October 7, 1857, he preached to the largest crowd ever 23,654 people at "The Crystal Palace" in London.
Spurgeon noted: "In 1857, a day or two before preaching at the Crystal Palace, I went to decide where the platform should be fixed; and, in order to test the acoustic properties of the building, cried in a loud voice, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." In one of the galleries, a workman, who knew nothing of what was being done, heard the words, and they came like a message from heaven to his soul. He was smitten with conviction on account of sin, put down his tools, went home, and there, after a season of spiritual struggling, found peace and life by beholding the Lamb of God. Years after, he told this story to one who visited him on his death-bed."
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
A case for CSI
Sunday Sermon
November 28th 2010
Rhema Community Church
Sermonic Skeleton
Sermonic Pericope: ACTS 5:1-11 1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. 7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much." And she said, "Yes, for so much." 9 But Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out." 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.
Sermonic Theme: The Power of the Holy Spirit (The Doctrine of Stewardship)
Sermonic Subject: Spiritual Discernment (The Doctrine of Christian Ethics)
Sermonic Tension: You cannot stop people from lying to you however, you can be filled with the Holy Spirit, and He will illuminate your mind and give you the ability to discern. (Satan Attacks the mind...etc.)
Sermonic Sentence: Christianity is a matter of life and death. (Live with integrity)
Sermonic Question: Is your all on the altar? (Ananias and Sapphira were under no obligation to give.)
Sermonic Warning: You cannot afford to give Satan your heart. (Ananias and Sapphira gave Satan their whole heart.)
Sermonic Title: "A CASE FOR CSI" (Contributors Spiritual Investigation)
Sermonic Sub-Title: “Don’t hold back”. (There is a serious spiritual crime perpetrated by Satan against Ananias and Sapphira however; Ananias and Sapphira let Satan do it.)
Sermonic Cross Reference: NLT Hebrews 6:18 So God has given us both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold on to his promise with confidence.
John 8:44 (ESV) You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
ESV Luke 22:3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve.
ESV John 13:2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him,
ESV John 13:27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly."
KJV Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
ESV James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Sermonic Structure: (There are five moves within this pericope.)
I. THINK ABOUT THE MARRIAGE (verse 1 Ananias, with his wife Sapphira,)
II. THINK ABOUT THE MONEY (verse 1, 2 sold a piece of property, and with his wife's knowledge)
III. THINK ABOUT GOD’S MAN (verse 3 But Peter said,)
IV. THINK ABOUT THE MOTIVE (verse 4 you have not lied to men but to God)
V. THINK ABOUT THE EFFECT THIS HAD ON THE MINISTRY (verse 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.)
A. To be an effective Church we need families
B. To be an effective Church we need finances
C. To be an effective Church we need fear
November 28th 2010
Rhema Community Church
Sermonic Skeleton
Sermonic Pericope: ACTS 5:1-11 1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. 7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much." And she said, "Yes, for so much." 9 But Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out." 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.
Sermonic Theme: The Power of the Holy Spirit (The Doctrine of Stewardship)
Sermonic Subject: Spiritual Discernment (The Doctrine of Christian Ethics)
Sermonic Tension: You cannot stop people from lying to you however, you can be filled with the Holy Spirit, and He will illuminate your mind and give you the ability to discern. (Satan Attacks the mind...etc.)
Sermonic Sentence: Christianity is a matter of life and death. (Live with integrity)
Sermonic Question: Is your all on the altar? (Ananias and Sapphira were under no obligation to give.)
Sermonic Warning: You cannot afford to give Satan your heart. (Ananias and Sapphira gave Satan their whole heart.)
Sermonic Title: "A CASE FOR CSI" (Contributors Spiritual Investigation)
Sermonic Sub-Title: “Don’t hold back”. (There is a serious spiritual crime perpetrated by Satan against Ananias and Sapphira however; Ananias and Sapphira let Satan do it.)
Sermonic Cross Reference: NLT Hebrews 6:18 So God has given us both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold on to his promise with confidence.
John 8:44 (ESV) You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
ESV Luke 22:3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve.
ESV John 13:2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him,
ESV John 13:27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly."
KJV Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
ESV James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Sermonic Structure: (There are five moves within this pericope.)
I. THINK ABOUT THE MARRIAGE (verse 1 Ananias, with his wife Sapphira,)
II. THINK ABOUT THE MONEY (verse 1, 2 sold a piece of property, and with his wife's knowledge)
III. THINK ABOUT GOD’S MAN (verse 3 But Peter said,)
IV. THINK ABOUT THE MOTIVE (verse 4 you have not lied to men but to God)
V. THINK ABOUT THE EFFECT THIS HAD ON THE MINISTRY (verse 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.)
A. To be an effective Church we need families
B. To be an effective Church we need finances
C. To be an effective Church we need fear
Friday, November 26, 2010
Jonathan Edward (1703-1758)
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)
Edwards provides insight into the relation between apologetic evidence and the Holy Spirit. He too saw complementary relation between the two. Edwards say eight functions in reason:
1. Reason must prove the existence of God, the Revealer.
2. Reason anticipates that there will be a revelation.
3. Reason can show that a "pretended" revelation is not from God.
4. Reason demonstrates the rationality of revelation.
5. Reason verifies a true revelation as genuine.
6. Reason argues for the dependability of revelation.
7. Reason anticipates that there will be mysteries in a genuine divine revelation, defends them, and refutes objections to their presence.
8. Reason comprehends what is illumined by revelation.
Edwards provides insight into the relation between apologetic evidence and the Holy Spirit. He too saw complementary relation between the two. Edwards say eight functions in reason:
1. Reason must prove the existence of God, the Revealer.
2. Reason anticipates that there will be a revelation.
3. Reason can show that a "pretended" revelation is not from God.
4. Reason demonstrates the rationality of revelation.
5. Reason verifies a true revelation as genuine.
6. Reason argues for the dependability of revelation.
7. Reason anticipates that there will be mysteries in a genuine divine revelation, defends them, and refutes objections to their presence.
8. Reason comprehends what is illumined by revelation.
Friday, October 1, 2010
The Day the Holy Spirit Arrived
Sunday Sermon
September 26th 2010
Rhema Community Church
Sermonic Skeleton
Sermonic Pericope: ESV Acts 2:1-13 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians- we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God." 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" 13 But others mocking said, "They are filled with new wine."
Sermonic Theme: The Day of Pentecost (The Ascension of Jesus Christ)
Sermonic Subject: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1.4-5 The Fathers promise)
Sermonic Tension: The Doctrine of Speaking in Tongues (Waiting for the Holy Spirit)
Sermonic Sentence: Hold on to Gods unchanging hand for His promises are true.
Sermonic Point: This is the Birthday of the Christian Church (Historical Fact)
Sermonic Observation: Non-Christians cannot discern moves of God (Acts 2.12-13)
Sermonic Title: “THE DAY THE HOLY SPIRIT ARRIVED”
Sermonic Structure: (There are six moves within this pericope)
I. THE HOLY SPIRIT ARRIVED ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST (verse 1)
II. THE HOLY SPIRIT ARRIVED WHEN THEY ALL WERE IN ONE PLACE (verse 1)
III. THE HOLY SPIRIT ARRIVED AS THE FATHER HAD PROMISED (verse 2)
IV. THE HOLY SPIRIT ARRIVED UNTO ALL WHO WERE PRESENT (verse 3)
V. THE HOLY SPIRIT ARRIVED WITH POWER (verse 4)
A. The Holy Spirit gives them Unity
B. The Holy Spirit gives them Utterance
C. The Holy Spirit gives them Understanding
VI. THE HOLY SPIRIT ARRIVED AND SOME WERE PERPLEXED (verses 5-13)
A. The Holy Spirit is Audible
B. The Holy Spirit is Visible
C. The Holy Spirit is Intelligible
Sermonic Cross Reference:
ESV Mark 7:33 And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue.
ESV Mark 7:35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.
ESV Mark 16:17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
ESV Luke 1:64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God.
ESV Luke 16:24 And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.'
ESV Acts 2:3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.
ESV Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
NLT Acts 2:11 Cretans, and Arabians. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!"
ESV Acts 2:26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope.
ESV Acts 10:46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,
ESV Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.
ESV Romans 3:13 "Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive." "The venom of asps is under their lips."
ESV Romans 14:11 for it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."
ESV 1 Corinthians 12:10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
ESV 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.
ESV 1 Corinthians 12:30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
ESV 1 Corinthians 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
ESV 1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
ESV 1 Corinthians 14:2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
ESV 1 Corinthians 14:4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
September 26th 2010
Rhema Community Church
Sermonic Skeleton
Sermonic Pericope: ESV Acts 2:1-13 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians- we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God." 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" 13 But others mocking said, "They are filled with new wine."
Sermonic Theme: The Day of Pentecost (The Ascension of Jesus Christ)
Sermonic Subject: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1.4-5 The Fathers promise)
Sermonic Tension: The Doctrine of Speaking in Tongues (Waiting for the Holy Spirit)
Sermonic Sentence: Hold on to Gods unchanging hand for His promises are true.
Sermonic Point: This is the Birthday of the Christian Church (Historical Fact)
Sermonic Observation: Non-Christians cannot discern moves of God (Acts 2.12-13)
Sermonic Title: “THE DAY THE HOLY SPIRIT ARRIVED”
Sermonic Structure: (There are six moves within this pericope)
I. THE HOLY SPIRIT ARRIVED ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST (verse 1)
II. THE HOLY SPIRIT ARRIVED WHEN THEY ALL WERE IN ONE PLACE (verse 1)
III. THE HOLY SPIRIT ARRIVED AS THE FATHER HAD PROMISED (verse 2)
IV. THE HOLY SPIRIT ARRIVED UNTO ALL WHO WERE PRESENT (verse 3)
V. THE HOLY SPIRIT ARRIVED WITH POWER (verse 4)
A. The Holy Spirit gives them Unity
B. The Holy Spirit gives them Utterance
C. The Holy Spirit gives them Understanding
VI. THE HOLY SPIRIT ARRIVED AND SOME WERE PERPLEXED (verses 5-13)
A. The Holy Spirit is Audible
B. The Holy Spirit is Visible
C. The Holy Spirit is Intelligible
Sermonic Cross Reference:
ESV Mark 7:33 And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue.
ESV Mark 7:35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.
ESV Mark 16:17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
ESV Luke 1:64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God.
ESV Luke 16:24 And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.'
ESV Acts 2:3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.
ESV Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
NLT Acts 2:11 Cretans, and Arabians. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!"
ESV Acts 2:26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope.
ESV Acts 10:46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,
ESV Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.
ESV Romans 3:13 "Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive." "The venom of asps is under their lips."
ESV Romans 14:11 for it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."
ESV 1 Corinthians 12:10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
ESV 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.
ESV 1 Corinthians 12:30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
ESV 1 Corinthians 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
ESV 1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
ESV 1 Corinthians 14:2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
ESV 1 Corinthians 14:4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
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