Untitled Sermon

Charles Haddon Spurgeon says that sermons likely to win souls should aid to do the following: 1. Distinctly aimed at the conversion of the hearer. 2. Be a sermon that interests them. 3. It must be instructive having light as well as fire. 4. The people must be impressed by our sermons and impressed upon us first. 5. Take out from our sermons everything that that can likely divert the hearer’s mind from the object we have in view. 6. Sermons full of Christ from beginning to the end are the most likely to be blessed to the conversion of the hearers. 7. Sermons that have been prayed over are most likely to convert people.

Remember participatory proclamation and homiletical musicology!

Introduction

We are in the holiday season of advent celebrating miraculous birth of Christ coming to save the whole world and to demonstrate an humanity that is possible when God is with us. But when he comes back for the second advent; He will return as Lord and Christ advancing his kingdom and coming for those who have responded to His revelation. So as children of God we must live our lives expecting his glorious return preparing to meet Him face to face.

1 John 3:2 NKJV

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

In this season we reflect on where we have been and examine where adjustment need to be made in our live to get where we desire to be.

I don’t know about you but I don’t want to make the same mistakes I made in 2017 in 2018, I don’t want to invite the pain or grief I’ve endured this year to show up again. I want to see better days in my future! Anybody here with me? Just wave your hand if you want to see better days in your future. Help us Lord to see better days!

The book of Revelation helps to provide us clarity about what is to come, but also and most importantly clarity about our exalted Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Who:

What:

When:

Where:

Why:

Look at your Bible’s

Revelation 2:12–17 NKJV

12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. 17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ’

State Key Verse: Verse 13... I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

place for them in the inn.

I would like to preach this morning as the Lord guides on the on this closing thought for 2017: State Title: Keep Holding On!

State Title: Miracle in a manger

Prayer of illumination: Father I come in the name of Jesus with a grateful heart this morning, you have proven yourself faithful for another year. Now Lord as we are at the heels of one year and at the door of another we need word from you this morning. We need a living word for the moment and season we are in as individuals and a family of believers. Breath a word in our direction and fill us with your loving presence. Use me Lord like you want too, may I be your instrument and your trumpet for this hour bringing your name and your name alone all the glory and all the honor and all the praise.

In Jesus name, Amen!

I studied martial arts from my youth earning my first black belt around 13-14 years of age. I had a dream of opening martial arts school that taught Japanese Karate, Kung Fu, and Tae Kwon Do. In pursuit of that effort my workout partner and I had a plan; since we both were black belts and instructors of Karate we would learn other forms of martial arts. We agreed the he would learn Kung Fu, and I would also learn Tae Kwon Do. I did not realize that this new culture would change me as I desired to master the skills… Part of that change was language and commands. The master instructor was not Senai, but Sabumnim… We started every workout respecting the flags of both South Korea and the United States, but also to Subumnim.

I wanted to be home, and wished I could click my heels and be out of there, but I had an assignment...

We need be reminded as believers of home and to desire the benefits of home...

What do we need to hold on to be overcomers in this new season and year before us?

I. EMBRACE THE PERSON OF CHRIST (v. 12)

Ethos/Interest hearers & Innovative learners redemptively (Why is this important?)

A. Since Christ is the one who holds the sharp two edged sword he has authority over life and death.

Knowing the person who is speaking to us helps interpret and process in our mind what has been said. Poor communications happens when relationship are miss understood or confused. When parents communicate to there children like peers children will response like peers.

Am I right parent? Nor should husbands nor wives speak to their spouses like rulers or bosses but as equals. _____When we are unclear about who we are it impacts the effectiveness of our communications with other.

But, God always authenticates in some way who he is before he speaks...

Yes He does… Look in your Bible at verse 12 ().

logos/Instruct hearers & Analytical learners redemptively (What do the experts think about this?)

Re

Revelation 2:12 NKJV

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:

B. The word Pergamos is the name of a great Roman province in Asia, but is also means fortified or married.

And you write to the angel of the church in Pergamum… the spoken words of the One having the sharp two edge sword. Who is to writer? John the Revelator. Write to whom? The pure dative case indicates the answer to the to/from whom question is “the angel of the church in Pergamum. Where is Pergamum also known as Pergamos? Who is the angel of the church there? The messenger or local pastor in that town. Who is speaking? The Alpha and Omega

Who is to write? John the Revelator

Church, when you know it is the LORD of lords speaking our hearts should be ready to listen because our faith is about to be fed.

Write to whom? The pure dative case indicates the answer to the to/from whom question is “the angel of the church in Pergamum

Matthew 4:4 NKJV

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”

Romans 10:16 NASB95

However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?”

Romans 10:14 NASB95

How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?

Romans 10:17

R

Romans 10:12 NASB95

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him;

Where is Pergamum? Also known as Pergamos

Romans 10:17 NKJV

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Pathos/Impress hearers & Common Sense learners redemptively (Quotes, Hymns, Illustrations, Stories) (How does this work?)

Who is the angel of the church there? The messenger or local pastor in that town.

Who is speaking? The Alpha and Omega

C. When the Lord sends a prescribed word for you situation or season expect your faith to be fed.

Song writer said that we have come this far by faith leaning on the Lord trusting in his holy word and he has never failed me yet.

Victorious reflection/Celebrate with hearers & Dynamic Learners redemptively (What if this is true…What can this become?)

D. When you know who has all power over life and death you don’t have to fearful of man, your circumstance, or your future.

Because I know who he is I know who I need to be.

When the Lord speaks I am a responder to his word.

When the Lord speaks I am ready to follow...

When the Lord speaks I know change is coming...

II. EMBRACE OUR PROGRESS IN CHRIST (v. 13)

Ethos/Interest hearers & Innovative learners redemptively (Why is this important?)

A. The Lord knows and sees how we are are handling the adversities that are trying to destroy us.

logos/Instruct hearers & Analytical learners redemptively (What do the experts think about this?)(Quotes, facts)

Revelation 2:13 NKJV

13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

B. The words hold fast means to grasp, to own or to take possession of.

Pathos/Impress hearers & Common Sense learners redemptively (Quotes, Hymns, Illustrations, Stories) (How does this work?)

C. We could surrender to the pressures evil and give up who we now are in Christ, but we are now seated with Christ in heavenly places and our lives are hid in Him.

Victorious reflection/Celebrate with hearers & Dynamic Learners redemptively (What if this is true…What can this become?)

D. The resolve we have to live right before God is not just a good idea; but it is the result of inward work of the Holy Spirit strengthening us to be steadfast and unmovable ever abounding in the work of the Lord know that our labors are not in vain in Him.

III. EMBRACE THE PRESCRIPTION OF CHRIST (vs. 14-16)

Ethos/Interest hearers & Innovative learners redemptively (Why is this important?)

Ethos/Interest hearers & Innovative learners redemptively (Why is this important?)

A. Just because we have been more loving and more courageous this year than before does not invalidate or negate the work that still needs to be done in us and around us.

A. Just because we have been more loving and more courageous this year than before does not invalidate or negate the work that still needs to be done in us and around us.

logos/Instruct hearers & Analytical learners redemptively (What do the experts think about this?)

logos/Instruct hearers & Analytical learners redemptively (What do the experts think about this?)

B. The false teaching of Balaam was…, while the false teaching of the Nicolatians included...

Revelation 2:14–16 NKJV

14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

Revelation 2:14–16 NKJV

14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

B. The false teaching of Balaam was designed to earn profit by driving a wedge between God and his people causing them to stumble with immorality, while the false teaching of the Nicolaitans included compromising with worldly morality,

Revelation 2:13 NKJV

13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

B. The false teaching of Balaam was designed to earn profit by driving a wedge between God and his people causing them to stumble with immorality, while the false teaching of the Nicolatians included compromising with worldly morality,

Numbers 25:1–3 NKJV

1 Now Israel remained in Acacia Grove, and the people began to commit harlotry with the women of Moab. 2 They invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. 3 So Israel was joined to Baal of Peor, and the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel.

Numbers 31:16 NKJV

16 Look, these women caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the Lord.

Numbers 25:1–3 NKJV

1 Now Israel remained in Acacia Grove, and the people began to commit harlotry with the women of Moab. 2 They invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. 3 So Israel was joined to Baal of Peor, and the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel.

Numbers 31:

1 John 2:15–17 NKJV

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

1 Joh

Pathos/Impress hearers & Common Sense learners redemptively (Quotes, Hymns, Illustrations, Stories) (How does this work?)

C. We are going to have let go of some things that we held on to this year that caused us to stumble or fall.

Victorious reflection/Celebrate with hearers & Dynamic Learners redemptively (What if this is true…What can this become?)

Numbers 31:16 NKJV

16 Look, these women caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the Lord.

1 John 2:15–17 NKJV

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

D. We should be excited about to hearing a word from the Lord in this ages, because it means that there is still opportunity for a more abundant life.

Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Pathos/Impress hearers & Common Sense learners redemptively (Quotes, Hymns, Illustrations, Stories) (How does this work?)

C. We are going to have let go of some things that we held on to this year that caused us to stumble or fall.

Victorious reflection/Celebrate with hearers & Dynamic Learners redemptively (What if this is true…What can this become?)

D. We should be excited about to hearing a word from the Lord in this ages, because it means that there is still opportunity for a more abundant life.

Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

IV. EMBRACE THE PROMISES OF CHRIST (v. 17)

Ethos/Interest hearers & Innovative learners redemptively (Why is this important?)

A. Everyone unfortunately does not want to listen to spiritual instructions from the Lord.

logos/Instruct hearers & Analytical learners redemptively (What do the experts think about this?)

Revelation 2:17 NKJV

17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ’

Revelation 2:14–16 NKJV

14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

B. Overcomers can look forward to receiving spiritual food that this world can’t take away, acceptance of God, and completely changed.

Numbers 25:1–3 NKJV

1 Now Israel remained in Acacia Grove, and the people began to commit harlotry with the women of Moab. 2 They invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. 3 So Israel was joined to Baal of Peor, and the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel.

John 6:48–51 NKJV

48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50 This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.”

John 6:48-

John 8:5–7 NKJV

5 Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” 6 This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. 7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”

John 8:7 NKJV

7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”

Isaiah 62:2 NKJV

2 The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, And all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, Which the mouth of the Lord will name.

Numbers 31:16 NKJV

16 Look, these women caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the Lord.

John

1 John 2:15–17 NKJV

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Pathos/Impress hearers & Common Sense learners redemptively (Quotes, Hymns, Illustrations, Stories) (How does this work?)

C. We can keep victorious momentum going in our lives if we keep our faith fed by His word, live unchained from condemnation, and listen for private and special messages from the Lord.

Victorious reflection/Celebrate with hearers & Dynamic Learners redemptively (What if this is true…What can this become?)

D. As we commit in faith to our Savior he promises to sustain us and keep our body, soul and spirit blameless. Overcomers walk by faith and not by sight!

Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 NKJV

23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

We will overcome physical hardships, sickness and diseases

We will overcome noisy soul of guilt, shame, unforgiveness

We will overcome spiritual distress, anxieties, relational disappointment, loss of hope

Conclusion

Overcomes embrace the person of Christ, our progress in Him, His prescription for our lives and His precious promises that will not fail.

Haiti had me craving home, but my communion with Christ kept me functional where I was, but also kept the hope of home alive in me.

When hope is alive in you; you can keep holding on til help comes!

In 2017 I was tempted to quit but kept holding on

I was spiritually depleted, and my flesh almost won, but I kept holding on

The enemy tried to blind me from seeing my progress but kept holding on

The enemy tried to destroy relationships, but I kept holding on

This year stretched me and stressed me, but I kept holding on

I have some regrets and this year is not ending like I wanted but I am going to keep holding on

Because, they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, the shall mount up with wings like eagles, they run and not grow weary, and they shall walk and not faint

Keep holding to God’s unchaining hand, build your hope on things eternal

Keep holding on my brothers and sisters because the Lord will sustain you

keep holding on because

Greater joy is coming

Keep holding on because

greater peace is coming

greater experiences are coming in 2018

Experiences that eyes have not seen, nor ears heard, nor entered into the heart of man the things the God has prepared for those who love him!

Keep holding on my brother and sister 2018 is before us!