The Scriptures often describe the compassion that God has for weak and helpless people.
Sinners refuse to acknowledge their weakness. They are blind and deluded in thinking they are strong.
Arminian doctrine naturally denies the utter helplessness of man. It sees him as being capable of choosing the good and turning toward God. But the Scriptures conclude that we are all dead in our sin, and cannot cooperate with God in our own salvation.
All false religions are works-based, because such notions appeal to man's vanity and supposition that he is not after all helpless.
Jesus hints at our helplessness when he says that He came to call sinners to repentance, and likened his work to that of a physician healing the sick.
Christ's ministry was full of healing helpless people, which demonstrated His power and authority. It also pictured His greater work - the salvation of helpless sinners.
We are all bruised reeds and smoking flax - about to be snapped in two and stamped out. But Jesus came not to judge us but to save us! He never broke a bruised reed or snuffed out a smoking flax!
Paul describes the sinner's helplessness - without strength, unrighteous, under wrath, and enemies of God.
But Christ died for us in that condition! When He did, all the baleful consequences of our weakness were shifted unto Him. Instead of snapping us in two, He was broken for us.
Jesus describes the lost who will believe in Him as like little children: no self reliance, no help for themselves, no strength at all, but simply placing themselves in the arms of the Savior.
Our Lord Jesus was made like us, but He was never helpless like us. He is strong to save us!
Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter.
Text-Featuring a sermon is a less expensive way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands on the right bar with optional newsletter inclusion. As low as $30/day.
“ Reply to a comment about this sermon ” Shay Robinson, thanks for your comment.
The reference to Obama that you objected to was to the mistake of offering health care to the well when it is the sick that need it. Christ had it right, when He proclaimed He came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. The reference to Obamacare was, therefore, an illustration of the point of Jesus' teaching.
It is entirely proper to use illustrations from current events and the audience's experience to illustrate scriptural truths.
Our Lord Jesus made reference to recent news events (e.g., the collapse of the tower that killed dozens of persons) to drive home His points. Peter and Paul likewise referred to extra-biblical events and personages to illustrate their teachings.
Far less importantly, it is no breach of any tax exemption regulations to use such illustrations, or even to criticize government leaders in our sermons.
In any event, it would be morally wrong to permit a government regulation or benefit to determine what is or is not spoken from the pulpit in our churches.
Shay Robinson (8/2/2016)
from North Carolina
“ Preach from THE WORD alone. ” If the word OBAMA isn't in the Bible don't put it in a sermon. This violates your tax status, if misinterpreted.
John Pittman Hey was born in 1961 in Jackson, Mississippi, to Godly parents who from the beginning raised him in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. With child-like faith he came to Christ on his fourth birthday at his mother's knee. He received his education at church...
#11 - Top Played Sermon (48-Hours) on 7/31/2016
