Sermon Outline: Translator

Preached at Community Baptist Church Montgomery Center, VT

Title:  Translator

Main Text:  N/A

Intro:  Talk about job.  Trying to get information from people to act on it.  Sometimes people cannot be understood so try to clarify.  When they are not from US or do not speak English, get translator to understand the message that is trying to be communicated.  There is a message that God sent his son to communicate.  Sometimes through bad connections such as hypocrites and people with the wrong intentions the message can be lost.  We must strive to be a good “translator” for the people around us so that they can know the message that God sent us.

 

-What does a translator do?

–turns the language into a language we can understand

—God did this by sending his son to us (John 1:14-18) “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.”

—We can understand something we see and communicate with it.  Jesus came in flesh so we could understand what God wants to do for us.  God used “translators” throughout the Old Testament and Jesus was the “translator” for the New Testament. Since Jesus is not here in bodily form, we have to be his work in the world and showing Him to people though us. 

–To Clear confusion

—man puts a lot into Christianity, the Jews did as well (ceremony, procedures, etc.)

—Mankind is good at breaking things (i.e. Garden of Eden)

—man puts a lot of stock into knowledge, knowledge isn’t bad, it is the pride behind it that is bad

—watching documentary, a lot of smart people, but they didn’t know anything

— (1 Corinthians 1:18) “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” What Christ did for us can be confusing if the person does not understand what it is all about

—Illustration:  Telling my infant not to do something.  He cannot understand language, to him it is babble.  He needs to understand words and sentences to understand what I am saying.  To a person who does not understand why Christ came, telling them that they have sinned makes no sense whatsoever. 

–To be an intermediary, a go between

–to act as a mediator, to get the message into another language for someone.

–(1 Timothy 2:5) Jesus came to come between us and the father.  No one or anything can fulfill that role.    

 

-What can we do to be a translator for Christ

–We tell the story that we know to those who do not know

—Mark 16:15-16 “And he said to them, Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

—It is our duty to tell people the story of Christ “be the translator” and to show them the need to have Him in their lives and why. 

Acts 17:22-34

-v.22-25 he started in a realm that they understood (language they understood)

-v.26-31 then told them something they did not hear before

-v.32-34 some did not like the message that was told to them, but they did get some people that heard and believed

–did this because Paul made the message so they could understand it

-To correct wrong things about Christ

–There are a lot of misconceptions about Christians though our own mistakes and other factors such as cults.  Because of this, some may not want to take part because of some stereotype.  (2 Timothy 4:2) “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”

–We are to correct error when we see it so that the message will not be misconstrued. 

–telephone game, things and be adjusted to make different message.

–illustration:  if you are driving and you see you car is veering to the side; you correct how you are driving.  If you do not, it will cause great damage and you may get hurt. 

–When we correct misconceptions and address error, we glorify God, and we point people to Him. 

–Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

–when we glorify God we can fix some of the damage that has been done with misconceptions and miscommunications.

–People think Christians are hateful and after money. 

 

Conclusion:  It is important for us to be good translator within our realm of influences in our lives be it at work or other activities so that we may bring people to Christ.  Think about things that may be getting in the way of you being a good “translator” such as habits or behaviors.  Examine your self, and then go be a good translator for Christ.

Sermon outline: The call, The Sacrifice, and the blessing

Here is a sermon outline that I preached at Resurection Baptist Church in Montpelier, VT. 

Title:  The call, the sacrifice, and the blessing

Main Text:  Genesis 22:1-14

Introduction:  We have a purpose here on earth but unless we hear God’s call and act on it, we will never live or realize what that purpose is.  Though out the scripture are several examples of how to answer God and how not to answer God.  Sitting on the sidelines and watching is not an option when it comes to our relationship with God, it is not a spectator sport.  I want to focus on three distinct parts of God’s call as reflected in the text.

 

I.                    The call (v. 1-4)

a.       God calls

                                                               i.      There is a reason why God is calling you to something

1.      He has various reasons why he calls certain people to certain tasks.

2.      “God designed each of us so there would be no duplication in the world.  No one has the exact same mix of factors that make you unique.  That means no one else on earth will ever be able to play the role God planned for you.” Rick Warren The Purpose Driven Life

a.       I don’t work where you work or see the same people you see or have the same talents that you have, that is why you maybe called to a certain task.

b.      Up to us to make the conscious decision to follow and respond to the call

                                                               i.      God will call us but we have the free will to disregard the call, but prepare for the consequences

1.      Illustration:  Kids clean room, if they don’t, they are punished

a.       Jonah 1:2-3

                                                                                                                                       i.      God called, Jonah ran

                                                                                                                                     ii.      Jonah obeyed in the end

b.      Malachi 2:2 “If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the LORD of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart.”

                                                             ii.      If you will listen to God, he will bless you

1.      If your children do what they are told, you are more inclined to do things for them or act favorably.

2.      2 Chronicles 7:14 “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

a.       In order for God to bless us we have to obey what he tells us to do

                                                                                                                                       i.      Illustration: If you want to keep your job, you work and do your best.  If you do not, you will be unemployed.    

                                                                                                                                     ii.      By Abraham putting action to his decision to follow God, he was obedient. 

                                                                                                                                    iii.      Illustration:  Moving to Daybreak.  Prayer and seeking direction.  Then execution of the call. 

II.                 The Sacrifice (v. 5-10)

a.       It is not easy

                                                               i.      Definition I liked the best “the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim.”

1.      By definition, sacrifice is not supposed to be easy, if it is easy, it is not a sacrifice.

2.      May be hard but our sacrifice is reasonable in light of what Christ has done for us.

3.      Illustration:  When I got married, I couldn’t see or date other women, I sacrificed that for something that had more value.

                                                             ii.      (v. 6-8)

1.      A very hard thing for Abraham to follow.

a.       Genesis 21:5 Abraham was 100 when Isaac was born.

b.      The sacrifices that some make to have a child (time, emotions, money)

                                                                                                                                       i.      Illustration:  our 2 miscarriages and the pain of those and the 2 births after.

c.       With all that he did and the things that they all went through he was still willing to sacrifice him for God.

2.      Hard to obey when you cannot see in front of you

a.       Headlights at night

                                                                                                                                       i.      God will give you just enough knowledge; you just have to trust Him.

3.      Isaac’s obedience a picture of Christ going to the cross

a.       Jesus knew the whole story and still obeyed

                                                                                                                                       i.      V. 6 the laying of the wood on Isaac

1.      Same with Christ and the cross

b.      Romans 8:32: God gave us his son for a sacrifice so that we may live.

b.      Obeying can come at a great price

                                                               i.      The disciples after the death of Christ

1.      Paul-beheaded

2.      Peter-crucified

3.      Jude-shot to death with arrows

4.      Mark-dragged by horses

5.      Luke-hanged

                                                             ii.      Foxes book of martyrs, Jesus Freaks

                                                            iii.      voice of the martyrs publication, the stories that are inside it

III.               The blessing (v. 11-14)

a.       The shortest section but the most profound.

                                                               i.      God will bless

                                                             ii.      Must stay the course

                                                            iii.      When we are faithful, God is faithful like Abraham

1.      Luke 16:10-12

a.       We get more responsibility when we show that we can handle it.           

                                                                                                                                       i.      Illustration: AF started in Basic went to FSC.  Gained more knowledge and was given more when I could handle it.

                                                           iv.      Everything will work when God is directing

1.      Romans 8:28

a.       All things not just the things that work good and are happy but all the things we go though

b.      Illustration Frank Mir UFC (If time allows)

 

Conclusion:

There are times when we are going to wonder why we are being persecuted for what God wanted us to do for Him.  We need to realize that walking with God requires sacrifices on His part.  The Bible calls us to offer ourselves at living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) and it calls this commitment “reasonable” (KJV). 

 

If you have never crossed the line of faith to become a Christ follower, maybe today is the day that you make the sacrifice to try God at his word.  He calls to us and asks us to follow Him.   The first sacrifice you will have to make is your pride.  The pride that you can do it by yourself.  The pride that you don’t need God or what he has to offer you.   

 

 

 

 

Bible study: what should you treasure

From men’s Bible study 10 December 2008

Intro:  Memories of Christmas past, things you asked for, wanted did you get them?  How did you feel when you got them?

 

My experiences:  Some things lasted for a while (game boy) but did not last. 

A.     What some go after at this time of year

a.       Greed

b.      Commercialism

c.       Focus on the wrong things

B.     What is right about Christmas

a.       Charity

b.      Giving

c.       Family

d.      Birth of Christ

C.     Scripture (either in group or in small groups)

a.       Proverbs 2:1-5

                                                                           i.      God will give if we seek him

                                                                         ii.      We also have to pay attention to his instruction

                                                                        iii.      Make yourself ready then ask is the order given v.2-3 (also see James 1:5)

1.      Not give gun to someone who has not been trained in how to use one.

                                                                       iv.      Anything worth anything you have to work for

1.      seek it like a hidden treasure

a.       We have the map

2.      If we go after it, we will find it.

b.      Job 22:24-27

                                                                           i.      Take what is valuable to the world and throw it away.        

1.      throw gold in dirt

2.      precious stones in river bed

3.      In the end it will mean nothing

                                                                         ii.      If this is done then God will bless

1.      God will be your gold, precious metal, valuable

                                                                        iii.      You will not be disappointed when you make God valuable in your life v. 26

                                                                       iv.      You will have favor and he will hear you when you call if you put Him in the right spot in your life.

c.       Matthew 6:19-21

                                                                           i.      Do not put your treasure where it can be harmed

1.      we lock up and protect what is valuable

                                                                         ii.      Put it where it is protected and will be taken care of

                                                                        iii.      Where we put our treasure says to people how we think of God

1.      What do some people run after?

a.       Work

b.      Money

c.       Relationships

d.      Possessions

d.      Matthew 13:44

                                                                           i.      We should treat God like a treasure we found, sacrifice to get it and to keep it

1.      The person found the treasure and bought the land it was on to keep it.

2.      We should do whatever we can to keep God like that person, be excited for what we have and work to keep it.

a.       Marriage is like that, work

b.      People die to keep it

e.       Luke 12:16-21

                                                                           i.      Guy was fat, dumb, and happy

1.      very rich

                                                                         ii.      Wanted a place to get more and more

1.      From Sicko, Dr talking about making money in medical profession, what mattered more to him.

                                                                        iii.      He wanted to retire and relax with all of his stuff

1.      He was going to die

2.      Then what?

                                                                       iv.      He put in nothing that mattered to God, just on things that will fade and die

D.     Conclusion:  Challenge to focus on what is important.  Repent of sins and things we hold precious and go after what means the most and what will last the longest.  It isn’t money that can be spent; it isn’t the economy, which crashes.  Put all your bets on God and he will not let you down.

 

 

 

Men’s Bible study

Here is the outline from a men’s Bible study I taught a few weeks ago.  Scripture references are on the bottom of the outline.  Enjoy

 

Main Text:  Galatians 1:10

Subject:  Compromising our standards

Opening Statement:  Compromising our standards as men can have adverse effects on us as men and on the families we are called to lead.  We need to know what are standards are and how to follow them. 

Opening illustration:  The movie “Enemy at the Gates”.  Sasha befriends both his fellow Russians and the Germans.  He gets rewarded for his help but is found out.  He is killed because of his compromise.  We too can get “killed” with our compromises (i.e. David) and make a very large mess of our lives.

Galatians 1:10:  The statement made in this verse is black and white.  Either you are in it for God or you are not.  Why is Paul making this statement?

1.)    He is talking to a bunch of knuckleheads who are questioning him.

a.       He is talking to the Church in Galatia who is riddled with sin and just doesn’t get it.

2.)    To remind them that he does not care what they and that he is in it for God’s approval.

–Have we looked for approval from people other than God? 

–How did you correct it?

Joshua 24:15:  We can see in this instance the choice is made to follow God.  They base this on past experiences and trust from those experiences that God will take them the rest of the way. 

1.)    When is a good time to choose?  Now is the time.

2.)    It is a choice.  We will not be pushed into anything by God.

2 Chronicles 10:3-19:  The potential outcome from following others that are not wise.  When we compromise, it can lead to disaster. 

V.3-5:  Rehoboam was asked to be nicer that his father before him.  Rehoboam stated that he would have a decision in three days.

V. 6-7:  Did the right thing by asking people who are much wiser than he is what to do in that situation. 

–Do we have enough foresight to do this in our lives? 

–Do we have a network we can rely on to help us with things such as this?

V. 8-11 listens to his knucklehead friends who don’t know more than the others.

–Have we taken bad advice from people in our past? 

–What was the outcome?

V. 12-14 He takes the advice of his friends

V. 15-19 the aftermath

Proverbs 22:28: 

Landmark: Definitions

1.)    something prominent that identifies location

2.)    important new development

3.)    something preserved for historical importance

4.)    boundary marker

–In this verse, who sets the landmarks?  Fathers (can mean spiritual, biological, and heavenly father).

–Why do you think they set landmarks?  To remember where they came from, to remember events, and to measure progress as a people.

–What landmarks do we look to in our lives? 

–As men and fathers, what kind of landmarks can we leave for our families and others?  —How can this be facilitated?

Mark Driscoll video clip on tolerance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_MLUuNKjZU

Wrap it up: 

–Who should we seek approval from?

–How can we this week put this into practice?

Remember, if we are trying to gain men’s approval, we lose God’s approval.

 

Galatians 1:10 (English Standard Version)

 10For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying^(A) to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a^(B) servant^[a] of Christ.

 

Joshua 24:15 (English Standard Version)

15^(A) And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD,^(B) choose this day whom you will serve, whether^(C) the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or^(D) the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.^(E) But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

2 Chronicles 10:3-19 (English Standard Version)

3And they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all Israel came and said to Rehoboam, 4^(A) “Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke on us, and we will serve you.” 5He said to them, “Come to me again in three days.” So the people went away.

 6Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men,^[a] who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, “How do you advise me to answer this people?” 7And they said to him,^(B) “If you will be good to this people and please them and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.” 8But he abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him. 9And he said to them, “What do you advise that we answer this people who have said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke that your father put on us’?” 10And the young men who had grown up with him said to him, “Thus shall you speak to the people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you lighten it for us’; thus shall you say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s thighs. 11And now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’”

 12So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king said, “Come to me again the third day.” 13And the king answered them harshly; and forsaking the counsel of the old men, 14King Rehoboam spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to it. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.” 15So the king did not listen to the people, for it was a turn of affairs brought about by God that the LORD might fulfill his word,^(C) which he spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

 16And when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, “What portion have we in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse.^(D) Each of you to your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, David.” So all Israel went to their tents. 17But Rehoboam reigned over the people of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah. 18Then King Rehoboam sent^(E) Hadoram,^[b] who was taskmaster over the forced labor, and the people of Israel stoned him to death with stones. And King Rehoboam quickly mounted his chariot to flee to Jerusalem. 19So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.

 

Proverbs 22:28 (English Standard Version)

28Do not move the ancient^(A) landmark
   that your fathers have set.