Grace Pointe Missionary Baptist Church

The Restoration - In the Face of Opposition

2012-01-17T06:47:00.001-08:00

In the face of opposition, we should pray, keep on going, and keep a watch.
Nehemiah 4:1-9

When It Doesn't Make Sense

2012-01-17T06:28:00.000-08:00

Follow God's Leadership, Study the Word, and Keep Praising God.

The Restoration - Humility

2012-01-11T20:11:00.000-08:00

We show humility when we turn to God for help, when we seek help from others, and when we are willing to work with a team.
Nehemiah 2.

Anger at God (Acts 7:20-60)

2012-01-11T20:07:00.000-08:00

Stephen preached how Israel had a long history of rejecting God, committing idolatry and persecuting the prophets. We parallel this with how people today reject God, worship false gods and harbor anger and resentment toward the true God.

Wednesday Night Youth Bible Study

2012-01-01T20:55:00.000-08:00

Needs (Acts 6)

2012-01-01T20:03:00.001-08:00

The Restoration - Restore Our Hearts

2012-01-01T13:25:00.000-08:00

In Nehemiah 1, Nehemiah learns that the people in Jerusalem are suffering great affliction and living in disgrace. The city walls are broken down, and bad things are happening. To a degree, our society has fallen into a state of affliction and reproach. Bad things are happening to people as a result of sin. Some are reaping the consequences of their own sin, others are the victims of other's sin.

Sin is rampant in our society. Things that were once unheard of are now commonplace. Our nation needs a revival. If that revival is to take place, we must first have a revival in our own hearts. In order to have a revival in our hearts, we must turn to the Lord, and earnestly cry out to Him in prayer.

This prayer should be for those who are suffering affliction. Our prayer should also express repentance. We should confess our sins and turn from them. Our prayer should also be from our heart. Nehemiah truly cried out to God in Nehemiah 1. We should follow his example.

If revival is to take place in our society, we must also be willing to play a part in that revival. Are you willing to be available for God's service?

Our nation needs revival, but that revival will start in the hearts of each and every one of us.

Keys to Effectual Prayer

2011-12-28T10:36:00.000-08:00

During the 1960 film, "Inherit the Wind," Matthew Harrison Brady asked fellow lawyer and former friend Henry Drummond why they were no longer close friends, why he had moved away from him. Drummond responded, "All motion is relative. Perhaps you moved away from me by staying still."

Many times, we feel as if God is distant. We wonder if He hears our prayers and we get discouraged because it seems that He doesn't answer our prayers.

The thing about God is that He doesn't move away from us. God is God. He sits on His throne, where He is in control of all things. So, the feeling that God has moved away is an emotional illusion. In fact, we are the ones who have moved away.

Isaiah 59:1-2 says "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."

God hasn't lost the ability to save. You are not out of His reach. He can work out any situation in His life. Furthermore, He is not deaf. He still hears your prayers. So, why aren't your prayers being answered? Isaiah 59:2 says because your sins have separated you from Him. So long you continue in sin without repentance, there is going to be a communication barrier between you and God.

In Nehemiah 1, Nehemiah heard about the plight of his people, the Jews, who had returned to Jerusalem. They were in great affliction, and reproach, and the city walls were broken down. Nehemiah turned to the LORD in prayer, but Nehemiah's prayer was stronger and more effectual than many of the "please give me ____" prayers that we say today. Because of Nehemiah's effectual prayer, the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt in a period of 52 days.

So, what was it about Nehemiah's prayer that made it so effectual? Let's look at a few keys.

Faith. In Nehemiah 1:5, Nehemiah said, "I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:" He trusted God. He knew God was great, powerful, and also terrible to His enemies. Despite God's awesome power and terrible nature toward His enemies, Nehemiah trusted God to give mercy to those who turned to Him. True faith is more than believing God exists. True faith means repenting of sin and trusting God to save you (Hebrews 11:6).
Repentance. Nehemiah knew that his people had sinned against God. He knew that the communications barrier described in Isaiah 59:1-2 existed because Israel had spent so much time worshiping idols and committing adultery and fornication. So, in Nehemiah 1:6, his first plea is for God to hear his prayer. Then he offers confession and apologies for his sin, and the sin of his people.
Offering. Nehemiah offered himself to God's service in Nehemiah 1:11. This is not a "If you grant this prayer request I'll go to church every Sunday for the rest of my life" promise. This is a "God, please use me to accomplish Your will" prayer. God wants us to be available to His service (Romans 12:1-2). All too often, we want something from God, but we are not willing to give anything to God.
Request. Nehemiah's request was for mercy in the sight of the king, because Nehemiah was going to seek aid from the king for Jerusalem. Nehemiah made a specific request. If God is not answering your prayer, it may be because you are not making any requests to Him. The Bible says the let your requests be made known unto God.

When I was a child, I wrote letters to Santa Clause. My letter would be printed in the local newspaper with all of the other letters to Santa from my elementary school. I would spend all year playing, going to school, and, toward Christmas, I'd start thinking about what I wanted. I'd send those requests to Santa, of whom I had not given any thought until his picture appeared on Coca Cola cans and bottles in late autumn.

Many of us treat God the same way in our prayer lives. We give God little thought, almost no devotion, and only pray to Him when we want something. Even then, we treat it as a meaningless ritual, or a magic potion. As long as we continue our prayer lives in that manner, we will continue to feel distant from God, and we will continue to see disappointment in our prayers and relationship with Him. However, if we repent, and pray out of faith like Nehemiah did, we'll see God do amazing things in our lives. Moreover, we'll have a closer relationship to Him, and that is always a blessing.

The Restoration

2011-12-25T21:42:00.000-08:00

People Need The Lord. Starting Jan. 1 at Grace Pointe.

Go, Stand and Speak

2011-12-18T22:00:00.001-08:00

Wise Men Seek Jesus - The Series

2011-12-18T12:39:00.001-08:00

Wise Men Seek Jesus - Wise Men

2011-12-18T12:37:00.001-08:00

Rejecting the Cornerstone

2011-12-12T20:28:00.000-08:00

In Acts 4:1-14, Peter and John are on trial before the Sanhedrin for preaching in Jesus' name, and for healing the lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. In his defense, Peter accused the Sanhedrin of rejecting Christ. He told the Sanhedrin (many of whom were personally involved in delivering Jesus to Pilate for crucifixion), that they crucified Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and rejected Him, but that He rose again. Peter told them that the man was healed in the name and by the power of Jesus Christ, and that Jesus would one day return to rule the world. (The stone the builders rejected is now the head of the corner (Acts 4:11)).

In looking at this passage, you may be reminded of your past rejection of Christ, or you may be faced with your present rejection of Christ. If that is so, just remember that repentance and faith in Christ will save you.

Peter goes on to tell the Sanhedrin that Jesus is Lord, and He is the only way of Salvation (Acts 4:12). By the time Peter finishes, the Sanhedrin sees that Peter spoke boldly, they perceived he had been with Jesus, and the testimony of the healed man was so strong they couldn't speak against it.

Can our adversaries tell we've been with Jesus... and is our testimony so strong, that no one can speak against it? Acts 4 is a powerful passage.

Wise Men Seek Jesus - Shepherds

2011-12-12T20:15:00.000-08:00

The wise men who visited Jesus in Bethlehem were not the only wise people present at the birth of Christ. Last week, we studied how Joseph displayed wisdom in how he responded to the announcement of the conception of Christ. In this sermon, we studied how the shepherds demonstrated their wisdom.

The Bible says when the angel of the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds, they were sore afraid. In Hebrew culture, the appearance of an angel was more than a supernatural manifestation. The appearance of an angel meant you were about to be taken into eternity... in other words, you were about to die.

So, the shepherds were sore afraid, not because they were afraid of a spiritual being, but because they thought they were about to face God in the judgment.

What if you had to face God in the judgment right now? What if you had to give an account to God for the way you lived your life right now? No chance to clean anything up, right any wrongs, or make any last minute decisions... your time is up, and its time for the judgment. How would you feel?

If you had any reservation that you are prepared to meet God, then you have the beginning of wisdom.

Now, if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, you will go into the judgment with the assurance that you are going to God, not as a convict before a judge, but as a prodigal child returning home. Still, have you spent your life doing the things God wants you to do? Is there anything in your life that you worry about giving an account for when you go into God's judgment?

The angel came upon the shepherds suddenly, and they thought they were about to die. That's how death will come upon us. Suddenly, without warning. The lesson: Fear God and get things right with Him. Accept Jesus as your Savior and follow Him daily.

The next way the shepherds demonstrated wisdom is they sought Jesus after the angels departed... and they sought Him at that very moment. Luke 2:15-16 speak to the fact that the shepherds left after the angels had departed, and went to Bethlehem to find Jesus. Verse 16 said they went with haste... meaning they were in a hurry and they left their flocks in the fields. Their wisdom is displayed in that they sought Jesus and they made Him their top priority.

Are we willing to make Christ our top priority? Do we seek Him while we have opportunity?

The final way the shepherds showed wisdom is that they praised God and told everyone what the angels told them concerning Jesus. They told everyone about Jesus, and they told of the salvation he brought.

The Bible says he that winneth souls is wise. That's not to say that you are wise because you win souls, but rather, you win souls because you are wise. Wisdom is obeying God's directives... and His directive is to go forth and make disciples. Are you doing that?

The shepherds were far wiser than people thought. May we have the same wisdom they had.

Your Attention Please!

2011-12-05T15:51:00.000-08:00

The third message in our study of the Book of Acts centers around the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple in Acts 3. From this passage, we learn that God uses various things to get our attention. From the healing of the lame man in Acts 3, to natural disasters, to national incidents, to smaller things in our own personal lives. When God is getting our attention, we need to yield to Him and seek His will.

The passage goes on to depict the conviction of sin. Peter called out the people on their specific sin of turning Jesus over to Pilate to be crucified. When God convicts us of sin, He convicts us of our specific sin.

Then we learn about salvation from sin. Peter told the people to repent and be converted. To repent means to turn from sin, to be converted means to turn to God. To be saved, one must turn from sin and turn to the Lord. To be forgiven for sin after salvation, we must still turn from that sin and turn toward the Lord. God told Zechariah that if you turn to the LORD, He will turn to you. The promise holds true for us today as well.

Wise Men Seek Jesus - Joseph

2011-12-05T15:43:00.000-08:00

The first installment of our Christmas series, titled, "Wise Men Seek Jesus," centers around Joseph, Jesus' earthly step-father and husband to Mary.

Joseph's wisdom was on full display in Matthew 1. The Bible says he was a just man... meaning he was saved, but also that he was a fair and equitable man (two characteristics common among saved people.)

If you look at how Joseph handled the situation with Mary being found with child of the Holy Ghost, you see wisdom. He wasn't rash. He was minded to put her away (that means to release her, t set her free) privily, not doing anything vindictively or anything to harm her. And the Bible says he thought about these things. He thought carefully and deliberately. He was using wisdom.

His wisdom is further displayed in that he was receptive to God's message when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. Joseph didn't argue. He didn't question. He just accepted the message and obeyed it.

Joseph's obedience was the final indicator of his wisdom. He accepted a unique calling, to rear the only begotten Son of God. What a big responsibility! Joseph not only accepted it, but he followed God's direction and excelled in it.

Is God calling you to something? The wise thing to do is accept that calling. In every decision you make, include God, through prayer, medication and Bible study. You will find yourself making wiser decisions.

Go All Out!

2011-11-27T21:21:00.000-08:00

Acts 2:38, which says "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost," is often misunderstood as a "how to be saved" verse. In reality, Acts 2:38 gives us the proper response to the Gospel. The difference between "how to be saved" and "the proper response" is that "the proper response" goes beyond salvation to actually serving, honoring and glorifying God.

In Acts 2, Peter preached that the people had crucified the Savior for whom they had been praying to God. Upon being pricked in their hearts over their sin of crucifying Christ, the people asked Peter what they should do (Acts 2:37). Peter's response wasn't, "Just get saved and everything will be okay." His response was that they should give themselves over to God.

Acts 2:38 says to repent and be baptized, but not just for salvation. They were to repent and be baptized so that they could completely follow God and live the Spirit filled life. Salvation comes at repentance and faith. The first act of faith is baptism. Peter was exhorting the people to become active Christians. We cover a lot more in the video...

Let the Redeemed of the LORD Say So

2011-11-27T20:15:00.000-08:00

Christians should be loudly praising God, because He has redeemed us out of sinful lifestyles and given us hope. No one else can praise God like we can, because no one else knows Him like we do.

Coming December 4...

2011-11-22T16:24:00.001-08:00

Sunday Services - November 20

2011-11-21T15:44:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning, we studied Philippians 1, and highlighted how Paul was rejoicing even though he was suffering in prison. He rejoiced because he saw how his imprisonment was resulting in the spread of the Gospel.

Sunday evening, we studied Blessings from Acts 2. God has blessed us with a unified church, with the Holy Spirit and with opportunities to share the Gospel.

Sunday Services - November 13

2011-11-14T06:33:00.000-08:00

Sunday Morning, we discussed how God is preeminent, and that we should put Him first in all things.

Sunday Evening, We began our new series in the Book of Acts. We studied how Christ empowered the church through the Holy Spirit, How He prophesied and commanded that we spread the Gospel throughout the entire world, and How His return is prophesied in the Bible.

The Opposition (Luke 20:19-40)

2011-11-06T20:35:00.001-08:00

Job: Episode 40 - Knowing God

2011-11-06T20:34:00.001-08:00

The Complete Job Series

2011-11-06T20:27:00.000-08:00

This is the entire 40-message sermon series (both YouTube and from the pulpit) from the Book of Job. This is a great encouragement to anyone who is enduring trials and hardships.

That Takes Faith!

2011-10-27T20:31:00.000-07:00

In Acts 11:19-21, Christians were fleeing the persecution being waged by the religious leaders and the rulers in Jerusalem. The interesting thing about their flight from Jerusalem, however, is that they continued to preach Jesus, even though they were being persecuted for believing in Him.

Initially, they only preached Jesus to other Jews, but as they arrived in Antioch, they preached to the Gentiles (non-Jews) also.

It is amazing that these believers continued to tell others about Jesus, even though they were being beaten and killed for doing so. Why would anyone preach Jesus knowing that it could cost them their life? Simple. Faith.

Faith means believing that God is... that He exists. (Hebrews 11:6). It also means believing that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. In other words, having faith means trusting God to save you... from Hell, and from the oppression that happens on earth.

Relating to Jesus Christ, faith means trusting that His death on the cross paid the penalty for your sins. Trusting His death, burial and resurrection for our sins according to the scriptures is what saves us from Hell and gives us eternal life in Heaven.

Faith in God's Word (The Bible) means believing what it says and taking it literally. The Bible clearly teaches that those who do not have faith, who do not trust Jesus as their personal Savior will go to Hell when they die. The Bible also teaches that all who repent and believe will go to Heaven when they die.

So, despite the fact they were being scattered throughout the countryside, these believers still had faith that they would go to Heaven when they died. So, not fearing death, they continued to preach Jesus.

Furthermore, they continued to preach Jesus because they knew that the people they met would die and go to Hell if they didn't believe in Him.

These people were completely sold out for God. They truly had faith and believed on Christ with all their hearts. As a result, Acts 11:21 says that the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

Faith is an amazing thing. It motivates us to do seemingly impossible things, because we know God has called us to do them, and we trust Him to prosper our efforts. When we have faith, we are obedient to God. When we have faith, we do what God wants regardless of the consequences. Amazingly, when we have that level of faith, where we are totally sold out for God, the hand of the Lord is with us, and great things happen.

Do you truly have faith? Do you truly trust the Lord? Do you trust the Lord enough to move beyond your comfort zone? If so, you will likely see God do great things.

New Sermon Series... Beginning November 13

2011-10-24T18:53:00.000-07:00

Notes from Sunday, 10-23-11

2011-10-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning, we studied the Authority of Christ from Luke 20:1-18. We need to be careful not to reject the Authority of Christ. Rejecting the Authority of Christ begins when we question His authority, and His word, and we reject Him for selfish reasons.

We need to recognize and submit to the Authority of Christ, because it is through Jesus Christ that we are saved.

We finished up the day of worship by studying the Power of God from Job 40:6-24. God is all powerful, and we need to have reverence and respect for Him.

Who is God to You?

2011-10-22T22:13:00.000-07:00

There are about as many different understandings of Who God is as there are people in the world. To some, God is an angry deity set out to destroy the human race. To others, He is the granter of the desires of your heart. And to Bette Midler, He is a deity that just sits back and watches the world "From a Distance."

Classic hits references aside, how you view God affects how you live. If you see God as being one who is not active in the world, and is not too interested in what's going on with your life, you will likely live out what ever desires you have for your life.

If you see God as the angry deity that hates mankind, you will likely live in bitterness toward Him and even resort to all-out rebellion against Him. If God is the happy grandfather granter of all wishes to you, your life may well end up self-centered, and then angry and bitter when your prayer requests aren't answered as you believe they should be.

We all have our own concept of what God would look like if we ever were to see Him, how He'd sound if we heard Him talk, or what He'd say to us. However, there are a few things that we all need to be on the same page about. (1) God is all powerful and He is in control. (2) We play by His rules, not our own. (3) Our salvation is based on what He did for us, not on what we can do for Him, or for ourselves. The list goes on, but for right now, I want to focus on His power.

In Job 40, God answers Job's demands to plead his case before the LORD. He challenges Job to execute judgment on the world, to humble the proud, and to tread down the wicked in their place. Job, however, cannot do that. Neither can we, because we do not have God's power.

We can't control or execute judgment on each other, and we can't even bring the creation under our dominion. In Job 40, God was pointing out how no one could control the behemoth (which I believe is a dinosaur, but that's really irrelevant right now.) Yet, God exercised control over it.

We live in a world where God's power is being ignored and forgotten. People either think of God as an abstract thought, a theory or myth, or they think of Him as a being that is dis-involved and irrelevant. It is those ways of thinking that is leading the majority of people to live without fear of God, and thus fulfilling the sinful behaviors listed in Romans 3:9-20.

We can't stop them from living as they do. We can, however, examine ourselves to make sure we are living as God would want us to live.

Do you recognize that God is all powerful?
Do you recognize that God is involved in what happens in your day to day life?
Do you realize that He will correct you when you sin against Him?

If you answer yes to these three questions, you will likely find yourself making better decisions. Live as though God is watching and taking an active interest in your life, because He is. If you do that, then you will recognize His authority in your life, and God likes that. If you live as though God has authority in your life, then you are living by faith, and the Bible is very clear that God loves that (Read Hebrews 11).

So live for God! By that, I mean include Him in your day-to-day life.

Continuing our Journey through the Bible... Genesis 2:7

2011-10-19T12:11:00.001-07:00

Sharing Jesus

2011-10-18T19:42:00.000-07:00

-courtesy of Luc Viator, Lucnix.be

In Acts 10:24-27, Cornelius had sent for Peter to come to his house and preach the Gospel. In anticipation of Peter's arrival, the Bible says that Cornelius had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

Cornelius was so moved by his need for salvation, he wanted all of his family and friends to hear the message too. So, he called them all over to his house. Cornelius must have been a popular man, for Acts 10:27 says that Peter went in and found many that were come together.

We should follow Cornelius' example. We should want others to hear about Jesus, we should invite others to church and Bible studies so they can hear about Jesus, and we should tell as many people as possible about Jesus.

God bless you, as you spread the Gospel.

Notes from Sunday...

2011-10-17T17:45:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning, we studied how Jesus cast out the merchants and the money changers from the Temple after the Triumphal Entry. From this passage, we learned that God despises those who merchandise religion to get rich, and He also despises those who think they can buy their way into His graces by donating money and going through the motions of church attendance.

Sunday night, we studied God's Wisdom in Creation from Job 38:1-18. God's wisdom is clearly seen in the perfect design of the world, how the world operates, and by the fact that despite 6,000 years existence, man still doesn't have a complete knowledge of the planet on which we live. It was a good "Glory to God" type study.

God and Money

2011-10-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

Luke 19:45 says that Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought.

Often when we read about Jesus casting the money changers and the merchants out of the temple, we focus on how God hates those who make merchandise out of religion. Sadly, in America today, and even around the world, men who are using religion to make a fortune are not too hard to find. Whether it is the televangelist in America telling his followers to send him $20 so God can bless them with riches, or whether it is the Southeast Asian preacher telling his congregation to express their faith through giving, those who are using the faith to get rich are all over the place.

However, we'd be remiss if we didn't look at the other group that Jesus cast out of the temple. He not only threw out the merchants, he threw out the customers... those who bought from the merchants. Why? Simple.

The temple sacrifices were not just a religious rite to follow. They were meant for God's people to actually bring their best and give it to God. Those who sacrificed, especially for Passover, were to take the best from their flock, and sacrifice it to the Lord.

However, you had merchants in the temple selling lambs that were guaranteed to be without spot. No longer did a man need to bring his best before God. He could just simply throw some money at the situation and feel like he worshipped God.

God is not after your money. He wants your heart! He wants you to repent and place your faith in Jesus Christ. He wants you to trust Him with your whole heart after salvation, and He wants you to live your life for Him. Does that mean that you need to support your local church financially? Sure.

On the other hand, many people feel that they have served God by merely showing up to church and putting money in the offering plate. If there is no other service to God beyond that, God is not pleased.

Give your whole heart to God. Live for Him. In all situations, do what He would want you to do. WWJD. If you do that, the money questions (do I give, how much, and to whom) will answer themselves.

Even Good Guys Need Jesus

2011-10-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

-courtesy of Luc Viator, Lucnix.be

In Acts 10, we meet a centurion named Cornelius. The Bible describes Cornelius as a man who was devout, feared God, gave much alms to the people, prayed always, was a just (or fair) man, and of a good report among the Jews (meaning he had a good reputation.) Cornelius is described as being a really good man!

He was devout, meaning he was reverent and adhered to a religion. He feared God, meaning he had a reverent awe in regard to God. He saw Him as all-powerful and wanted to avoid His wrath. He gave much alms to the people, meaning he was generous and always helped those in need. He had an active prayer life, and was a fair man. In verse 22, He is described again as a man who feared God, but also that he had a good report among the Jews.

Yet, as good as a man as Cornelius was, there was something he was missing. He didn't know Jesus. So, God arranged for Peter to go to his house and preach the Gospel to him. The Bible records how Cornelius and his entire household were saved as Peter preached Christ.

You see, just being a good person will not get you into Heaven. You must know Jesus Christ as your Savior. Acts 4:12 says there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. If you think that you can go to Heaven just by being a good person, then you are banking that God will save you on your good name... but God only saves people on the good name of Jesus... so your plan of good works will not save you.

Isaiah 64:6 says that our righteousnesses are as filthy rags before God. Basically, God is not impressed with the good things that we do. He is impressed by our faith. (Hebrews 11:6).

If you have never repented (turned from) your sins and trusted Jesus Christ as your personal savior, do so right now. He is your only hope of salvation.

Journey through the Bible

2011-10-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

I have begun an online study that is designed to take a Journey through the entire Bible. These studies are being conducted on my personal YouTube channel. Here are the first two videos.

Thanks for watching,

Leland Acker

Praise the Lord (Luke 19:28-44)

2011-10-11T19:32:00.000-07:00

When Jesus rode that donkey from the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem, His disciples praised Him for the mighty works they had seen. Jesus had performed miracles in their presence. Moreover, they were witnessing the fulfillment of prophecy.

The Triumphal Entry was a crowning moment in God's plan of Salvation, and the disciples, along with all of creation praised Him for it.

What wonderful things has God done in your life? Do you praise Him for those things with your words and actions?

Job: Episode 37 - Profiting with God

2011-10-11T19:29:00.000-07:00

The Christian life comes with struggles, heartaches, and for many believers, persecution. However, the Christian life is also full of blessings. God doesn't just put us through pointless suffering until we die. He blesses us along the way. That's what this message is about.

Job: Episode 36 - God's Mission

2011-10-03T06:11:00.000-07:00

Meanwhile (Luke 19:11-27)

2011-10-02T19:31:00.000-07:00

Job: Episode 35 - Hold Fast to Righteousness

2011-09-26T22:20:00.001-07:00

Salvation: The Mission of Christ (Luke 19:1-10)

2011-09-26T22:20:00.000-07:00

Job: Episode 33 - Gods Court of Appeals

2011-09-15T19:04:00.000-07:00

Job: Episode 32 - Return to the Almighty

2011-09-06T23:33:00.000-07:00

Coming to Christ (Luke 18:15-30)

2011-09-05T08:34:00.000-07:00

Encouragement (John 21:1-14)

2011-08-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

Where is Your Faith? (Luke 18:9-14)

2011-08-28T20:50:00.000-07:00

Job: Episode 31 - Wicked Reserved to Judgment

2011-08-25T15:42:00.000-07:00

The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8)

2011-08-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

Job: Episode 30 - Short Term Gain, Long Term Loss

2011-08-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

The Day of the Lord (Luke 17:20-37)

2011-08-10T06:20:00.000-07:00

Job: Episode 26 - Pleading with God

2011-08-04T06:06:00.000-07:00

Learning from Lepers (Luke 17:11-19)

2011-08-04T06:05:00.000-07:00

Job: Episode 25 - Tongues of Fire

2011-07-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

Job: Episode 24 - Wise Men Don't...

2011-07-27T21:43:00.000-07:00

Call of Duty (Luke 17:7-10)

2011-07-27T21:42:00.000-07:00

Watchmen (Ezekiel 3:16-21)

2011-07-22T15:36:00.000-07:00

Offences (Luke 17:1-6)

2011-07-11T23:27:00.001-07:00

Job: Episode 23 - Life and Death

2011-07-11T23:27:00.000-07:00

Lawyer Up!

2011-06-20T21:01:00.000-07:00

Alan Shore, portrayed on Boston Legal
by James Spader.

One guilty pleasure I used to enjoy was watching Boston Legal on television. The show had a lot of political undertones, but what I most enjoyed were the antics of Alan Shore (portrayed by James Spader). Alan Shore's best quality was his closing arguments. Sometimes they were rooted in law, sometimes they were rooted in emotion. Regardless of whether his client were right or wrong, he could get the jury to be sympathetic to the viewpoint of his client and usually win the case.

In reality, however, this seldom works in court, and it never works with God. We may be able to make a case before men and persuade them to understand our viewpoint. While we may be able to justify ourselves before men, we can not justify ourselves before God.

Jesus said in Luke 16:15 "Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God."

While it may be possible to make your self look like the victim before men, or get people to think that your intentions and motivations were pure, God knows your heart. He knows what your true intention was, and He will hold you accountable. When we stand before God in judgment, no great speeches or smooth talk will save us. No technicalities or procedural questions will stop God from executing His judgment. The only way to be spared His judgment in that day is if you know Jesus Christ as your personal savior.

If you know Jesus as your personal savior, then Jesus will become your lawyer. He will tell God, the judge, that your sins have been paid for, and He will plead on your behalf. There is no greater defense in the universe than having the Son of God as your representative.

Don't go through life blaming others, or trying to convince people that you are something that you are not. Trust Jesus as your Savior, and let Him build you up to be the real deal.

Define Your Mission (Luke 16:1-13)

2011-06-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

Job: Episode 20 - God Didn't Say That!

2011-06-15T05:27:00.000-07:00

Job: Episode 19 - Wisdom

2011-06-14T18:37:00.000-07:00

God Loves Us (The Prodigal Son) Luke 15:11-32

2011-06-12T15:37:00.000-07:00

Job: Episode 18 - God's View vs. Man's View

2011-06-09T20:52:00.001-07:00

Getting Religion Won't Get It Done (Luke 13:18-35)

2011-05-22T06:48:00.000-07:00

Our Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:35-58)

2011-05-22T06:46:00.000-07:00

Grace Pointe Focuses Studies on the Life of Jesus Christ

2011-05-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

The Grace Pointe Kids are studying
"Jesus, the One and Only," a study
of the life of Jesus Christ.

If it weren't for Jesus, we wouldn't be here. There would be no salvation, no hope of life after death, and when our loved ones died, we'd have to live with the hopelessness that we'd never see them again.

But Jesus came, He taught and ministered, and when the time was right, He died for our sins on the cross. The third day, He rose again and ascended to the right hand of the throne of God where He lives and pleads with God on our behalf. Because of this, we are saved from our sins and can look forward to eternal life in Heaven.

For this reason, studies at Grace Pointe are centered around Jesus.

Grace Pointe Kids Study Jesus, The One and Only

Wednesday nights, the kids at Grace Pointe are going through Beth Moore's "Jesus, the One and Only." This study takes the kids through the life of Christ right up to the crucifixion and resurrection over a period of 12 weeks. The kids are learning what life was like during Jesus' day (knowledge that will be crucial to understanding the context of many Bible passages when they get into deeper study as teens and adults), what Jesus was like as a kid, His baptism, and His ministry. The study includes scripture memorization, visual aides and short video presentations and daily devotionals to do with their parents. This program begins at 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday.

Wednesday Night Adults' Bible Study Begins Matthew Series

Starting tonight, the Adults' Bible Study at Grace Pointe will begin a six-month series in the book of Matthew. Matthew records the lie of Jesus from His birth to His giving the Great Commission following His resurrection. Matthew is rich in details of Jesus' life, His teachings, and in references to fulfilled prophecies from the Old Testament. The study is led by Bro. B.R. Teague, a veteran Sunday School teacher who knows the Bible well and enjoys classroom interaction. Wednesday night Bible Study is at 6:30 p.m.

Luke and 1 Corinthians on Sunday

Sunday morning, we'll continue our study through the Book of Luke. This Sunday, we'll be in Chapter 13 studying the parable of the mustard seed and the parable of the leaven. Sunday evening, we'll continue our discussion of the resurrection by finishing out 1 Corinthians 15. Morning service is at 11 a.m. and evening service is at 6:30 p.m.

Grace Pointe MBC is located at 1045 West Commerce across from the Law Enforcement Center in Brownwood.

God Loves... (Luke 13:10-17)

2011-05-08T23:00:00.000-07:00

God loves people, sinners, those who are struggling, and He heals and forgives them.

Not Forgotten, Not Invisible, Loved.

2011-05-07T22:59:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt like the entire world overlooks you? Like no one cares about your problems, pain or suffering? Do people treat you like you are second class?

That was the situation the woman in the synagogue faced in Luke 13:10-17. Scripture records that she had a spirit of infirmity of 18 years, and was bowed together so that she could not lift herself up. She was in the synagogue the day Jesus was teaching.

In the days that Jesus walked and taught in Israel, women were relegated to sitting in the back, or in the balconies of the synagogues. Only grown men sat front and center for the teaching. So, this poor woman was stuck in the back of the synagogue, and the other women might have even forced her to the back of their seating area.

So, here she is, in the back of a synagogue, wanting to hear teaching, but being disregarded by everyone. Have you ever felt that way?

But Jesus saw her. Luke 13:12 says that when Jesus saw her, he called her forward and healed her. Here, this poor woman had suffered and been overlooked by everyone who surrounded her. However, Jesus didn't overlook her. He knew she was there. He saw her, called her, and healed her. He noticed her.

Perhaps there is something you are going through in this life, and perhaps you are having to face this trouble alone, because everyone is overlooking you or minimizing your pain. Even if you feel invisible, know that Christ sees you, knows you, loves you, understands you and will heal you of your problem.

Just be willing to trust Him to work those problems out in your life.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Easter Love Story (Luke 23:32-49)

2011-04-25T18:05:00.000-07:00

Jesus' death on the cross is the ultimate expression of love. In this sermon, we define love and show how Christ went above and beyond to demonstrate His love. This sermon also includes Dr. S.M. Lockridge's "My King" sermon.

The Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12-34)

2011-04-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

The Resurrection gives us salvation, hope and motivation.

Easter Week

2011-04-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

Alongside Christmas, Easter is an important holiday for Christians as it is the Sunday we celebrate that Christ rose from the grave. While at Christmas we celebrate His birth, it was the death, burial and resurrection of Christ that saved us from our sin.

Throughout the year, much preaching and teaching is done on the death of Christ on the cross for our sins. However, it is the resurrection of Christ that truly saves us from our sin. Romans 5:10 says "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." The resurrection is just as important a part of the Gospel as the death and burial of Jesus Christ.

You see, when Christ died on the cross, He took the punishment we deserved for our sins. The suffering Christ endured on the cross went far and above the nails and torture, He was being punished by God for our sin. That is why He exclaimed, "My God, My God, Why have You forsaken me?" His death satisfied God's need for judgment, and paid the price for our sin and rebellion, but if that is where the Gospel ended, then all we'd have to look forward to would be dying, without the prospect of Hell and judgment.

However, Christ rose from the grave on the third day. His resurrection means that we are not only reconciled to God as His creation, but we are adopted into His family as joint-heirs with Christ. The Bible teaches in Hebrews 7:25 that Christ now sits at God's right hand where he pleads with God on our behalf. Had Christ not rose from the grave, we would not have that assurance of Christ being our chief advocate before God.

Had Christ not risen from the grave, God would have no basis to offer us rewards. We wouldn't be welcomed into eternal fellowship with Him. We would simply be debtors who are paid up.

Many define the Gospel as "good news." While the literal interpretation of the word means "good news," it is 1 Corinthians 15 that defines the Gospel as the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our sins according to the scriptures. However, it is that last part, the resurrection, that truly makes the Gospel good news. The resurrection is what lifted the spirits of the disciples traveling on the road to Emmaus. It is the resurrection that empowered the apostles to preach the word boldly in the face of persecution. It is the resurrection that offered those early disciples hope.

When Christ was crucified, His disciples were down-hearted and defeated. When they found out about His resurrection, they were energized. They heard the "good news."

So while you enjoy the Easter egg hunts and chocolate bunnies this Easter, remember the hope you have because Jesus rose from the grave.

At Grace Pointe, we'll remember His resurrection, and enjoy fellowship around an egg hunt following morning services on Easter Sunday. God bless you.

Repentance (Luke 13:1-9)

2011-04-18T19:01:00.000-07:00

What is repentance? Why is it important? Do I have to do it now?

The Gospel (I Corinthians 15:1-11)

2011-04-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

The Gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our sins according to the scriptures. This sermon explores what the Gospel is, what it did for us, and evidence that it really happened.

The Urgency of the Fig Tree

2011-04-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

In times of national tragedy, it is common for people to flock to churches. Some seek answers, others seek confirmation that they are in God's good graces, and other want to be in the right place should something else happen.

When national tragedies hit, people have a sense of urgency regarding their spiritual condition. The sad thing is, once it becomes apparent that life will soon return to normal, people go back to normal. They drift away from church and they no longer feel a sense of urgency regarding their spiritual health.

In Luke 13:6-9, Jesus tells the story of the fig tree:

A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

The things we learn from this parable are three-fold.

1. God wants us to bear fruit. To bear fruit, you must first know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. If you have repented of your sins and trusted Christ as your Savior, then God wants to you be obedient to His word. If you are obedient to His word (the Bible), then you will bear fruit.

2. Jesus Christ is pleading on our behalf. Notice how the dresser of the vineyard pleads for one more year, so that he can nurture the fig tree to give it one more season to bear fruit. In the same manner as that gardener pleads for time to develop the fig tree, Christ pleads on our behalf before God. He wants more time to develop us so that we can bear fruit and honor God.

3. Our days are numbered. Just like that fig trees days are numbered (it's gone if it doesn't bear fruit within the year), so are our days numbered. The Bible teaches that a man's days are numbered and that God has set the appointment for his death. Therefore, it is important to maintain a sense of urgency regarding our spiritual growth. Don't put off salvation, don't postpone serving the Lord. Your days may end before you planned, then you'll stand before God in the judgment with work left undone on earth.

During times of national tragedy, we have a sense of urgency regarding spiritual matters. Though life goes back to normal, lets see if we can maintain that sense of spiritual urgency.

What Should Happen in Worship (1 Corinthians 14)

2011-04-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

Worship services should Edify, Exhort and Comfort the church.

Jesus is Coming (Luke 12:49-59)

2011-04-10T21:50:00.000-07:00

Jesus is coming. When He comes, He will bring Judgment and Rewards. Better be ready.

Don't Get Sued

2011-04-09T18:01:00.000-07:00

What would you do if you answered the knock at the door, only to be served with a court summons? How would you feel if you were to be sued?

The fear of litigation in American society has actually spawned a multi-million dollar industry. Home-owners policies cover damages should someone sue for pain and suffering due to a fall on your property. Auto insurance policies offer additional coverages (at an added charge) if you would like to add personal injury protection to your policy. Churches and religious organizations carry insurance policies and follow rigorous rules and regulations to avoid litigation. Many people will try to settle a case anyway possible (even if they aren't at fault) to avoid going to court. Why? Because in a court of law, often times the person who wins is the one who can afford the best lawyer. Often times, the one who wins isn't the one who was right.

For most people, this is a battle they can not afford to lose in court, so they'd rather make concessions outside of court, whether or not they were at fault.

It is this type of thinking that Jesus addressed in Luke 12:58, "When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison."

He said that when you are headed to court, you give diligence (work hard, work thoroughly) to avoid having to stand before the judge. You work hard to make sure you don't get a judgment against you.

Amazingly, people will work hard in order not to have a judgment go against them in a human court of law, but they neglect to make sure they will not have a judgment against them in God's court. That is what Jesus was really speaking to in Luke 12.

The Bible teaches that all the world is guilty before God (Romans 3:19), and that there are no actions man can take to be declared "not guilty" in God's court (Romans 3:20). All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

While you may not be able to erase your guilt by your actions, the Bible says it is possible to head into God's court knowing that the penalty for your sin has been erased. This is possible because when Jesus Christ died on the cross, he bore the penalty for your sins (Isaiah 53:11). Think of it this way. You are in traffic court, you are guilty, and a fine has been assessed. If someone paid your fine for you, you would go free. That's what Christ did when He died on the cross. He paid the punishment you owed for your sin.

The only step left, then, is to accept that payment. The Bible says that if you will repent of your sin (Luke 13:3, 5), and believe on Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31), you will be saved.

So, just like you would do anything to avoid being taken to court, take the time to do diligence and confirm your salvation with God (2 Peter 1:10). If you do that, you can do God's work and then go into eternity with assurance, not fear.

The following is a video put together by Living Waters about the need and the Way of salvation.

Job: Episode 16 - Law and Order (God Style)

2011-04-06T12:35:00.001-07:00

Sunday Sermons (April 3, 2011)

2011-04-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

Sunday Morning: The Second Coming of Christ (Luke 12:35-48)

Sunday Evening: Love is Essential (1 Corinthians 13)

When You Hope the Boss Doesn't Show Up

2011-04-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

"BOB!"

Those three letters, spoken just loudly enough that those close-by could hear, were enough to spring the entire maintenance department into action at Allegiance Healthcare in Jacksonville, Texas.

Bob was the supervisor over the maintenance department, which included mechanics, HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, inventory clerks and parts ordering agents. For years, the maintenance technicians at Allegiance felt that if the machinery in the plant was running well, they could relax. The line most often spoken in the shop was, "If I'm doing nothing the company is making money."

Bob worked to change that mentality. His vision was for the maintenance department to be proactive, performing preventative maintenance and working with the engineering staff to see if there were ways to make the production machinery run more efficiently.

Under Bob's leadership, idle technicians were disciplined, and proactive techs were promoted. So, when Bob showed up to the shop, no one wanted to be caught doing nothing.

In Luke 12:35-48, Jesus tells the parable of the servants who do their lord's will, who watch for his return and are prepared for his return. Those servants, said Jesus, are blessed. Their lord, when he returns, will serve them dinner and reward them with promotions, setting them over his estate. The ones who laid back and didn't do their job were punished.

This parable teaches us that, like the technicians at Allegiance Healthcare sprung into action to show Bob they were working, we need to be busy and looking forward to the return of Christ. So what should we do to prepare for the return of the Lord?

1. Be saved. If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal savior, it does not matter what else you have done. When He shows up, you will be judged according to your works, (Romans 14:11-12). Your works will be found lacking (Romans 3:23). Seeing that you fell short of the Glory of God, you'll be sent to Hell. If you know Jesus Christ as your personal savior, your works will still fall short, but you will get the credit of having your sins paid for by Jesus Christ. (Romans 3:24-25).

2. Pay attention to current events. Jesus didn't say, "Someday, I'll just pop in out of nowhere and say, 'BOO!'" He gave us signs to look for that would precede His return (Matthew 24). The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5 that the day of the Lord should not overtake us as a thief. So, how will we know when the day of Christ's return is getting near? By knowing the signs in Matthew 24 and by paying attention to current world events to watch for their fulfillment.

3. Prepare others. Christians have one standing order... make disciples. This means to lead others to the Lord by sharing the plan of salvation with them. How should this be done? Door-knocking? Lifestyle evangelism? Servant evangelism? However God leads you! People have been led to the Lord using those and other methods. Just be ready and willing to tell someone how to be saved.

There are too many prophecies being fulfilled in current world events for us to just do business as usual, expecting that nothing will ever change. Continue your life, but watch and prepare for the Lord's return.

The Worst Comfort Speech Ever (Job, Episode 15)

2011-03-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

Bildad's attempt to comfort Job could have gone better...

From Job Chapter 8.

Sunday Sermons, March 27, 2011

2011-03-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

Sunday Morning

Sunday Evening

Job: Episode 14 - Life is Temporary

2011-03-25T22:39:00.000-07:00

SERMON: Life Is Temporary
TEXT: Job 7

Job is still responding to Eliphaz’s assumption that Job was suffering because he sinned. Eliphaz was misunderstanding how God works. However, his words were still intended to comfort Job as he reminded Job that God was correcting him to make him stronger, a better child of God, and to equip him to do God’s will. He reminded Job that God healed.

Job was very upset at the notion that he deserved what he was getting. He had done no sin. He was faithful to God. He worked hard to avoid the tragedy that befell him.

In Chapter 7, Job responds to Eliphaz’s suggestion that God was strengthening him and correcting him, noting that life is temporary and his was almost up.

I. WE ARE ONLY HERE FOR A SHORT TIME.

A. Verses 1-2 Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling? (2) As a servant earnestly desireth the shadow, and as an hireling looketh for the reward of his work:

There is a time appointed to a man upon the earth. A time to be born, a time to die (Ecclesiastes 3:2). Those dates on the head stone have already been set.

Just like the hireling, or the servant’s work is limited to the daytime, our time to work for the Lord here on earth is limited.

John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

We will be judged by what we do on this earth.

Romans 14:11-12 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. (12) So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

We will give an account. Once we are there in the judgment (which follows our death), it will be too late To be saved, To lead others to Christ, or To honor and glorify God on earth and reap rewards.

But just like that hired worker, we look forward to quitting time.

Our time on this earth flies!

Job 7:6 My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.

II. ALL OF OUR WORLDLY ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARE TEMPORARY.
Job 7:8 The eye of him that hath seen me shall see me no more: thine eyes are upon me, and I am not. 9 As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no more.

There will come a time when we are no longer here. We will fade away as a cloud vanishes in the sky. When we do, all of our accomplishments vanish with it. So building an earthly legacy is an exercise in futility.

III. OUR TEMPORARY LIFE NOT WITHSTANDING, GOD LOVES US AND HAS SET A PLACE IN ETERNITY FOR US.
Job 7:17 What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?

Magnify - to make grow, to make great.
God grows us through the temptations, trials and tribulations we go through. He teaches us and makes us great.

He set His heart upon us. He loves us. He holds us dear to His heart.
Romans 5:8 - But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Job 7:18 And that thou shouldest visit him every morning, and try him every moment?

Visit - to pay attention to. God is active in our lives.

To try at every moment - God is constantly refining us.

When this lifetime of God’s care, comfort, correction and teaching is over, if you know Jesus as Savior, you will spend an eternity in Heaven with Him.

APPLICATION:
2 Peter 3:11 - Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

Job: Episode 13 - Crushed

2011-03-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

Even the strongest Christians feel crushed under the burdens of problems. What happens in that situation?

We turn to God for comfort, refuge, strenght, and we turn to God to work those problems out.

Then, we look for the lesson God wants us to learn.

Vultures! UGH!

2011-03-21T16:36:00.000-07:00

Driving home from church one night, I turned on Dave Ramsey's radio show on KXYL. He was having a conversation with a young man who was being sued because members of the extended family were unhappy with their grandparent's will. The grandparent had recently passed away.

Ramsey's wise advice to the caller was that he should step down as executor of the estate and walk away from it, even though it would mean leaving behind his inheritance. The lawsuit would be too devastating on this young man's finances, and the emotional devastation of a family torn apart over their grandparent's would be even worse. The young man was agreeable to following Ramsey's advice.

The conversation took me back to my step-great-grandfather's funeral. Distant members of his family, people whom we had never met, though he spent more than a year in rehab and nursing care, showed up to my great-grandmother's house the weekend of the funeral. They basically ransacked the place, looking for family heir-looms and things to take home with them.

This same family showed up the weekend of my great-aunt's funeral. They ransacked her house as well (my great aunt and uncle had been living in assisted care while their house sat vacant during the latter years of their life.) During that raid, they made off with several family heir-looms, some of which had great sentimental value to my great uncle.

This same family also went to my great-uncle's assisted living facility and had their names replace my family's name as the primary contact so that they could be the first to know if anything happened to my great uncle. They did this unbeknownst to us, and we suspect they had less than pure motives, given their prior exploits at the homes of my family members. Had it not been for a vigilant worker at the assisted living, we would have not found out about any of this.

I remember those people as vultures. Very cold-hearted toward the family that had nursed these individuals in the final years of their life, and very pre-occupied with the distribution of the estate of the deceased, despite the fact there was a surviving spouse.

Perhaps you've had experiences with vultures as well. They show up wanting to divide up the inheritance before the body is even in the ground. They begin to visit when it becomes apparent that grandpa is dying so that they can get written in the will. And Grandpa always seems to have promised them that gold watch way back in 1978.

These people are sick. They have to be. I don't understand how one can interrupt grief to divide earthly things. I just don't get the mentality.

Jesus said in Luke 12:13-14 that such attitudes were covetousness, greed. That greed is evil, is sinful, is anti-God, and is destructive. Jesus warned in Luke 12 that such greed is an exercise in futility.

So the next time one of your loved ones passes away, and the vultures show up, see them for what they are, heartless greedy sinners. I spend some time discussing this issue in the following sermon (preached Sunday morning at Grace Pointe on March 20, 2011), but then I zero in on the heart of the matter. May God bless you deeply. Amen.

Job: Episode 12 - Enduring Hard Times

2011-03-21T16:14:00.001-07:00

Job: Episode 11 - Practice What You Preach

2011-03-21T16:12:00.000-07:00

A Church of One (I Corinthians 12:1-11)

2011-03-16T19:16:00.001-07:00

Church unity comes from church members following the Holy Spirit.

Conviction (Luke 12:1-12)

2011-03-16T15:11:00.001-07:00

The importance of having conviction, believing so strongly that there is no room for compromise. From Sunday, March 13, 2011 at Grace Pointe MBC

Job: Episode 10 - Worst Nightmares Come True

2011-03-09T11:56:00.000-08:00

Job spent much of his time before his testing worrying about losing his sons, daughters and his fortune. After he loses everything, he realizes he missed much of the good times by worrying. Don't worry. It only wastes the good times.

Job: Episode 9 - Friends

2011-03-08T10:32:00.001-08:00

Despite the fact they assumed Job suffered because of his sin, these guys were still good friends. They made time to mourn with and comfort him, they wept over him, and they went through the storm with him. Watch the video for more details.

What Hypocrisy Really Is...

2011-02-28T17:09:00.000-08:00

Susan lives openly as a Christian. She has the "Jesus Fish" on her car, listens to the Christian radio station, always carries tracts to hand out and even has a Bible on her desk. She is quick to say she'll pray for you and closes conversations with "God bless you."

Around the office, Susan is known as a good worker, a true friend, and a trusted confidant. The boss likes her because she takes direction well and doesn't slack off when he isn't looking. Her co-workers like her because they don't fear she'll betray them. She owns up to her mistakes, and is quick to forgive others of mistakes. She is an encourager.

She regularly attends church, takes part in a Bible study, and sends money to missionaries.

Of course, there is a faction that is not impressed with Susan's lifestyle. There are those that mock Susan as a "goody-two-shoes."

One day while walking into the office, Susan slips and falls, breaking her ankle. In the immediate shock of the pain, Susan shouted an expletive, but then apologized for her profanity.

The question is now, "Is Susan a hypocrite?" After all, she cursed, right?

Admittedly, her exclamation contradicts the rest of what we know of her character. The question we must answer to determine if Susan is indeed a hypocrite is now whether she said a curse word, but rather if the faith she displays day-in and day-out is an act.

Hypocrisy is defined as the claim of holding beliefs that one does not actually possess. It is putting on an act.

For example... a noted televangelists constantly preaches against homosexuality and travels the country preaching at pro-family events, but is later found to have a boyfriend. His sin was not one brought on by shock in a moment of pain; it was one of a choice of lifestyle. He actively preached against that lifestyle while actively enjoying that lifestyle. He claimed to be against homosexuality when he was indeed a homosexual. That is an example, albeit an extreme example, of hypocrisy.

As for Susan, what happened with her was she committed a sin in a moment of temptation (albeit extreme temptation.) Committing such a sin does not constitute hypocrisy if she truly knows the Lord as her Savior and genuinely wants to live for Him like she does when she goes to work. It constitutes sinning and falling short. Such failures are common to the Christian life (Romans 3:23, Romans 7:15-25, I John 1:8-10).

The good news for Susan is that God is faithful and just to forgive her sin when she asks for forgiveness. The good news for you is that God will forgive your sin as well.

So, if you are a Christian, do a heart check and make sure that you truly trust Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. If you are a true Christian in that regard, then don't worry about the hypocrisy label. Despite the fact that some may affix that label to you if you stumble and fall, the fact remains that God knows you are the real deal.

If you have done a heart-check and found that you aren't truly saved, that you've just been doing religion or living a lie this entire time, God will still save you. Turn from your sin and trust Jesus as your Savior today. No one (at least, no one at Grace Pointe) will think any less of you for it. In fact, we'll be glad to welcome you into the family.

If you aren't a Christian, then please repent of your sin and believe that Jesus Christ paid for your sin when He died on the cross.

Above all, everyone should be careful about labeling others hypocrites. Such constitutes making a judgment about another person's spirituality, and God is very plain spoken when he says, "Who are you to judge another man's servant?" Judgment is up to God, not us. Don't try to stand in His place, unless you are following a prescribed response to a situation as called for in scripture.

So, committing a sin isn't hypocrisy, but engaging in an active lifestyle of sin while professing to shun that lifestyle is.

Looks like Susan isn't such a hypocrite after all.

Who Are You?

2011-02-24T09:50:00.000-08:00

Jesus Christ, illustrated here preaching
the sermon on the mount, consistently
preached about living by faith,
not by religious hypocrisy.

Who are you?

I don't mean your job title, family name or history, position in the church or what you did on the high school football team. I mean who are you? When you take away your public life, and you are at home, alone, and no one is watching, who are you? What do you think about? What are your interests, passions and habits?

Are you the same person when you are at home as you are in public? Are you the same person when you are alone as you are around your family?

The Pharisees of Jesus' day were quite impressive. They were very religious, observed a wide array of rituals and traditions, and held themselves to a strict code of moral conduct. To look at them was to look upon the cream of the religious crop... but their religion was all show.

Jesus said in Luke 11:39, "Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness."

Jesus was saying the Pharisees looked good, moral and religious on the outside, but inwardly, they were really wicked. They put on a good moral show for the public, but in private they were deeply sinful and horribly immoral. They were what we would call, "hypocrites."

Sadly, this form of hypocrisy is rampant today. Televangelists rail against immorality on the silver screen while secretly meeting with prostitutes in motels. One noted preacher was famous for preaching against homosexuality, all the while entertaining a boyfriend on his "retreats."

We have case studies of sexual abuse by Catholic priests, and the alleged cover-ups performed by the Catholic church. We have clergy who are addicted to pornography.

Ayatollah Komeini

This type of hypocrisy is not limited to Christianity, either. For years (dating back to the Ayatollahs returning to Iran in 1978-1979) we have been told that the Muslims in the Middle East hate America because of the debauchery depicted in our movies and television shows. Many over there think that such debauchery is all that there is in western civilization.

Ayatollah Komeini in Iran was quoted in 1979 as saying, "If any are having thoughts about the West, the West is nothing but wickedness."

While the clerics in the Middle East rail against the debauchery of the American entertainment industry, they secretly consume it. I know a Marine who served two combat tours of duty in Iraq. He told me that in post-war Iraq, pornography was virtually more valuable than currency, and the ones condemning it were the biggest consumers of it.

So, when we take all these things into consideration, we can conclude that man, by nature, is hypocritical. From the Muslim clerics in Iraq, to the televangelists of America, to many people who sit on church pews on Sunday morning, to the masses who stay home on church days.

It's easy to look at the hypocrisy of others and point out their inconsistencies. However, what God wants us to do is examine ourselves. Jesus said in Luke 11:40, "Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?"

And again in Luke 11:42 He said, "But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone."

God wants us to be followers of Him. He wants us to be disciples of Christ. This involves being a moral person and following His word, studying it and applying it to our lives. However, this also means being the same person inside as we are on the outside. It means backing up our public morality with a private Spirituality. We should be both religious and love God even when things aren't going well. It means doing good things in public, and not indulging sin in private. Don't just wash the outside of the dishes of your life, wash the inside as well.

The first step in this is to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Turn from your sin and trust Jesus to save you because He paid the penalty for your sin on the cross. After you have done that, follow the Lord in Baptism, join a solid, Bible-preaching, Bible-believing church. Study the Bible, and apply what you learn from it to your life.

If you do that, you will be the real deal, a true Christian, and not a hypocrite. God bless you as you follow the Lord.

Job: Episode 8 - Job's Wife

2011-02-23T14:04:00.001-08:00

Job: Episode 7 - You Never See It Coming

2011-02-16T13:01:00.000-08:00

The day that Satan took and destroyed Job's livestock and servants, and had Job's sons and daughers killed was a day like any other day. The sons and daughters were feasting in the oldest son's house (Job 1:13) and work on Job's estate was continuing as normal (Job 1:14-19). Then in one day, one instant, it all changed and Job's testing began. Life was never the same after that.

The video explains that in light of Job's sudden, unexpected testing, we should learn that it is futile to worry. What we worry about probably won't happen, and what we never dream would happen does and changes our lives forever.

The Job Series: Episode 6 - Why the Testing?

2011-02-09T12:24:00.000-08:00

The Job Series: Episode 5 - What God Thinks...

2011-02-09T12:23:00.001-08:00

What God thinks about you is more important than what people think about you.

The Job Series: Episode 4 - God vs. Satan

2011-02-08T13:23:00.001-08:00

The Job Series - Episode 3: How Rich Was Job?

2011-02-04T13:35:00.001-08:00

Job: Episode 2 - Job, The Man

2011-01-26T18:37:00.000-08:00