“WAYS THAT YOU CAN TELL IF A CHURCH IS ALIVE AND THRIVING”
Revelation 3:1-6
I. THERE WILL BE FAITHFUL PEOPLE IN THE PEWS
II. THERE WILL BE FIRY PREACHING IN THE PULPITS
III. THERE WILL BE FEVERENT PRAYER IN THE PRAYER ROOMS
IV. THERE WILL BE FAITHFULNESS IN THE PURSUIT OF SOULS
V. THERE WILL BE FINANCES PROVIDED IN THE PLATE
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“A STRONG BEGINNING BUT A SORRY ENDING”
2 Chronicles 26
I. NOTICE UZZIAH’S PROSPERITY (Vv. 1-15A)
A. Notice First, His Humble Start
B. Notice Sadly, His Haughty Spirit
II. NOTICE UZZIAH’S PRIDE (Vv. 15b-16)
A. He Was “lifted up” Because of Pride
B. He Was “brought low” Because of Pride
III. UZZIAH’S PROBLEM (Vv. 17-23)
A. His Kingdom Began With Great Prosperity
B. His Kingdom Ended With Great Peril…
Sermonsharing -
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Four Reference to Jesus as The Son that are used in the New Testament:
The Son of Adam- Means he is a man (Son of Man) within the lineage of humanity.
Son of David- Means Jesus is a King a descendent of David being an heir to his throne.
Son of Abraham- Means Jesus is of a Jewish descent.
Son of God –Means Jesus is God just as the Father is God. The phrase "Son of"- is used among the ancients to refer to one who has the same nature as...Son of God, means he has the same nature as God. He was called THE Son of God, being unique one of a kind.
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EXCUSES Luke 14:16-24
INTRO: From the time of man's creation he has ever been giving excuses for not putting his trust in God. The natural heart is bent on having its own way. When an outside authority seeks to take control it will immediately rise to defend its own DESIRE and DEMAND its own ways.
I. THE ELABORATE PREPARATION:
Luke 14:16 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:
* This was not just the ordinary supper.
A. THERE WAS A LOT OF PLANNING: This feast didn't take place by accident. What God did in planning salvation was no accident.
B. THERE Was A LOT OF PROVISIONS:
The Master placed the very best on the table.
C. THERE WAS A LOT OF PRACTICAL EXPENSE: The best was given, the Master would spare no expense for the feast. God gave his very best. Heavens best for earths worst.
II. THE EARNEST PROCLAMATION:
Luke 14:17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
* This proclamation appeals to:
A. THE DESTETUTION OF THEIR FLESH:
This was a HUNGRY, HELPLESS, HOPELESS crowd he appealed too.
B. THE DEFICIENCY OF THEIR FORTUNE:
Within themselves they would never be capable of spreading such a feast.
C. THE DESIGN OF THE FEAST:
Here they would have the privilege of fellowshipping with the Master.
III. THE EXCUSES OF PREOCCUPATION: vss.18-21
Luke 14:18a And they all with one consent began to make excuse.
* No matter the excuse they are all the same in the ear of the master.
A. THEIR UNIVERSAL DENIAL: v.18a
Man has always made excuses why he can not come.
B. THEIR UNIQUE DIFFERENCES: v.18b-20
One was what he could see, the other with what he must do. The last with what he had.
C. THE UNCHANGING DECREE: Luke 14:24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
IV. THE ENJOYMENT OF PARTICIPATION: vss.21-23
* All who experienced the Masters provisions were satisfied.
A. PERSONAL ENJOYMENT: You can not partake for someone else.
B. PERPETUAL ENJOYMENT: John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Morristown, TN