Sermon Referenced During Sunday Night's Lord's Supper Message

Sunday night, just prior to our partaking of the Lord's Supper together, I referenced a sermon I had heard that influenced my thinking on the David and Goliath text that I preached from. The sermon I preached can be viewed here.

The sermon I referenced was preached by David Prince, the pastor of Ashland Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville, KY. The title of the sermon he preached was "David and Goliath We Never Knew You: The Good News that the Bible is Not All About You." You can listen and/or download the message here. I highly commend it to you.

Discussion Questions from 08/29/2010 Sermon at WBC

Yesterday morning, I had the privilege of continuing the series on Luke's Gospel. My text was Luke 19:28-44. You can get the outline and watch/listen to the message here. The title was "The Things that Make for Peace." Here are a few discussion questions to further your thinking and application:

1. Why does Luke record for his readers the fact that Jesus ordered two of His disciples to get a colt that had never been ridden? Why not just tell us that Jesus rode a colt into Jerusalem? What's the significance?

2. How does the fact that Jesus knew every detail that was about to come His way demonstrate His love for sinners?

3. Why exactly would the rocks have to cry out if the crowd did not say what they said when Jesus entered Jerusalem (See Zechariah 9:9 and Psalm 118:26)?

4. What was it exactly that caused Jesus to weep when He entered Jerusalem?

5. What was the crowd thinking would bring them peace? What does that say about what they thought their biggest problem was? What is humanity's biggest problem?

6. What do you think Jesus was referring to when He said, "the things that make for peace"?

7. If separation from God due to our sin is our biggest problem, how can one have peace?

Check out the "Chosen Before Time" Blog!!!!

My incredible and remarkable and beautiful wife has put together a blog for the purpose of highlighting and documenting the events leading up to and surround our adoption from Ethiopia. She calls it "our" blog (meaning mine and hers), but truth be told, she is doing all of the blogging.

She is doing a great job, and I encourage any and all of you to go and check it out.

Chosen Before Time

Discussion Questions from PM Hosea Sermon

Sunday night, I officially began a series on the Minor Prophets entitled, "The 'Not So Minor' Minors." I started out with the prophet Hosea. You can watch or listen to the message here. During the last two weeks, during the PM services, I recommended a book by Anthony Selvaggio entitled The Prophets Speak of Him: Encountering Jesus in the Minor Prophets. It is a remarkable and helpful read.

At the conclusion of each chapter, Selvaggio provides some discussion questions to help the reader further reflect on the truths presented in each Minor Prophet. I liked them so well, I thought I would include a portion of them here for your own application and discussion.

1. Read Ephesians 5:22-32 and list all of the things Christ does for His bride, the church.

2. What are some of the broken promises people experience in this world? Discuss how God's faithfulness to His promises can be used to minister to people who have experienced the pain of broken promises.

3. Hosea highlights what God has done for us in making the church a beautiful bride and a faithful son. However, there are also commands for us that flow from this glorious work of Christ on our behalf. Discuss the nature of these imperatives as revealed in the following texts: 2 Corinthians 6:18-7:1; Ephesians 5:1-16; and 1 John 3:1-3. Can you think of other passages which teach similarly?

4. We also learned that Jesus makes us sons of God's family. This doctrine is referred to as the doctrine of adoption. Read the following verses and list all the benefits wich result from our adoption by God: Psalm 103:13; Proverbs 14:26; Matthew 6:30-32; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6; Hebrews 12:5-6; and 1 Peter 5:7.

Discussion Questions from AM Sermon and Link to Spiritual Gifts Inventory

Yesterday (o8/22/2010) I had the task of preaching Luke 19:11-27. You can watch or listen to the sermon here. For me, it was a difficult text to swim through. The primary point seemed to be that followers of Jesus are to use the gifts given them by the Lord to make disciples of all nations until Jesus returns. There are other details, of course, but this seems to be the primary point.

Below are just a few discussion questions to help you think through and apply the truth(s) from the passage.

1. What is your spiritual gift and how are you using it now?

A link to a spiritual gift inventory can be found here: http://www.brookhills.org/pdfs/impact_homework_2.pdf

(Note: this inventory is used with permission from The Church at Brook Hills)

2. List some things that God has given you. How might these things be used to make disciples of all nations?

3. What is your personal strategy for making disciples of all nations? What is your family's personal strategy? What is your small group/Sunday School class's strategy?

4. If Jesus were to return today, where would you fall in the parable? Would you be the one found with 10 minas? The one with 5 minas? The one with the same mina? Or, those who are to be brought before Jesus to be slaughtered?

5. According to Luke 19:27, how does Jesus define one of His enemies? Are there areas in your life where Jesus does not have full reign?

6. According to Luke 19:21, the man who did nothing with the mina that he had received refused to work because he had a wrong understanding of his master. What are you currently involved in and actively doing to grow in your biblical knowledge of God?

Luke Starts Kindergarten Thursday

Okay, so I am emotional already about our firstborn starting kindergarten this week. But when I read this piece from Michael Kelley yesterday, I got really emotional. Parents with children starting school: read with care.

Arkansas Baptist News Runs Story on Wynne Baptist

Check it out here.

Reading it makes me want to be "Radically intentional about making disciples of all nations to the glory of Jesus Christ."

Discussion Questions from 08/15/2010 Sermon at WBC

Okay, so its been a while since I have blogged or posted discussion questions from sermons. For those who care, my apologies. Various reasons have kept me from it. But, Lord willing, I plan to be much more diligent and purposeful (and dare I say, 'radically intentional') about blogging and posting questions for further understanding and application from sermons in the days, weeks, months, and years (?) ahead.

Yesterday's message was entitled "Amazing Grace: Was Blind, But Now I See." The Scripture passage was Luke 18:31-43; 19:1-10. You can listen/watch the message here.

Discussion Questions for Further Understanding and Application:

1. Read through Luke 18:31-43; 19:1-10 and note any references to seeing and blindness.

2. Why do you think the disciples were kept from understanding the most important reality in the universe? (see Luke 18:34 and 1 Corinthians 15:3-5) When did they have their 'eyes' opened? (See Luke 24:44-45)

3. Why do you think Luke recorded the story of a blind man immediately following these verses?

4. Why did this blind beggar call Jesus the Son of David? (See 2 Samuel 7:13-14)

5. According to Jesus, what saved the blind beggar? (See Luke 18:42) Reread Luke 18. What are some other ways Jesus (Luke, inspired of the Holy Spirit) emphasized salvation (justification) is by faith in Jesus alone?

6. How does the story of Zaccheus help the reader piece everything from chapter 18 together? (Hint: note Zaccheus' occupation and his monetary status; note also the fact that he was small of stature and therefore could not 'see' Jesus).

7. When Jesus said 'Today, salvation has come to this house' (see Luke 19:9), was this because Jesus wanted to see what Zaccheus would do first? Why or why not? (Hint: the fact that Jesus calls him a son of Abraham implies that he is a man of faith).

8. Since Zaccheus was right with God through his faith in Jesus, he joyfully gave liberally to the poor and made all his wrongs right by repaying people up to 4 times. What does this imply about those who 'know God' through faith in Christ?

9. How does your life reflect that God is your God and not your money or stuff or reputation?

10. Obviously God must do the work of 'opening eyes' to the truth of the Gospel, (See 2 Corinthians 4:4, 6) but what part did the blind beggar and Zaccheus play in their 'salvation' story? What does this say about divine sovereignty and human responsibility?

Can You Long for Christ's Return AND Want Him to Delay?

A couple of people have asked me something based on the content of yesterday's message at WBC (Luke 18:1-8 - "Prayer Conditioned: The Second Coming of Christ"). In the message I argued that God's elect will be recognized when Jesus returns by their longing for Him. In other words, genuine believers have a deep desire in their soul to want to be with and see and enjoy their Savior for eternity. The question that I have been asked relating to this is, "Is it wrong to want Jesus to delay in returning so that others might have an opportunity to respond?"

Being that I have had the same question asked by different people, I thought others might be curious as well.

For anyone interested, below is a modified version to a response I sent to one of the inquirers via e-mail. Perhaps it will help...

"Yes, it is totally right to pray for people you love to know Christ prior to His return. Nothing at all wrong with that! This is why, I believe, Jesus is patient in returning now (see 2 Peter 3:9). So, YES, pray and long and hurt for those who do not know Christ to know Him quickly! The apostle Paul himself said in Romans 9:1-3 that, if possible, he would wish to be cursed and cut off from Christ if it would mean the salvation of his fellow Jews. He hurt for them to know Christ.

"Having said that, however, it is possible to make ministry and evangelism and 'good stuff' our god instead of the One, true and living God. The genuine believer longs to know and be with Christ more than anything else in the universe. This doesn't mean we don't love our lost friends and family members. I think you can do both. In fact, the same Paul who wrote what I mentioned above in Romans 9 also wrote in Philippians 1:23 that he wished he could depart and be with Christ (for that was far better!). So, I think we have to live with the tension. Doesn't Jesus even say in several places in the Gospels that when one comes to Him he/she must hate mom, dad, sister, brother, etc.? This, of course, does not at all mean we should not long for them to know Christ...but it does mean Christ MUST be first and foremost in all of our thoughts and affections and relationships, etc. Make sense?

"The main point (I think!) of the passage I preached yesterday was that when Jesus returns, those who are His will be recognized by their love and passion and longing for Him. It will change the way we pray and live and think and pursue.

"So, keep praying for those you love to know Christ. Keep diligently telling them the Gospel. But do it while you grow in a love and knowledge of Jesus, that fosters a greater longing to be with Him for eternity."

Discussion Questions from 07/25/2010 Sermon at WBC

It was great to be back in the pulpit at WBC yesterday. As was no surprise to anyone, I preached out of Luke's Gospel. My text was Luke 18:1-8 and the title was - "Prayer Conditioned: The Second Coming of Christ."

Hopefully, you will be able to listen/watch the message and view the outline here later today.

To aid in further study/application of the truths presented, here are a few discussion questions:

1. Bro. Matt argued that Luke 18:1-8 was about praying for the 2nd coming of Christ. What are some 'pointers' from Luke 17:22-37 that verify that?

2. According to Luke, in verse 1, what is the purpose of Jesus' parable?

3. Who are the two characters in the parable (verses 2-5)? What are some obvious characteristics of each?

4. What is Jesus obviously communicating to the disciples about God and the way He responds to their prayers?

5. Does Jesus mention all this simply so His children will add another request to their already full prayer list? If not, why not?

6. What indicators are there in the text that (see also Luke 17:22) praying for Jesus' return is to be a state of mind/heart for the believer?

7. If longing for Jesus' return is the 'cry of your heart,' how will that impact your pursuits, your surrounding environment, and your future hope? (Be personal here...evaluate how this will impact your heart and your behavior). What do you think Jesus meant when He said what He said in Luke 17:30-33?

- Are there some things that you long for more than you do Jesus?

- Are there some people you long to be with more than you do Jesus?

- What would upset you the most if Jesus were to come back this afternoon?

8. According to Luke 18:7-8, how can one know whether or not he/she is one of God's elect?

Articles and Books Used and/or Referenced During E-Family - July 14th, 2010

Tonight, my topic for E-family is "Culture Shock: Christians and Entertainment". I referenced several articles and used others for this specific talk. Below is a list and links of what was used.

"Video Games, Idols, and Your Child's Heart" by Chad Mahaney (son of C.J. Mahaney)

"Meet the New American Family, Digitally Deluged" by Al Mohler

"The Family that Eats Together, Talks to Each Other" by Al Mohler

"Start a Revolution - Eat Dinner with Your Family" by Al Mohler

I also referenced a talk Dr. Mohler gave at a conference in June. The title of his message was "The Hypersocialized Generation." The link to the message is here.

"When to Buy Your Child a Cell Phone" by Stefanie Olson (The New York Times)

"Hooked on Gadgets and Paying a Mental Price" by Matt Richtel (The New York Times)

Notes from Ed Stetzer's talk at the 2010 Ligonier Pre-Conference.

Two books of interest are these:

Meaning at the Movies: Becoming a Discerning Viewer by Grant Horner

The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment by Tim Challies

Discussion Questions from 07/11/2010 Sermon at WBC

This past Sunday morning I continued preaching through Luke's Gospel, closing out chapter 17. My text was Luke 17:20-37.

The title was, "The Kingdom of God and the City of Wynne." You can watch and/or listen to it here.

Here are a couple of questions to help you think further on these verses:

1. What are some differences between Jesus' 1st coming to earth and His 2nd coming?

2. What had to happen the first time He came? Why is this so important?

3. Why do you think Jesus elaborated on the Noah and the Lot account when referring to the last day?

4. According to Jesus, there will be massive destruction when He returns. Why?

5. How does knowing this affect the way you view your neighbors and friends and family members who do not know Christ?

6. What did Lot's wife do that was so detrimental?

7. In what ways do you currently try to preserve your life when Christ calls you out of your comfort zone to follow Him? Is there anything your heart loves more than it does Christ?

8. What are some practical ways you can impact the city of Wynne (or wherever you live) for the sake of the kingdom having studied these verses?

Discussion Questions from 06/27/2010 Sermon at WBC

This morning I preached from Luke 17:11-19. The title was "Weren't The Other Nine Doing What They Were Supposed to Do?" You can watch or listen to it later this week here.

I am leaving for Zambia later this afternoon, so will not be preaching tonight or next Sunday, July 4th. I do, however, urge you to think through some of the implications of the text and message from today. Here are some questions for further thinking and consideration:

1. Why is it that this passage isn't primarily about thanksgiving?

2. Read 2 King 5:1-19. What are some parallels between the two passages?

3. Why do you think Luke alludes to a passage like the one in 2 Kings?

4. What does it mean that Jesus IS the Word of God (see John 1:1, 14)?

5. Does the healed leper who returns to Jesus disobey Jesus' command to go to the priest(s)? Why not?

6. What does it mean that Jesus is the final, ultimate High Priest?

7. What does it mean that Jesus healed 10 men of their disease, but only one of their eternal, sin problem?

8. The last thing Jesus says in this passage is, "Go your way, your faith has made you well." Whyt is that phrase so beautiful regarding eternal salvation and being right with God? How have you tried to 'be well' with God by your works? What do you find yourself doing that is an effort to 'get God on your good side'?

9. The one Jesus heals is a Samaritan. He obviously heals those that do not look like Him or like us (here in North American Arkansas!). What does that say about His heart to heal foreigners?

10. How does your life reveal that you love and want to see Jesus save and heal those who do not look like us? In what ways do things need to same? In what ways do you need to repent and aggressively and intentionally do some other things?

Fathers Who are Serious about Their God-Ordained Responsibility - Part V

Calling all Fathers!!!!

Okay, so I am sorry for the delay on this last one for anyone who noticed. I intended on doing it Friday, but... Then I intended on getting to it Saturday, but...

Please scroll down for Parts I, II, III, and IV of this series.

So here goes. The more I have thought about it, the more I want to say. There are literally thousands of ways to be 'radically intentional' about making disciples of Christ with and for your children ('to the glory of Jesus Christ'!).

• You could sing with them - my kids LOVE the VBS songs...buy the CD and sing it with them (or purchase some kids praise CD's and listen in the car).

• You must let them see you read and love and cherish the Bible. This is one of the most profound impacts my dad has had on me - EVERY MORNING I saw him reading and loving the Bible!

• You could watch sports with them (or other 'family-friendly' things) and talk through ways someone might or might not display godly, Christ-like character.

On and on the list could go. I leave you (for now) with two interrelated challenges for all dads:

(1) Carve out TIME with your children. Spend time with them. ALOT of time with them. No one has EVER said, 'man, I wish I had spent more time at the office rather than being at home with my family.' Someone may be at the office longer and/or later than you. Someone else may get the 'workaholic' award. Let them get it! You go and let your kids give you the 'best dad in the world' award!

(2) Practically live out Deuteronomy 6 with your family. Read it. Study it. Intentional think through ways you can talk with your kids throughout the day about the ways and purposes and things of God. Ask God for wisdom in doing this and to remind you to do this. He will hear and obey and honor the request. It's not JUST about taking them to church with you. It's not JUST about reading the Bible once a week with them. These things are important for sure. However, if they don't see how it plays out through your life (model the Gospel) and in conversation (talk about the implications of the Gospel), the other things just might become another ritual for them.

If you are saved and God has blessed you with children, He has empowered you already (see Ephesians 2:10) with the skills and tools and wisdom to obey Ephesians 6:4.

Fathers Who are Serious about Their God-Ordained Responsibility - Part IV

Calling All Dads!!!!

Another way dads can fulfill their responsibility to obey Ephesians 6:4 is to visit this web-site and share with their kids a different unreached people group and pray for God to work in that area.

Global Prayer Digest is a web-site designed to have the church pray for a different unreached people group every day of the year.

Here is an example from today's prayer topic:

Lematang People
by GC

“Aanjay, there are jobs in the city!” Matius announced. “This could be a chance to build our own future.” When they married, the Lematang custom required Matius (his name meaning “gift of God”) to move into his wife’s home. That would have been okay except that Aanjay’s older sister already had precedence. So Matius and Aanjay discussed how they could build their own future together. Matius had learned of a company exploring for oil and natural gas in an area within the traditional Lematang lands of southern Sumatra. “This could be our chance,” Aanjay agreed. The young couple began to make plans to get jobs with the company.
Generally, the Lematangs live as a community. Their houses face the roadway, which encourages people to visit with each other. Agriculture serves as their primary income and employment. Leaving the home village is rare, but acceptable. Even in another location they remain part of the group. When Matius and Aanjay move to the city, the people of their village will expect them to return for community activities and group decisions. Even if they leave Sunni Islam to follow Christ, they could still visit their home, but they would no longer be members of the community.

Pray that Christ-followers would heed God’s call to give out His Word to people working in the new industries coming to Sumatra. Pray that God would reveal His ultimate gift to the Lematang people.

Also, with each day's prayer topic, GPD offers a daily devotional you might want to share with your children as well.

Dads, this is just another easy and simple way to help your children know of the needs around the world and get them on God's agenda in praying for the world to turn to Christ and give Him the glory that is due His awesome name!

For your own personal devotion, dads, I encourage you to read Luke 10:2 and think about how God may use you (as you fulfill your God-given obligation) to pray with and for your children to go into the harvest field.