Untitled Sermon (20)

Charles Spurgeon the great theologian, opens one of his great sermons this way: IT has been said by an eminent divine that many of us in preaching the word suppose too great knowledge in our hearers. “Very often,” says this divine, “there are in the congregation persons who are totally unacquainted with the great science of divinity. They are entire strangers to the whole system of grace and salvation.” It is proper, then, that the preacher should address himself to his hearers sometimes as if they were totally ignorant of his message, and tell it to them as a new thing, going over the whole of it as if he believed them to be ignorant of it; “For,” says this good man, “it is better to suppose too little knowledge, and so to explain the thing clearly, to the meanest comprehension, than to suppose too much, and thus to let the ignorant escape without a word of instruction.”

A not eloquent way of saying is Keep It Simple Stupid! Yes Paul lays the frame work for every preacher to break it down to the least common denominator. For everyone who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. This was not original text. Joel 2:23 says the very same thing. 32 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. (Joe 2:32). Peter uses this same words in his inaugural sermon in Acts 2.

This is a beautiful and understandable message that has become convoluted in our attempts to great preachers with big words and fancy titles. We must remember as Joel said: 32 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls. (Joe 2:32). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Romans 10 has been used as the road map to salvation. Its in this chapter we learn 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Ro 10:9). 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (Ro 10:10). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

When we think about last weekend with over 100 people shot and 18 dead we know we have to get this message out to a increasingly violent world. We are leading in murders in our community but lagging far behind in COVID19 vaccinations! How can we be leading in death and murders but cant get these same people to get life saving vaccines.

I see three things this liberating message gives :

God will not put you to shame

Verse 10 says 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” Paul closes chapter 9 this way (Ro 10:11)

Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” (Ro 9:33). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. Paul actually grabs Isaiah 28:16

God desires us to be saved. But there is great confusion in the minds of men as to what being saved is. Allow me, then, just to say, that salvation means two things. It means in the first place, our escaping from the punishment of sins committed; and it means in the next place, the escaping from the habit of sin, so that in future we shall not live as we have lived. The way in which God saves men is twofold: he finds man a sinner, breaking his law; he says, “I forgive you, I will not punish you. I have punished Christ instead of you—you shall be saved.” But that is only half the work. He says in the next place—“Man, I will not let you go on sinning as you have been wont to do; I will give you a new heart, which shall subdue your evil habits.

Salvation is Available to Everyone

12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Ro 10:12–13).

Its a wonderful thing that salvation is available to all. Just imagine if we can convey this message. Salvation is available to you today! You don’t have to keep on living the way you are living! So that whereas you have been the slave of sin, you shall be free to serve the Lord! Remember where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty! The Lord is ready to deliver and set free. He is ready to renew and restore!

Now its true not everyone will receive salvation. Many will reject this grace. Many will deny his Lordship. What is faith? What is believing? What is calling upon the name of the Lord? that the word “call” signifies worship; so that I might translate it thus—“Whosoever worships God shall be saved.” To call upon the name of the Lord, in the first place, signifies to worship God. Calling on the name of the signifies TRUST in the Lord. You demonstrate FAITH in GOD. You are saying I RELY on the Lord!

How many are at the point that you TRUST, HAVE FAITH and RELY on THE LORD. How many see the Lord as Jehovah Jeri? My Provider! “The Lord Will Provide” – God will provide for our needs. ...

El Shaddai. El Shaddai means “God Almighty” – God’s name, El Shaddai, reminds us that He is all-powerful, He is the Mighty One,

Yahweh Nissi. Yahweh Nissi means “The Lord Is My Banner” – This is the name of God that proclaims His protection, leadership, and deliverance for His people.

Jehovah Rapha. Jehovah Rapha means "Healer, the Lord who heals you" – This name brings so much comfort and hope to many of us who have prayed for healing ..

.Yahweh Shalom. Yahweh Shalom means “The Lord Is Peace” – God is the only One able to give us the peace that passes all of our own understanding.

When we see whats going in our society we already know that many are not in the position to CALL on him.

Remember Chapter 9 verse 18 says 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. (Ro 9:18). We cant give up hope but we may be at the point where God has hardened the heart of some so that his glory will be revealed in all the earth.

Its not just the shootings. Think about the areas in the country where people refused to get vaccinated. DO you know only 39% African Americans adults have gotten the vaccines. In every are where there is unvaccinated populations there is a sharp increase in cases.

Salvation comes by hearing

14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? ( Ro 10:14).

This is to say how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Ro 10:14–15).

So we have a responsibility to share this word! The question is on the table . How shall the call (Worship) him whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom the have not heard?

That’s where we come in! We have all been given the assignment to introduce everyone we can to Jesus!

Its not just my feet that are beautiful for preaching. All of feet should be on the move. Spreading the wonderful message of Jesus. The message of Love, Mercy and Grace!

17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Ro 10:17)