Lifting Up the Name of the LORD

“I will extol Thee, O LORD; for Thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.” Psalm 30:1 (KJV)

According to this Psalms title it is a song at the “Dedication of the house of David”.  The LORD had lifted David to heights he had never dreamed.  He was the king of Israel.  He had wealth, subjects, soldiers, and worth.  David, however, knew from whom these things had come.

He says in this song, “I will extol Thee, O LORD…”  To “extol” means to lift up, to praise and adore.  God had lifted him up, and he now lifts up the name of the LORD, so that all may know the LORD.

We live in a world and/or a culture which is absorbed with self fulfillment.  I have some news for you.  This life is not about you.  It is about GOD.  It is about His greatness, His grace, His mercy, His love, and Him sending His Son to die for us.

Let us be content to be like David; whether we have been exalted to greatness in a palace or whether we live in a fallen down shack in the woods; let us exalt, extol – lift up – the name of Jesus.  He is the “exact representation” (Hebrews 1:1-3) of the Father.

Lift up His name by believing Him.

The Shepherd’s Song

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1 (KJV)

David was a shepherd, who at an early age realized that he needed a shepherd.  It would seem that as David provided for the sheep which he had in his care he realized how much he was also needy of the One who is the Great Shepherd to watch over him.

As David we too need to see Jehovah [YaHWeH] as our Shepherd.  He guides us to green pastures, clean water, and protects us from the wolves.  We often hear someone say, “It is only weak and needy people who need the crutch of believing in God.”  That is usually someone who is self dependent, self righteous, and self condemned.  Every human being no matter how strong, independent, or self reliant they are is weak, headed for the morgue, and an urn or a coffin.  If you are not prepared for what is on “The other side”, then you are in a heap of trouble.

Jesus Christ is the Great Shepherd.  He gave His life for the sheep.

I can say with the shepherd David, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”  When I have nothing but Him; He is all I need.  When I have everything and Him; He is all I need. He is my Sustenance, my Shield, my Song and my Salvation – eternal and otherwise.  How about you?

The One Who Keeps

“Preserve me, O God: for in Thee do I put my trust.” Psalm 16:1 (KJV)

Of this Psalm it is written in The Treasury of David that it has been called “The Psalm of the Precious Secret” explaining the title “Michtam of David”.  Yet the meaning of the word is not fully known.

However, the secret, even the precious secret is one which is found only in trusting the God to whom David is praying.  He is the living God.  He is the God of the living.  He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all who will trust in Him.

“Preserve me” is request for the keeping hand of God.  Does God hear such requests?  Most definitely.  When God begins a work in you or me He never quits it.  Jesus Christ God’s holy Son went all the way to the cross to finish the work He came to do.

Just as there is grace for salvation; there is grace in sanctification so that we might finish our course.  Trust in Him. Believe Him and live.

Whole Heart Praise

“I will praise Thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all Thy marvellous works.” Psalm 9:1 (KJV)

The Psalmist David will praise the LORD.  That is what his heart desires.  We know from Biblical history that David was not a sinless man, yet he had a heart for God.  He heard God, and when he realized he had sinned he confessed, repented, and received forgiveness.

Whole Heart Praise would be the giving of one’s self to the praise of the one and only who is worthy of praise.  True praise is more than words spoken.  It is a life lived.

The “Marvellous works” are the works which God is continually doing.  Jesus says,

“This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.”
(John 6:29)

We can show for the marvellous works of God through the wonderful works Jesus does in our own lives.  Beginning with trusting Him for your eternal salvation.

The People Versus God

There are competitions galore.  Track and Field competitions, swimming, football, soccer, basketball, even political competitions when we go to the polls and vote.  You get the idea.

One competition this world is in, and cannot win is the competition that is going on against God and His Word.  The following is what the Psalmist recognized in his day…

“Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?” Psalm 2:1 (KJV)

“The heathen” is another word for the nations of the world.  Hey world!  You cannot win against God.  It is already decided.  Jesus won on the cross.  The enemy is defeated.  The bodily resurrection of Christ is the evidence.  Submit to Him or perish in your sins, and rebellion.

The question of the Psalmist is a great one, “Why do the heathen rage?”  It is a foolish endeavor.  Believe Jesus and be delivered from your condemnation.

“He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18

All That Your Eyes Have Seen

All That Your Eyes Have Seen

Deuteronomy 11:1-9

1.  Israel had seen the loving hand of God (v. 2).

2.  Israel had seen the miracles of God (v. 3).

3.  They had seen how God deals with rebellion (v. 6).

4.  They are called to keep the commandments (v. 8).

 

I.  THE CHRISTIAN CANNOT BEGIN TO NAME ALL THE THINGS WE HAVE SEEN OF GOD (1 Cor. 2:9; Isaiah 64:4).

II.  THE CHRISTIAN COUNTS THE GREATEST MIRACLE TO BE THAT OF NEW BIRTH IN CHRIST (John 3:1-8).

III.  THE CHRISTIAN IS COMFORTED, CONVICTED, AND CORRECTED BY THE ABIDING PRESENCE OF GOD’S SPIRIT (John 16:7-11).

IV.  THE CHRISTIAN IS CALLED TO KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3).

 

1. We ought to always be watching – on look out for the working of God.  If not in ourselves in the lives of others and places and things around us.

2.  We need to be open for God to work a miracle in our own hearts and lives every day.

Having a “Bad day” is that opportunity for God to work.

3.  We ought to always have our hearts and ears and eyes open for the comforting, convicting, correcting work of God’s Spirit in us.

4.  We are to always keep the commands of our Lord.

Loving God; loving one another is the work of God in us.

Watch always for the “Great acts of the LORD”.

Possessing the Promise

Possessing the Promise

Numbers 33:50-56

What Israel had to do to Possess the Promise:

1. Drive out the Inhabitants of the Land.
2. Rid the Land of all their Images of worship.
3. Destroy all their places of Worship.

What the Christian must do to Possess the Promise:

I. RID THE HEART OF ALL EVIL
II. DRIVE OUT ALL PAST SINS; PUT ON THE LORD JESUS.
III. THE HEART MUST BE CLEARED OF ALL PAST IMAGES OF WORSHIP.
IV. THE HEART GIVEN FULLY TO JESUS.
A. Possessing the Promise – We are to Put on the Lord Jesus Christ…
Rom. 13:12, 14; 1 Cor.15:53, 54; Gal. 3:27; Eph. 4:24; 6:11; Col. 3:10, 12, 14; 1 Thes.5:8; 2 Tim. 1:6

Where Our Possession Is

Where Your Possession Is

Numbers 32:20-33

1. The Land of Canaan; the Land of Promise was on the West Side of Jordan.
2. Two Tribes were Content to Be Given Land on the East Side of Jordan.
3. Agreement Was Reached; then the Half Tribe of Manasseh Wants in Too.
4. What Happens When God’s People do not Receive the Promise by Their Own Choice?

I. THE PROMISE FOR THE CHRISTIAN IS CHRIST AND HIS INHERITANCE.
II. THE CHRISTIAN CANNOT BE CONTENT OUTSIDE OF THAT PROMISE.
III. THERE WILL BE CONTINUING DISCONTENT ON THE EAST SIDE OF GOD’S PROMISE.
IV. WHERE DOES YOUR POSSESSION LIE?

 

Able to Overcome

Able to Overcome

Numbers 13:30

1. Look at the background story (vv. 1-3; Deut. 1:19-23).
2. They searched the Promised Land to find it just as God had said; “A land flowing with milk and honey” (vv. 26-29).
3. They looked at the problem, rather than the Promise (vv. 31-33).

I. GOD HAD GIVEN THE PROMISE OF THE LAND; WHY DOUBT IT.

II. THOUGH IT MAY SEEM PRACTICAL TO SEARCH OUT THE LAND; WE WILL ONLY FIND IT AS GOD HAS SAID.

III. LET OUR FAITH BE LIKE THAT OF CALEB; “LET US GO UP AT ONCE” – WITHOUT DELAY.

The Offerings of Grace

The Offerings of Grace
Leviticus 1-5

1. The Burnt offering, burnt sacrifice was a gift given voluntarily to GOD to dedicate one’s whole self to GOD (1:1-3). (“Offering” = a gift, present same as “Corban” from Mark 7:11)
A. The atonement of Christ
B. The sinless nature of Christ

2. The Grain Offering – A Voluntary Gift (“Corban”) – The Gift of our Labor (2:1-3).
A. Jesus is dedicated/consecrated to His task.
B. Jesus is wholly devoted to the Father’s will and purpose.

3. The Peace Offering – A Voluntary Gift (a sacrifice of thanksgiving -voluntary) (3:1-3). (sheh’lem)
A. Jesus is our reconciliation to God, and our fellowship with God.
B. Christ Jesus was, is at peace with God.

4. The Sin Offering – A Necessary Offering for Expiation of Sin (4:1-4).
A. He is our propitiation (Rom. 3:25; 2 Cor. 5:21).
B. Jesus Christ gave His life for us.

5. The Trespass Offering – Necessary for Dealing with Guilt (5:1-6).
A. Through Jesus Christ we find repentance.
B. Jesus paid the full price for our redemption.

Before the Grace, and Glory of GOD

Before the Grace and Glory of GOD
Exodus 33:12-23

Moses had come down from the Mount and found the people in rebellious revelry against God and His commandmdments. He had plead for mercy, and received it for them. Now Moses pleads for grace for God’s leadership through the wilderness, and into the land which flows with milk and honey; and God promises “My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.” (v. 14).

1. Pleading for GOD’S Presence to Go With Them (vv. 12-13).

2. GOD Responds with a Promise, and Moses’ Commitment… (vv. 14-17).
A. …The commitment was to stay put rather than leave present location.

3. Pleading for the Sight of GOD’S Glory (vv. 18-23).
A. Without the back of a holy GOD Moses would perish.

When GOD Gives an Invitation

When GOD Gives an Invitation

 

Exodus 24:1-18

In the Scriptures the LORD gives many invitations. We see one extended to the leadership of Israel; including Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s two sons Nadab and Abihu; to come and worship.

The events that follow are guidlines for people today.

1. When GOD said Come; They Went (vv. 1-2).

2. It is Necessary for the People of GOD to Commit themselves to the Work and Word of the LORD (vv.3-8).

3. When We are Faithful We too Will See the LORD (vv. 9-11).

4. We Will See GOD as a Devouring Fire, Consuming Fire (vv. 12-18; Hebrews12:29).

Between a Rock, and a Hard Place

Between a Rock, and a Hard Place

 

Exodus 14:13-18

The title is an expression of the difficult places we sometimes find ourselves, and oft times do not know what to do with it or about it. Moses and the children of Israel, leaving Egypt found themselves in a similar situation. We see what they did; and how God brought them through.

 

1. The LORD Would Not Have His People in Fear (v. 13).

 

2. The Fight and the Victory is the LORD’S (v. 14).

 

3. The Time to Move and Go Forward (vv. 15-16).

 

4. The LORD’S Honor and Glory are His Own to Get (vv. 17-18).

GOD is the LORD

GOD is the LORD

 

Exodus 6:1-8 (30)

In Exodus God works so that not only Israel will see that God is the LORD; but that all Egypt will see the weakness and falacies of their gods; and repent and believe; but also that the whole world will know that He is GOD THE LORD of all that is.

1. One Thing God’s People Must Know for Sure, and That Is That God will Perform His Word (v. 1).

A. God’s word will not pass away (Matthew 24:35).

B. The grass and the flowers of earth fade… (1 Peter 1:24).

 

2. His Word will Not Only be Fulfilled in Egypt, but also All the Way to Canaan (vv. 2-4).

A. God’s purpose is not to condemn the world, but that it might be saved (John 3:17).

B. There is no condemnation for all who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).

 

3. GOD Hears Israel’s Cry; They Must Know that GOD is the LORD (vv. 5-6).

A. GOD hears the cry of His people (1 Peter 5:7).

 

4. GOD Will Do What He Says He Will Do (vv. 7-8).

GOD of the Present

GOD of the Present

 

Exodus 3:1-22

We are told in the New Testament, by Jesus, “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” (Matthew 22:32; Mark 12:26). He is not only Lord of all that is past, He is GOD of the present. He is Onmipresent, and that means everywhere; past, present and future.

1. HE Makes a Personal Appearance (vv. 1-6).

A. The “angel of the LORD” is understood by many to be an preincarnate appearance of Jesus. (v. 2).

B. He will be seen as Holy, and calls holy actions on His people’s lives as well. (v. 5).

C. Many of today’s professing Christians have become like the world rather than separate from it.

 

2. HE is Compassionate Toward His People (vv. 7-10).

A. Psalm 78:38

B. Luke 15:20

 

3. HE Will Reveal Himself to His People (vv. 11-18).

A. Jesus, in His humanity is the bodily revelation and representation of God to the world (Colossians 2:9; Heb. 1:1-3).

 

4. HE Will Show Himself Strong (vv. 19-22; 2 Chronicles 16:9).

GOD Builds a People

GOD Builds a People

Exodus 1:1-22

1.  GOD”S Sovereign Providing Hand Fro His People (vv. 1-7).

A.  This history begins with the word “Now…”

 

2.  GOD builds His People in the Midst of Affliction (vv. 8-14).

A.  “Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered”  Heb. 5:8.

B.  By this we can see and understand that suffering is not just the plight of the wicked.

 

3.  GOD Honors Life and Blesses the Lives of Those Who Honor and Respect Life (vv. 15-20).

A.  The end result of saving lives of babies can be a deliverer, a Saviour.

B.  The end result is not often see by the one who has respect for life.

 

4.  GOD Blesses His People for Their Faithfulness (vv. 21-22).

A.  The blessed people are all who “Fear God”.

B.  Fearing God begins by receiving the Gift of God through the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Love of the Brethren

Love of the Brethren

Genesis 37:1-36

We are taught in Scripture to love our brothers and sisters.  it is sad when you see families, brothers and sisters, parents and children at odds with one another; and in the  case we look at today; even hating a brother to the point of wanting him dead.

1.  The Father Has a Special Son (vv. 1-4).

2.  The Son Has a Special Heart for the Things of God (vv. 5-11).

3.  The Son’s Heart for His Father and for His Brothers (vv. 12-17).

4.  The Sale of the Beloved Son/Brother to the World (vv. 18-28).

5.  Seeing the Sovereign Hand of God Through Tragedy (vv. 29-36; Psalm 76:10;  Romans 8:28).

Preached Sunday morning at Shiloah Baptist Church July 27, 2014.

The Faith of Sacrifice

The Faith of Sacrifice

Genesis 22:1-19

1. The Person of the Sacrifice and the Sacrificial Offering (vv. 1-2).

2. The Place of the Sacrifice (vv. 3-4).

3. The Pertinence of the Sacrifice (vv. 5-8).
This was a journey only the father and son could do together.
This was a journey only God the Father, and Jesus God the Son could do together.

4. The Power of Sin and the Necessary Sacrifice (vv. 9-14).

5. The Promise of the Sacrifice (vv. 15-19).

Preached in the Evening Worship @ Shiloah Baptist Church July 20, 2014

Accounted Faith

Accounted Faith

Genesis 15:1-6 (6; Romans 4:3; Galations 3:6)

1. Bringing Our Grievances to a Faithful Creator, Saviour and Friend (vv. 1-2).
A. God as our faithful Provider, Protector, and Reward.
B. Still asking questions?

2. Going Beyond What We May Have (vv. 3-4).
A. God goes beyond what we have and see.
B. God promises what seems impossible.

3. Reminded of God’s Greatness, and His Power (v. 5).
A. Look to the One who made the stars; can you number them?
B. The astronomical promise – more than stars.

4. Counted Righteous Through Faith – the Gift of God (v. 6).
A. Faith: a gift, and an act (Eph. 2:8).
B. Called righteous by God Himself (Rom. 5:1).
C. The cross of Jesus Christ is the work of God by which He declares the unworthy “Righteous”.

Preached in Morning Worship @ Shiloah Baptist Church July 20, 1014

Invitation and Redemption

Sermon Points –

Invitation and Redemption

Genesis 7:1-24: 8:1, 20-22; 9:8-17

1. The Invitation is To Come Into the Ark of Safety (7:1).

2. God Remembers His Promises to Those to Whom He Gives Them (8:1-5).

3. Recognizing God’s Grace, Deliverance and Redemption (8:20-22).

4. Unconditional Promise (9:8-17).

 

Preached in the evening service @ Shiloah Baptist July 13, 2014

When Evil Covers the Earth

Sermon Points –

When Evil Covers the Earth

Genesis 6:1-22

1. Evil Grieves the Heart of God (vv. 1-6).
Jude 6; Matthew 24:37-38

2. God Does Not Tolerate Evil; But He Does Give Grace (vv. 7-8).
Ezekiel 18:23, 32

3. Even In the Midst of Evil There Is Promise and Hope (vv. 9-21).
Romans 5:20

4. Obedience in God’s Grace Is Pleasing to God (v. 22).

 

Preached Sunday morning July 13, 2014

The Fall of the Crown

Sermon Points –

The Fall of the Crown

Genesis 2:8-9, 17; 3:1-24

1. Trees In the Garden (2:8-9, 17).

2. Examination of the Wrong Tree, and Its Temptation (3:1-5).

3. The Fall of the Crown of God’s Creation (vv. 6-7).

4. God’s Visitation in the Garden – Adam’s Last Day in Eden (vv. 8-19).

5. God’s Provision for Adam and Eve (vv. 20-24).

In the Beginning

Sermon Points –

In the Beginning

Genesis 1:1-5, 26-31

1. The Bible Never Sets Out to Prove the Existence of God – It Assumes the Existence of God (v. 1).

2. God is the Creator of Heaven and Earth – All Things (v. 1).

3. The Earth Was the Foundation Upon Which God Made the Things on Earth (v. 2).

4. God Spoke Light Into Existence – This Was the First Day, and It Was Good (v. 3-5).

5. On the Sixth Day God Made Man In His Own Image To Have Dominion Upon the Earth (vv. 26-31

Have Faith In God

Have Faith In God

Mark 11:12-26

1.  It Is A Matter of  Bearing Fruit (vv. 12-14).

2.  It Is  A Matter of Prayer (vv. 15-19; Isaiah 56:7;  Jeremiah 7:11).

3.  It Is A Matter of Believing, Trusting Faith (vv. 20-24).

4.  It Is A Matter of Forgiveness (vv. 25-26).

“Notice the importance Jesus places on “Forgiveness”.  Without forgiveness we cannot expect answer to our prayer.  God is so good to forgive us, we ought also to forgive those whom we believe responsible for offending us.  Remember this;  NO FORGIVENESS, NO ANSWER TO PRAYER.  KNOW FORGIVENESS, KNOW ANSWER TO PRAYER.”

Preached at Carr Lane Baptist Church on June 22, 2014 Morning Worship.

Jesus Through the Bible – Isaac the Promised Seed

“And God said, ‘Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.”  Genesis 17:19 (KJV)

Yes!  Abraham had other children.  His first was Ishmael; due to the impatience of Sarah and himself, thinking to take things concerning the promise of God into their own hands.  God had better things in mind.  Sarah was to have a son of promise.  It was and is through God’s promise of a Saviour that the covenant was made with Isaac as the son of promise.

Just at the time you think it cannot happen; with God nothing shall be impossible.  Jesus is the Son of the covenant of promise and grace.  Paul the apostle has written by inspiration of the Holy Spirit…

“Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.”  Romans 9:6-7

It is by the promise of Jesus, and no other way that one will be forgiven all sin, cleansed, and imputed all righteousness and have fellowship with God.

-T.A.