fromthepreacherspc

THIS IS A DAY OF GOOD NEWS

INTRODUCTION
A. Jesus is our perfect example
1. 1 Peter 2:21-22
2. Philippians 2:5
B. Jesus was one who had great concern for the lost
1. Luke 19:10
2. Jesus wept over a city in sin (Lk. 19:41)
3. There are many examples of our Lord’s concern for loss souls:
a. Nicodemus (Jn. 3)
b. The Samaritan Woman (Jn. 4)
4. Christ died that we might live … Romans 5:6-9
5. Matthew 28:18-20
C. We, like our Lord, need to have a deep concern for lost souls
1. “He that is wise winneth souls” (Pro. 11:30)
2. Daniel 12:3
DISCUSSION
A. THIS IS A DAY OF GOOD NEWS
1. In the period of “The Divided Kingdom,” Israel finds themselves in a much weakened condition leaving themselves open to attacks by other countries
a. We read of one such attack in 2 Kings 6:24-29
b. This siege was orchestrated by Ben-Hadad, king of Syria
c. We see the terrible famine this brought about
2. Among those suffering in this famine were four lepers
a. They discussed their plight
1) 2 Kings 7:3-4
2) In desperation they decided to surrender to the Syrians
b. To their surprise they found the Syrian camp abandoned … 2 Kings 7:5-7
c. At first, they splurged in their new found riches
1) 2 Kings 7:8
2) They ate – they drank, and they hid treasures
d. But upon reflection, they knew they needed to tell others what they had found, and so… 2 Kings 7:9-11
3. There is a very valuable lesson that we learn from these four lepers, especially when they said, “This is a day of good tidings (or good news)”
4. Jesus realized this, which is why He is our perfect example. Jesus:
a. Realizes there is a famine
b. Taught there are consequences to keeping silent
c. Knows why we keep silent
B. THERE IS A FAMINE
1. There is a famine of the word of God in our day
a. Amos 8:11
b. As a whole people do not study the Bible like they use to
c. God had provided us with milk and meat (Heb. 5:12)
d. This spiritual famine is self-induced when we fail to study (2 Tim. 2:15)
2. Jesus said… John 4:31-34
a. Job 23:12
b. Jesus realized, and so should we, that if we are not studying, teaching, and obeying the word of God – then we are in a severe famine
3. This is a day of good news – there does not have to be a famine
a. Are we doing our part?
b. Remember Hosea 4:6?
c. Are we aiding in the destruction of others – are we promoting the famine?
4. Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost (Lk. 17:10)
a. The Messiah came to give living water… John 4:13-14
b. The Son of God came to give bread… John 6:48-51
5. Knowing that we have the food to cure the spiritual famine of our day – how hateful are we if we do not share the “Bread of Life?”
a. Are we promoting spiritual starvation?
b. Or, are we feeding the masses with the “Bread of Life?”
C. CONSEQUENCES OF KEEPING SILENT ABOUT THE DAY OF GOD NEWS
1. We fail to keep the Great Commission
a. Jesus wanted His disciples to observe ALL that He had commanded
b. Matthew 28:18-20
c. Included in the command to His disciples, and us, was to “Go and make disciples…”
d. Keeping silent was not Jesus commanded!
2. In keeping silent about the good news we fail as the people of God
a. As the privileged people of God, we are to proclaim the praises of God… 1 Peter 2:9-10
b. Especially in regards to:
1) How God “called you out of darkness into His marvelous light”
2) How we “who had not obtained mercy…now have obtained mercy.”
c. How can “God’s people” do this while remaining silent?
3. We will answer to God for failing in our mission
a. Ezekiel was warned concerning his responsibilities… Ezekiel 3:16-21
b. Today the church is God’s “watchman” to the world
1) We are to take the Gospel to the whole world (Mk. 16:15)
2) Those who will refuse to hear will die in their own sins, but we will be held accountable if we do not do our part in warning
4. Despite the consequences of keeping silent, many Christians do not tell others about the good news of Jesus.
a. Why is this so?
b. Here are some possibilities:
D. WHY MANY KEEP SILENT
1. For some, it may be that they are starving spiritually themselves
a. They have experienced the joy of salvation in the past, but through negligence have failed to grow, and have forgotten the blessings of salvation
b. 2 Peter 1:8-9
c. Those who are enjoying the blessing of salvation will want to tell others
1) Even as David did in Psalm 32:1-11
2) And as Philip did when he found Jesus… John 1:43-46
d. Don’t you have any good news worth sharing?
2. For some, it may be out of fear or discouragement
a. If fear is stopping us, then remember:
1) The cowardly will be in the lake of fire (Rev. 21:8)
2) God does not want us to be fearful – 2 Timothy 1:7-8
3) Boldness comes through prayer:
a) Acts 4:29, 31
b) Ephesians 6:19-20
b. If discouragement keeps us silent, then remember:
1) The principle of sowing and reaping – Galatians 6:9
2) The example of our Lord, Jesus – Hebrews 12:1-3
c. Fear and discouragement, as problematic as they might be, can be overcome with faith and perseverance
CONCLUSION
A. Jesus is our perfect example in spreading the good news – will we following His example?
B. Will we share the good news with a spiritually starved world?

Tom Moore
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://preachersfiles.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/preacherspc/
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

THE TATOR FAMILY

INTRODUCTION
A. Are you a member of the “Tator Family”?
1. The family you are a member of tells a lot about you
2. We tend to take on the characteristics of our family
3. “An acorn does not fall far from the tree”
B. Let’s take a look at the “Tator Family” and all their relatives, and see if this is really a family of which we want to be a member
DISCUSSION
A. Mr. Spect-tator
1. This family member doesn’t do much at all
a. He won’t sing, pray, or teach
b. He does not visit the sick, nursing home, or hospitals
c. He does not give attention to the wayward or those lost in the world
d. Again, he just doesn’t do much of anything
2. What does the Bible say about the lifestyle Mr. Spect-tator?
a. 1 Corinthians 15:58
b. Luke 9:62
c. John 9:4
d. Philippians 2:12-16
3. Are you a member of this family?
B. Mr. Agi-tator
1. This family member is a trouble maker
a. Constantly perverting the right way
b. Stirring up trouble through false teaching
1) Binding where God has not bound
2) Loosing where God has not loosed
2. What does the Bible say about antics Mr. Agi-tator?
a. 2 John 9
b. 2 Timothy 3:13-17
c. 1 Peter 4:11
d. “For what saith the scripture…” (Rom. 4:3)
3. Are you a member of this family?
C. Mr. Devas-tator
1. This family member is always trying to tear down the church by their actions.
a. Never building up – always tearing down
b. Causing others to fall away
2. What does the Bible say about Mr. Devas-tator?
a. 2 Peter 2:2
b. 1 Corinthians 14:26
c. Romans 14:19
d. 1 Corinthians 10:23
e. 2 Peter 2:15-22
3. Are you a member of this family?
D. Mr. Lamen-tator
1. This family member is always complaining and whining about:
a. Spiritual things:
1) Why aren’t we doing this – why aren’t we doing that
2) He is not doing… He should have… He said…
3) Complain because you have been mistreated…
b. Physical things:
1) They don’t have this or that
2) Constantly complaining about health issues
2. What does the Bible say about Mr. Lamen-tator?
a. Hebrews 13:5
b. Acts 5:41 … did they complain? – No
c. Philippians 2:14
d. 1 Peter 4:14-19
3. Are you a member of this family?
E. Mr. Dic-tator
1. This family member is always trying to run the show
a. Has to have his way in things
b. Always wanting the preeminence
2. What does the Bible say about Mr. Dic-tator?
a. 2 Timothy 2:16-18
b. 1 Timothy 6:20
c. Titus 3:9
d. 1 Peter 2:15
e. 3 John 9
3. Are you a member of this family?
F. Mr. Commen-tator
1. Always criticizing others faults.
a. Wants to tell you all about them.
b. Always running to the elders or preacher about someone…
2. What does the Bible say about Mr. Commen-tator?
a. Matthew 23:23-24
b. Take this test on a sheet of paper list 1 to 10.
1) List 10 faults of your neighbor, or your brother or sister in Christ.
2) Then list 10 of your own faults.
3) Is it harder to find your own faults?
3. Are you a member of this family?
G. Mr. Medi-tator
1. Makes good points
a. But doesn’t take any actions,
b. Always know how someone else ought to do it
2. What does the Bible say about Mr. Medi-tator?
a. 2 Timothy 3:1-7
b. James 1:21-25
3. Are you a member of this family?
H. Mr. Imi-tator
1. A mimic, to copy others.
a. Go around with the crowd.
b. Does not stand for the truth.
2. What does the Bible say about Mr. Imi-tator?
a. Matthew 7:13-14
b. Luke 13:24
c. Exodus 23:2
3. Are you a member of this family?
I. Mr. Hesi-tator
1. Has not decided who he is going to follow, who he will serve.
a. He is hot and cold, back and forth.
b. Wishy-Washy
2. What does the Bible say about Mr. Hesi-tator?
a. Joshua 24:15
b. Matthew 6:24
c. James 4:4
d. Galatians 1:10
3. Are you a member of this family?
CONCLUSION
A. If we are a member of the “Tator Family” we will end up a “fried tator”
B. May we strive to be of the “Family of God”

Tom Moore
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://preachersfiles.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/preacherspc/
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

AM I MY BROTHER’S KEEPER?
Genesis 4:9

INTRODUCTION
A. Perhaps one of the more thought-provoking questions in
the Bible is that one asked by Cain…
1. Cain had killed his brother because God had accepted
Abel’s offering, but not his own… Genesis 4:3-8
2. When the Lord inquired concerning Abel, Cain’s response was: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen 4:9)
B. This is a question we would do well to ask ourselves today…
1. Are we our brothers’ keeper?
2. Do we have a responsibility to watch out for and care for one another?
C. When one turns to the New Testament, it becomes clear that the answer is in the affirmative. In fact, there are many passages which emphasize…
DISCUSSION
A. OUR RESPONSIBILITIES TO ONE ANOTHER
1. We are to “love one another”
a. As commanded by Jesus – John 13:34-35; 15:12, 17
b. As taught by Paul – Romans 13:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:9
c. As instructed by Peter – 1 Peter 1:22
d. As stressed by John – 1 John 3:11 (note v.12), 23; 4:7, 11-12; 2 John 5
e. But how are we to express such love? Other passages can provide the answer…
2. How we show our love for one another (“another” passages)…
a. We are to “receive one another” – Romans 15:7
b. We are to “edify another” – Romans 14:19
c. We are to “serve one another” – Galatians 5:13
d. We are to “bear one another’s burdens” – Galatians 6:1-2
e. We are to be “forgiving one another” – Ephesians 4:32
f. We are to be “submitting to one another” – Ephesians 5:21
g. We are to “exhort one another” – Hebrews 3:12-13
h. We are to “consider one another” – Hebrews 10:24-25
i. We are to be “hospitable to one another” – 1 Peter 4:8-10
3. In light of such “one another” passages, is there any doubt that we are to be our brother’s keeper?
a. But how well are we doing?
b. To stimulate our thinking and help us reexamine how well we are fulfilling our obligations to one another, consider the following questions…
B. EVALUATING OUR ROLE AS OUR BROTHER’S KEEPER
1. When one becomes a brother…
a. Do we receive them into the family of God, or ignore them? – Romans 15:7
1) Are they properly assimilated in the family life of the congregation?
2) Do they remain on the fringe?
3) If we do not even know their names, we can be sure that we are failing as our brother’s keeper!
b. Do we edify them, or put stumbling blocks in their way? – Romans 14:19
1) As individuals, are we “bodybuilders,” encouraging the members of the body?
2) Or are we like a cancer, weakening the members of the body of Christ?
a) By our own example
b) By our words, attitudes, etc.
3) It was said of Philemon that he refreshed the hearts of the brethren; do people say the same of us?
c. Do we submit to them, or arrogantly rule over them? – Ephesians 5:21
d. Do we serve them in love, or expect them to serve us? – Galatians 5:13
e. Do we demonstrate hospitality to them? – 1 Peter 4:8-10
1) By visiting them in their need?
2) By inviting them into your home (or accepting invitations to their home)?
2. When a brother is overtaken in a fault…
a. Do we even consider them? – Hebrews 10:24-25
1) Are we even aware of who they are?
2) Are we ignorant of their problems? If so, why?
a) Maybe it is because we don’t assemble enough ourselves
b) We may “wonder about them,” but that is not sufficient!
3) Do they drift away, with no one making an effort to reach them?
b. Do we exhort them, lest they become hardened by sin? – Hebrews 3:12-14
1) Or are we afraid to confront them, for fear of running them away?
a) If we truly love them and approach them with humility, they are not likely to run away
b) If they do, they are running away from God, not you!
2) Remember, such exhortation is to be daily! Perhaps we wait too long…
c. Are we willing bear their burdens? – Galatians 6:1-2
1) So as to help them overcome and become stronger
2) Or do we rather not be bothered?
d. Are we quick to forgive them when they repent? – Ephesians 4:32
1) Fear of not being forgiven and accepted back into the family may keep some from repenting and returning to the fold
2) Do we communicate a willingness to accept with open arms and offer complete forgiveness?
CONCLUSION
A. How we answer such questions may reveal how well or poorly we are…
1. Fulfilling our responsibility to be our brother’s keeper
2. Living up to the one responsibility we have that includes all others: to love one another as Christ loved us – John 13:34-35
B. If we have failed to be our brother’s keeper, we need to…
1. Repent of our lack of concern, our inactivity, or whatever has hindered us
2. Confess our shortcomings in this area to God
C. Resolve to apply with zeal these “one another” passages!
D. Are you your brother’s keeper?
1. Are you even identified with a congregation whereby you can be a working member who both cares for those in the family, and be cared for by them?
2. I hope this study has stimulated your thinking about responsibilities you have toward your brethren in Christ

Tom Moore
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://preachersfiles.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/preacherspc/
http://www.parkheightscoc.com