“ Great Sermon! ” bro. Cloud is one of the best of the men used by God to take me out of this ungodly charismatic movement. God delivered me from these errors and showed me the real Christ, the real Holy Spirit and the real gifts of the Spirit which is always used to edify the church, not for us to be superduper believers. I thank God for bro Cloud and all the preachers/teachers who would tell the truth rather than please men.
“ Great Sermon! ” This is an excellent look at the reality of the charismatic movement, particularly the utter bogosity of "divine healing", and the sorry track record the charlatans have with their own healing and others'. Anyone caught up in this movement or who knows someone ought to listen to this. The speaker's own testimony of being delivered from the Self-Realization Fellowship cult is encouraging as well. (I can trace Yoganada's teachings back to the same Boston liberal environment that gave us Kenyon's Word of Faith. SRF is supposed to be "god realized", but let some consultants empty their pockets by blowing a lot of money on expensive software that an organization that small didn't need. SRF never goes bankrupt because of Autobiography of a Yogi, which you can read online and is one of the flakiest books ever written. The orignal 1946 edition online has all the flaky parts later edited out by SRF!)
“ Great Sermon! ” A very important formula to remember: We should serve the same way we got saved: By grace through faith in Christ alone! Many serve the Lord with the idea of pleasing Him (and some don't even have that noble of a cause to serve by this I mean others serve man instead of God), forgetting that GRACE is unmerited, FAITH is the missing ingredient, and CHRIST alone makes us acceptable unto God. (THIS is not the outline, but what I got out of it).
“ Great Sermon! ” I really enjoyed listening to this sermon - I would like to provide what I think is the heart of this message (although there are lots of great points to this sermon).
A. All of life is a gracious gift from a gracious God.
B. God is pleased if we live by faith - instead of striving to keep standards and rules.
C. The inheritance of Abraham is given to Christ (The Seed) and if by faith we trust Christ then we are joint-heirs with Christ, therefore we can also receive the blessing of Abraham.
D. The blessing is three-fold: Abraham the father of many; God is his God; and the Land of promise is to him and his people forever. Ultimately, for us as Christians BY FAITH we receive this also.
E. Legalism can be applied to both Justification and in this case Sanctification.
F. Standards may provoke our flesh to feel good but in essence this amounts to pride (this point is made at the beginning of the sermon).
G. We need to recall the goodness of God, and by faith we can live pleasing unto the Lord. We are not made perfect by standards, therefore we need to serve God by faith, and not think that God is pleased because of anything else.
H. Legalism and Living by Faith may look the same but God is only pleased by faith.
“ Great Sermon! ” I've been enjoying these Galatian series sermons. Here are some points that spoke to me from "Redeemed."
1. "OF the works of the law." - meaning all who attempts to please God via keeping the law. PV goes into details of what this means.
2. The law can only condemn. Great illustration of a 20 year citizen trying to get out from the penalty based on 20 years of 'merits.'
3. Living by faith may look like law-keeping. The results are different.
4. Christ redeemed us (or ransomed us) by becoming cursed for us. Only He could sastisfy the law. We need to remember the spiritual sufferings that Christ bore on the cross on our behalf.
5. We can only have the blessings of Abraham by faith through trusting Christ. The Spirit works that in our lives.
PV does an application section (almost like a quick review) followed by conclusions. Excellent points!
“ Great Sermon! ” PV has lots of great points on this sermon, I am just going to highlight the ones that spoke to me. He also goes into great detail about Abraham and shows us how God really wanted to bless a pagan idolater simply bec. God choose to, and that God wants to do the same thing for each of us, if we would only realize that goodness of God in our lives we would cherish the blessings of Abraham. The Galatian Christians were being influenced by "Judiazers" to trust in the Law for Justification as well as Sanctification.
When our focus on the outward standards and rules and think that we are good Christians because of the externals or even in our hearts, if we trust in the outside standards to make us good Christians our focus is in the wring place. PV makes a simple point: Abraham was saved by grace through faith, and we get the same blessing of Abraham by grace through faith. The blessing is the fact that we have hope. Many would think that this liberty would cause us to live any which way we please, BUT if we really know that we are saved by grace it would cause us to value our Salvation even more.
“ Great Sermon! ” 1. Influencing People - How Peter influenced Barnabas and other Jewish Christians. Peter was motivated by fear (fear of man brings a snare). Excellent word studies (dissembling, walked not uprightly). Our actions influence others stronger than our words. How can we have victory? by walking according to the Gospel.
2. Win friends by faithful reproof. PV contrasts this with selfish reproof. Peter recieved Paul's rebuke properly (see 2 Pet. 3:14). It is our duty to repove and recieve reproof correctly.
“ Insightful sermon about blind guides ” Intro: A Basic message about faith in God. The text suggests blind leading the blind. This was condition of the Pharisees. Blindness has a need to be properly led. Becareful who is leading your life.
1. Guide of Habits - Older converts most likely developed patterns in life that may be hard to break. We have developed decisions of how we are to deal with problems. Habits may cause us to not believe God's promises (see Eph. 4:17-32).
2. Guide of Self-Interest. When decisions are made for suitability. Comfort driven. What about asking God: How does God want me to live? Faith is not some grace that you can do without in your home and life. We adhere to the Bible against suitability. If you follow self interest they will ruin you and you will ruin them (dealing with family).
3. Guide of Human Reasoning - Pulling from the intellectual influence of someone else. We should be listening to the Holy Spirit instead of human reasoning. Christians don't need a list of pros and cons when it comes to decision times. Just get with God, He's got the answer! (see Jer. 17:9)
Evolution, abortion, sodomite-rights are extreme deceptions but yet our hearts (my heart) is decietful above even that! We ought to want something from God.
4. Guide of Riches.
God wants us to trust Him
“ A great expositional sermon ” Lots helpful misc. thoughts mentioned prior to the actual sermon. Pastor Voegtlin goes through the verses in Galatians 1:6-10, in an expositional way. He provides adequet background of Galatia for a better undestanding of the text. I would like to highlight the points that really spoke to me:
1. It does not take much to 'pervert' the Gospel. The slightest change perverts the Gospel. (Powerful point: Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone - salvation is not in anything else)
2. The speaker's credentials, rank or position does not make the message right or true (only the Scriptures must be recieved). (v.9)
3. We are responsible to please God. We are to be God's man, our highest goal is to please God and in doing this we will accomplish our responsibilities to others and be true servants of Christ.
MISC. - We are to be Christians and our Christianity should touch every aspect of our lives. We need to avoid the danger of creating a distinction between.
I like what Pastor Voegtlin mentioned about how a theological system is not Salvation. Christ is the Savior, and not "Theology." He also deals with a lot of misunderstanding about the simplicity of the Gospel.
PV takes on some of the 'sacred cows' of the 'Baptist tradition.'
“ Where the rubber meets the road ” This sermon is worth listening to over and over again, not because its complexity BUT because of its practicality. This has to be one of the most practical sermons I have ever heard, BUT it is so true! Three main points - I will not list them out, becuase you need to hear it - and if you apply it - you will see! Amen for good Bible preaching!
“ A Sermon on Bitterness ” Intro: The problem with the subjects like biterness, and sins like this is that we don't see it as bad as other sins for example drunkeness, but biterness is just as destructive as drunkeness.
1. Let Old Bitterness Die - We think that we have a right to biterness. Biterness is a root of evil that will spread its attack all over. The bitterness that you hold too is not of God. (see Eph. 4:31; Heb. 12:15) A person who is in bitterness feeds his biterness. (see Phil. 1:10). In life we are not as important as we imagine ourselves to be. We ignore all of God's blessings because of some stupid thing. A life that is lived in sin is a wasted life- and so is a bitter life.
2. Where Does Bitterness Comes From - pride. Because you are thinking about yourself. Also selfishness - that we are going to be happy all the time...in contrast to joy. Another source is a lack of remebrance of God's mercy. Bitter people have forgotten those things. Bitterness is a hindrance to growth and thanksgiving.
3. Why Should You Let Bitterness Go - a. We should beseech God to keep on the path to blessings.
b. Cast your care upon the Lord (1 Peter 5:7) - they were being persecuted.
c. Father forgive them for they know not what they do. Stephen repeated it, why can't we?
d. Show kindness to one another
“ A tremendous sermon ” Intro - We should pray that we never return to the carnal ways that God took us from. An Illustration of Alabastra: vessels used to carry perfume. We know the Lady to be Mary of Bethany, she brought it to Jesus (perhaps it was a beloved possession). The ointment is suitable for burial. Mary seemed to understand more so than the disciples themselves about the death and ressurection of Jesus. What we do for Christ will be scoffed by men. BUT she was praised by God. IF you want someone to defend you it is best if God did the defending. (OUTLINE):
1. Identifying Your Alibaster Box.
2. Breaking the Box.
3. When to Break the Box.
4. The Reason for Breaking that Box.
-There are enough Judas' in this world that would say don't waste your life in being a preacher of the gospel.
-We are of no eternal value until there is a crushing of ourselves and give it to the Lord.
-What haven't you given to God?
-She put an end to anything that she owned. She burned her bridges, and we need to follow that example.
-The vessel is not the point - the content is what needs to be poured out!
-We don't break the box so that people can know who we are, but rather that God may be glorified, so that Jesus may enjoy it. For no other reason so that God could enjoy my life. He is worhty!
“ Praise God for this sermon! ” This sermon is packed with great exhortations! I could just say amen in just about every word that the preacher is speaking.
“ CONVICTING! ” This is one message that I would love to have listened to everywhere. I completely agree with you that continuing on in sin leads to destruction. A must hear message for all. God bless.
“ Convicting! ” Intro: Ps. 137:1-9.
These were Musicians- they hade been mocked by the Babylonians, both them and their God. In v.5-6 they would rather much give up their skills and abilities rather than provide a mockery to God and forget Jerusalem. The city where they knew the presence of God was there. The application is towards us as Christians, we should never forget Calvary.
Poignant Point: If you are critical, complaining, and ingrateful, have ought against a brother in Christ, and don't want to listen to the pastor, then you are living in Babylon.
Excellent exposition of Christ and the Lord's Supper- and what it should remind us of. The remedy: Beg God! to return to the Lord.
“ Insightful about sin and the lies of the Devil ” Inro: Jesus speaks to the pharisees in this passage, he deals staight through the real problem: They are the children of the Devil. Satan is a liar. When he speaks it is always a lie. [P.W. surveys lots of Bible examples of this occurance - great Bible truths preached!]. Satan offers lies that appeal to our pride. There is an appeal to the flesh. There is an appeal for possessions.
Points to Ponder: Pride can become a motive for our everyday lives and service for God. Pride is wanting to look good and have the approval of man. The only thing we should be proud about is the Lord Jesus Christ (AMEN!). Why is it that we are of the sort that could get rubbed the "wrong way." There is joy in seeing others exceed. We should change this idea of "God's will for my life" and make it "My life, for God's will" all of it, everything including our aspirations. Greed is cured by being thankful. No matter how much you think you don't have, you have more than what you deserve. There is strength in not giving into tempations. God wants us to have victorious lives. We need to pray things through. The Holy Spirit and the Word of God are means by which we can see victory. And when we do have vistory we should give God the glory.
“ Lifting Up Christ ” Into: There is nothing more to celebrate more than the ressurection of Jesus Christ. (v.27) we see Jesus agonizing over sin that is soon to be placed upon Him. By his ressurection He crushed the sepents head. The text goes on to illustrate what happened in Numbers, where people where dying because of their sin, and Moses went to God, powerless to save them, and recieved instruction to lift up the Brazen Serpent. HOW MUCH like our condition as sinners. Several sins are mentioned that Christians commit (in a sense not lifting Christ up before all) indifference, unbelief, selfishness. BUT when Jesus is lifted He will draw all men to himself:
1. He will draw our 'kindred' (FAMILY)
2. He will draw all sinners. ("and such were some of you...") [P.W. runs through various Bible characters and expounds on this truth). Luke 23:39.
3. He will draw all even the ends of the earth (Missions).
POINTS TO PONDER: I am glad that Jesus does the work of drawing men to Himself, and that all He is asking us to do is to lift Jesus high in our lives for all to see.
We could never wash our hands of the sinners of this world, we are called to be witnesses to everyone,,the people we do business with, work with, the clery, teller, everyone needs to see Jesus lifted up.
“ A Changed Life ” Intro:
-As Christians we have such a different perspective of life.
-It is exciting to think about the salvation that God gave us.
-What we see in the text is the same thing we see when people come to Christ. It is no less a miracle than when Jesus gave the sight to the blind.
-We should want to see change in our hearts. We should want to grow more and more spiritual. Everyday is an opportunity to grow in the Lord.
-We should want to see change in our kids. The idea of nurture is that of disciplining them. Trusting God to use parents to instill the character needed to accomplish God's will.
-We should want to see change in our ministry. This is accomplished through the power of the Word of God (v.10). We don't have anything to offer people except the word of God. A life without the Word of God is at best a good work, but powerless to see change. Humanitarian efforts are useless and cannot accomplished what the Bible can.
THis change is also possible through the power of the Holy Spirit (v.11). God gives us power. Live your life for God and people will see.
-The glory of God (v.17). Our lives has to lift up Jesus if its going to make a difference in people's lives. Christianity is not self seeking it is lifting up Jesus Christ. Do we count his name sacred?
“ Convicting. ” Intro: Perhaps they weeped bec. of individual sins, maybe bec. of national sins, maybe bec. of the promise of restoration, perhaps it is a cry of relief. BUT THE QUESTION: why don't we weep? 1.Because of Indifference (Prov. 12:27) 2.Unteachableness (Ps. 34:11) 3.Unbelief (Jn.3) 4. Stiff neck (Prov. 29:1). Points to ponder: Do you come to get something out of the preaching or are you just present to look good. Will there be no rewards in heaven because you have burnt it with the carnality of this world. "You only truly believe what you act upon." Phrases like "I have heard that before", or "I already know that", or I have a Bible College degree and so you become unteachable. This sermon is a great call to restoration. Very insightful about how exactly does sin evolve and stupify our hearts, steal our wisdom.
“ Sermons within a Sermon ” Intro:Praise God that we can still comemorate Thanksgiving as a country. Unthankfulness is a heathen sin and it is very wicked (Rom.1). How often are we just as unthankful as the unsaved? Jesus Christ was so thankful in his prayers it serves as an example of how we ought to pray (Jn.11:41-42). Outline:1. The Command For Thanksgiving (Ps. 107:1); 2. The Description of Thanksgivning (v.2); 3. The Results of Thanksgiving (Luke 5:12). Thoughts to Ponder: Don't pass the occasion of Thanksgiving without truly being thankful. -In order to be unthankful and complacent you would have to forget what God has done for you. -Ps.107:4-6 Principle that we as Christians should not feel at home in this world. - Every single blessing comes from God. -Humility and Thankfulness goes hand in hand, exhibited by the account of the leprous man who was healed, and returned to give Jesus thanks.
This sermon is full of ideas and thoughts about thankfulness. Great details on what God, through Jesus Christ, has done for us in saving us and giving us eternal life.
5/4/06 9:51 AM
