             Acts 14:19A.   There will be opposition when you persuade men to continue in the grace of GodB.    There will be friends when you persuade menC.    You persevere to persuade menIV.             Acts 18:4A.   Church founded because Paul persuaded those like and unlike himB.    Church founded because Paul persuaded consistentlyV.               Acts 19:8-10A.   Reach the reachable, teach the teachableB.    Need to be open to discussion to persuadeVI.             Acts 19:26A.   His message was clear even to the unbelieverB.    His message extended well beyond the city – as should oursC.    If people are going to speak about us let’s make sure they have our message correctVII.          Acts 21:14A.   At times it is best to agree to disagree and say “The Lord’s will be done”.VIII.       Acts 26:26-28A.   No matter the person or the situation persuade men to become a Christian.IX.             Acts 28:23A.   Major on the majors – salvationB.    Use ScriptureC.    Don’t expect 100% successful responseX.                Romans 8:38-39A.   Persuaded that nothing can separate from love of God is a glorious position to stand, sit, rest.XI.             Romans 14:14-15A.   According to the law of love my rights and preferences are not as important as the walk of a brother.XII.           Romans 15:14A.   Emphasize what is good about anotherXIII.        Galatians 1:10A.   Are you a people pleaser or a God pleaser?XIV.       2 Timothy 1:5A.   Our young adults may practice the faith differently, but be persuaded that the faith is strong.XV.          2 Timothy 1:12In 2 Corinthians 5;11 Paul said “knowing the terror of the Lord we persuade men.  Today, we have looked at 14 different times that Paul persuaded men.  My questions to you are you persuaded?  Who are you persuading?  Who or what is persuading you?

The judgement seat of Christ has received a lot of attention.  Along with truth, there is false belief and miscommunication regarding it.  Today it is my goal to support truth, clear up the miscommunication and correct the false belief.I.  Who will appear – We -Only Christians will appear.  Old Testament Saints, Tribulation Saints, those saved during Millennium will not appear.  Just New Testament Saints will appearII. It is not an option to appear – Must- Every believer is going to appear before the Lord; now is the time to prepare.III The Judgement seat will be a place of Revelation - AppearA.   Appear - Be laid bare, be revealedB.    As we live and work here on earth, it is relatively easy for us to hide things and pretend; but the true character of our works will be exposed before the searching eyes of the Savior.  He will reveal whether our works have been good or badC.    The character of our service will be revealed 1 Cor 3:13D.   The motives that impelled us will be revealed 1 Cor 4:5IV. The Judgement Seat of Christ A.   The bema seat was the platform in Greek towns where orations were made or decisions handed down by rulers. (Matt 27:19; Acts 12:21; 18:12). It was where the awards were given out to the winners in the annual Olympic Games.B.    Place of award not condemnation 1 Cor 3:10-15; Rom. 14:101.    Christians are saved by faith Eph 2:8-9), but they will be judged according to the good or evil deeds they have done issuing from that faith (Eph 2:10; 1 Thes 1;3). 2.    This is a judgment to determine rewards, not eternal destination.  Salvation is not the issue here.C.    Not to be confused with the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) – A judgment to determine eternal destination, not rewards.V.  The judgement Seat will be a place of Reckoning as we give an account of our ministries Rom 14:10-12VI.  The Judgement Seat will be a place of RecompenseA.   Believers will be recompensed for the things they have done in their earthly lives, while in the body.B.    Because of the gracious work of Christ on the cross, we will not face our sins (John 5:24; Rom 8:1); but we will have to give an account of our works and service for the Lord.VII. The Judgment Seat will be a place or Reward (1 Cor 3:10-15; 4:1-6) Recompense will be according to what he has done, whether good or bad A.   Good – worthwhile 1 Cor 4:5; Eph 6:8  B.    Bad – worthless 1 Cor 3:15; Col 3:25 Conclusion:  The judgment seat is real.  Are you even going to be there?  Are you a Christian?  Do the deeds done in your body support that faith you claim has saved?  If you are going to be at the judgment seat as you are a Christian what is it going to be like?  Are you going to get a participation award?  Yes, saved but like the unwise steward you did nothing with your salvation other than escape hell.  Is it going to be a time when you expect great reward or to find out that most of your acts are wood, hay and stubble as they were done with the wrong attitude?  Is it going to be a time where you are surprised at the rewards received as you have done so much more for the cause of Christ than you even imagined?  Time this morning does not allow me to explain in detail what happens to these rewards.  They are given back to Christ as a love offering.  What are you after the judgment seat going to have to give back to Christ as a love offering? 

Sermon Notes                                                          ABSENT, YET AT HOME                                                                                                              2 Corinthians 5:6-9When doing a Bible study you look for key words or phrases that are repeated.  In our passage before us you find two phrases used twice.  In verse 6 and 8 we are to be of good courage or confident.  In those verses also notice that in verse 6 we are at home in the body and absent from the lord and in verse 8 we are absent from the body and at home with the Lord.  The passage concludes Therefore we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. I.     Confidence in the present:  Paul was confident that this present existence involves separation from GodII.    Confidence in Plan:  Paul explained further by characterizing the Christian life as living by faith, not by sightIII.   Confident in Potential:  Paul was confident and would have preferred to leave his present body behind in order to be at home with the Lord.IV.    Because Paul was confident in the potential, he was Confident in Purpose:  In light of this confidence Paul had a goalA.    To be well pleasing to Him1.    Euarestos – eu well arestos pleasing This word is used several other places in the New Testament.  Each of these references helps us better understand what it is that pleases the Lord.a.    It is well pleasing to Him when we present our bodies to Him as living sacrifices Rom 12:1b.    It is well pleasing to Him when we live so as to help others and avoid causing them to stumble Rom 14:18c.     God is well pleased when His children separate themselves from the evil around them Eph 5:10d.    God is well pleased when they bring their offerings to Him Phil 4:18e.    He is pleased with saints who permit Jesus Christ to work out His perfect will in their lives Heb 13:20-21B.   Whether at home or absent1.    The people of God can be found in one of two places:  either in heaven or on earth (Eph 3;15).  None of them is in any intermediate place between earth and heaven.  Believers on earth are at home in the body while believers who have died are absent from the body.  Believers on earth are absent from the Lord while believers in heaven are present with the Lord. Either way they are at home, with their people. Here are the lessons we can learn from this passage.  We can be confident in the present.  Be at home in your present existence even though it involves separation from God.  We are to be confident in the plan.  We live by faith, not by sight.  We are confident in the Potential.  It is real as we have the earnest of the Holy Spirit.  We are confident in the purpose.  Our ambition, our aim is to be well pleasing to Christ.

Sermon NotesIt is so easy to forget how temporary this life is.  We tend to live as if nothing will ever change, as if life will keep going as it always has.  We think we will always have tomorrow.  But every now and then, reality breaks through and we see our lives for what they are:  a fleeting moment.  The Christian gospel tells us that this fleeting life on earth is not our final end.  If we are in Christ, we have a glorious destiny.  Our descendants may forget us in this life, but God will not forget us in the world to come.  Followers of Christ receive the hope of eternal life.  This future hope gives us perspective on this life and its frailties and suffering.  This future hope gives us a destiny beyond imagination that empowers us to move forward in the service of Christ.  As Christians we should balance a realistic assessment of our human frailties with the honor that Christ gives us now and after death.  When we do this, we will hold fast to faith in Christ and receive the salvation that God has offered in Him.I.       In verse 1 The present earthly body is contrasted with the resurrection bodyA.      The apostle began with a statement of confidence.  We know that certain things are true.1.       2 Cor 5:1 briefly summarizes what Paul had earlier written in 1 Corinthians 15 about the nature of the resurrection body.  The confident assertion, we know, was based on the argument set forth in 1 Cor 15.B.      We know that the temporary physical body is being destroyed.1.       Paul had referred to his mortal body (4:10-11) as “wasting away” (4:16).  Now he compared his body to a warn-out on the earth tent soon to be destroyed. 2.       In Christ’s incarnate body He tabernacled or tented among us John 1:14. This is why the eternal perspective (2 Cor 4:17) should be maintained.C.      We know that the physical body will be replaced by a permanent resurrected body. 1.       The picture is living in a temporary tent while waiting for house to be built.  The physical body is the temporary tent.  The resurrected body is the permanent house.2.       An earthly body is temporary, a heavenly body is eternal.D.      Paul described the building from God as an eternal house in heaven.1.       Paul is referring to the future resurrected bodies of believers, 2.       The reference to the heavenly body as a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands is reminiscent of Jesus’ description of His own resurrection body as a temple not made by man’s hands (Mark 14:58).3.       Paul is not addressing the intermediate state.  In fact Scripture teaches very little about the intermediate state. “Absent with the body is to be present with the Lord.” V, 8II.       For indeed 2-3A.      In this house we groan1.       In this earthly body we groan because of the burdens of life.2.       Groan usually referred to pain and agony.  Paul had in mind the longing that believers experience when they compare their present existence with their condition when Christ returns.  3.       In verses 3-5 Paul explained why we groan for the heavenly dwelling.B.      In this house we long to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven1.       Our dwelling from heaven is dwelling place which is from heaven2.       The suffering and pain of life in this world causes tho

Sermon Notes:True witness for God is based on faith in God, and this faith comes from God’s Word.  Rom 10:17 Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.  Of what was Paul so confident?  That he had nothing to fear from life or death!  He had just listed some of the trials that were a part of his life and ministry and now he was affirming that his faith gave him victory over all of them.  Note the assurances that he had because of his faith. In verse 14 He was sure of ultimate victory.  He was sure God would be glorified in verse 15 and in verses 16-17 He was sure his trials were working for him, not against him. Finally in verse 18 He was sure the invisible world was real. I.     He was sure his trials were working for him, not against him 16-17A.    We faint not was Paul’s confident testimony.  1.    What does it matter if the outward person is perishing, so long as the inward person is experiencing daily spiritual renewal?  2.    Paul was not suggesting that the body is not important, or that we should ignore its warnings and needs.  Since our bodies are the temples of God, we must care for them; but we cannot control the natural deterioration of human nature.  3.    When we consider all the physical trials that Paul endured, it is no wonder he wrote as he did.4.    Though he is oppressed, Paul’s outlook is one of hope (14).  Therefore, he does not lose heart, though his outer man is decaying for this affliction is light and temporary.5.    The words we do not give up or “faint not” are repeated from verse 1 Between these two statements Paul explains why he was not defeated even in extremely negative circumstances.  The apostle is the ideal for all believers. B.    As Christians, we must live a day at a time.  No person, no matter how wealthy or gifted, can live two days at ta time.  God provides for us day by day as we pray to Him (Luke 11:3).  He gives us the strength that we need according to our daily requirements (Deut 33:25).  1.    We must not make the mistake of trying to store up grace for future emergencies, because God gives us the grace that we need when we need it (Heb 4;16).  2.    When we learn to live a day at a time, confident of God’s care, it takes a great deal of pressure off of our lives3.    Yard by yard, life is hardInch by inch, life’s a cinch.C.    Verse 16 should be related to 3:18 because both verses have to do with the spiritual renewal of the child of god.  Of itself, suffering will not make us holier men and women.  Unless we yield to the Lord, turn to His Word, and trust Him to work, our suffering could make us far worse Christians.  Some of God’s people grow critical and bitter and go from bad to worse instead of f rom glory to glory.  We need that spirit of faith that Paul mentioned in verse 13.D.   When you live by faith in Christ, you get the right perspective on suffering.  Note the contrasts Paul presented in verse 17:  light affliction – weight of glory; momentary – eternal; working against us – working for us.  Paul was writing with eternity’s values in view.  He was weighting the present trials against the future glory, and he discovered that his trials were actually working for him.E.    We must not misunderstand this principle and think that a Christian can live any way he pleases and expect everything to turn into glory in the end.  Paul was writing about trials experienced in the will of God as he was doing the world of God.  God can and does turn suffering into glory, but He cannot turn sin into glory.  Sin must be judged, beca

Sisram was invited to preach.  When he arrived he was jumped.  He was beaten as he would not spit on the Bible. I.  Paul was sure of lifeII.  Paul was sure of what he said v13 Believe and Speak III. Paul was sure of ultimate victory v14 Resurrection of Christ and Believers IV.  Paul was sure God would be Glorified. v15 What a remarkable effect the gospel of Christ has on people – both positive and negative!  Those who mugged Sisram were incensed by the message of Christ.  But the gospel influenced Sisram differently. He was so empowered by it that he risked his life.  See the contrast?  Some want to kill because of the gospel while others are willing to die for it.  How do you respond to it?  Have you turned in faith to Jesus?  If you have, you’ve discovered the joy of living for Him.  And that’s worth dying for.Christ is the only way to heaven; all other paths are detours to doom.The remarkable effect the gospel of Christ had on Paul was he was sure.  The gospel can have the same effect on us.1.    Like Paul was in verse 11-12 we can be sure of life2.    Like Paul was in verse 13 we can be sure of what we believe and speak 3.    Like Paul was in verse 14 we can be sure of the resurrection4.    Like Paul was in verse 15 we can be sure that as everything is for our benefit God will get the glory.Are you sure?  Is your faith strong enough that like Paul or Sisram that when the time of testing comes that you will stand sure.  One thing we are sure of “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.  One look at His dear face and all sorrow will erase.  So bravely run the race till we see Christ."  (from hymn: When We see Christ by Esther Kerr Rusthoi) 

Sermon Notes     Sept 1, 2019      Dr Phillip Huggins God never abandons His own.  For every trial there is corresponding encouragement.  The believer need never despair:  God is on His throne.  He knows our woes.  He understands our problems.  He ever, never forsakes us.  Until in His wisdom He calls us home we are His people and His delight; we revel in the certainty of His protective care.I.  The Power -7     A.    We are but earthen Vessels     B.    But those clay pots are the excellency of the power of God          1.    God needs task to be done               a.     Moses to Lead Israel               b.    Philip to talk to the Ethiopian Eunuch.               c.     Peter to preach at Pentecost.               d.    Paul to write the New Testament          2.    God made you to do a task.  God needed someone just like you          3.    You are somebody:  A child of God, Prophet, Priest II.  The Problem 8-9     A.    Troubled on every side but not distressed          1.    Wrestling – pressed but not pinned          2.    Devil will try to pin you.     B.    Perplexed but not in despair          1.    Football – Nowhere to go but make a hole.  Fight to keep going until you find a                 hole in the devil’s defense.           2.    Despair – altogether without help or means      C.    Persecuted but not forsaken - Falling behind but not forgotten.            1.    Finish the job.           2.    God won’t forsake you.     D.   Knocked down but not destroyed – Boxing Knocked down but not knocked out.          1.    Test of character not what it takes to knock you down but what it takes to keep                 you there.     E.    Expect trials.  Accept trials.  Key is your reaction.     F.     Paul said I press on to the prize of the high calling of God     G.   There are many who run the race, but only one wins the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24     H.   God made you to succeed (Romans 8:37; Philippians 4:13)          1.    Boy tossed ball up missed 3 times. Exclaimed “What a pitcher”      I.       God uses failures to teach us to succeed          1.    Everyone fails but you don’t have to be a failure.          2.    Definition of success is failing until you succeed          3.    Definition of failure is failing until you quit.III. The Proclamation – 10     A.    Daniel, Hananiah, Mishaal, Azariah – Dan 3:16-17 Note the words:  troubled, perplexed, persecuted cast down.  Hostile pressure, active opposition, inward anguish – these are the price of uncomprom

I.     While the gospel is presented as an open display it is veiled to those who are       perishing.3-4       A.   The gospel is hidden to every person who has not responded to the proclamation               of the gospel              1.    How one respond to the gospel is not a matter of intellectual insight or                     philosophical acumen.  It is a matter of spiritual condition.       B.    The gospel is veiled to those who are perishing because the god of this age has               blinded the minds of the unbelieversSatan has a role in keeping persons from Christ and the gospel, even though they are accountable for their own souls and cannot blame the devil.  Moreover, Satan cannot prevent the gospel light from penetrating.  Without Gods enablement, a sinner can no more see the gospel than a blind person can see the sun.  the foundation and the goal of the gospel is that Christ’s splendor or glory will be displayed.  Sinners are converted so they may admire and love Him. II.    Christ Proclaimed        A.   As the Image of God               Two main ideas emerge from the use of the word image:               representation and manifestation.  Caesar is represented by his image on a coin,                 and pagan gods are represented by images of them.  Human beings were                created to represent God and to manifest His presence in the world.  However,               Christ does not merely represent God; he is the full manifestation of God.               Believers are being conformed to Christ’s image and thus manifest God’s               presence as well.           B.    Christ is the one proclaimed as God.  Not ourselves               Why was Paul so convinced that the problem with unbelievers was in them and               not in his presentation of the gospel?  His reason was straightforward.  True               ministers of the gospel do not preach themselves.  They do not draw attention to               their own clever or eloquent speech; they do not lord their authority over others.               Instead, they draw attention to Jesus Christ as Lord.  The true Christian gospel              always focuses on Christ’s honor, no on the ministers who bear the message.              Coupled with the statement of v. 4 that he is the image of God, the words in the              face of Jesus Christ in verse 6 are a strong testimony to Paul’s belief in the deity              of Christ, in whose face God’s glory is fully displayed (Jn 1:14,18; Heb 1;3) III.      We are proclaiming ourselves as servants for Jesus’s sake. IV.      We proclaim the light as recipients of the Light          A.   Verse 6 The original creation of light of out darkness Gn 1;3