November 20, 2011 | Psalm 136: The Lord is My God

The Sunday before Thanksgiving we studied Psalm 136; a great congregational Psalm that calls on us to affirm the everlasting love of our God.  A great text.  A great Psalm.





Audio
Notes


For more:
GBC - FLAME - Power [with Rap-Along lyrics]
GBC - The Most Terrifying Truth of God: He is Good
Sermon - October 16, 2011 | Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd: Peace in the Shepherd's Arms
Sermon - October 23, 2011 | Psalm 99 - The Lord is My King
Sermon - October 30, 2011 | Psalm 8 - The Lord is My Lord
Sermon - November 6, 2011 | Psalm 1: The Lord is My Delight
Sermon - November 13, 2011 | Psalm 51:  The Lord is My Salvation

November 22, 2011 | Mark 15:16-39 - Thanksgiving Service

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I had the high honor of speaking at the community-wide Thanksgiving service at Hardinsburg Baptist Church.  My wife and I agree that it was one of the best services we have attended in recent memory (and not just because I was the speaker).  The music was amazing.  The choice of songs was dead on.  Christ was exalted.  People worshiped.  Unity was clear.  And the gospel drove the service.

Thanks to the Breckinridge County Ministerial Association for inviting me to speak.  I hope the gospel was proclaimed and God was glorified.





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November 20, 2011 | Psalm 23:1 - The Peace of Contentment

A few weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to preach at Friendship Baptist Church just north of Hardinsburg.  I preached an old sermon from our series on Psalm 23 and the Fruit of the Spirit.  Below is the audio and notes from that night.





Audio
Notes

November 13, 2011 | Psalm 51: The Lord is My Salvation

I had some computer problems and am finally back up and running.  Here is the audio and the notes from the sermon from November 13 from Psalm 51 written after David was confronted by Nathan the Prophet regarding his sexual sin with Bathsheba and his act of murder against her husband Uriah.





Audio
Notes


For more:

Sermon - October 16, 2011 | Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd: Peace in the Shepherd's Arms
Sermon - October 23, 2011 | Psalm 99 - The Lord is My King
Sermon - October 30, 2011 | Psalm 8 - The Lord is My Lord
Sermon - November 6, 2011 | Psalm 1: The Lord is My Delight

The Most Terrifying Truth of God: He is Good

If you want to understand the gospel, consider the following video of Paul Washer, a well-known evangelists who is best known for his approach of telling it like it is.  His point that the most terrifying attribute of God is His goodness is dead on.  What does a good God do to people like us?  Watch His answer:





HT: Reformation Theology

FLAME - Power [with Rap-Along lyrics]

As I prepare for Sunday morning, I couldn't help but sing the following song "Power" by Christian rapper Flame. The second verse is particularly similar to our text (Psalm 136). Flame point is that remembering and reflecting on what God has done assures us that God is active and has power today. This is why the Jews repeatedly referred back to the Exodus and other mighty acts of God.

And before you hit play, remember that the following is rap. You can't say that I didn't warn you :o)




Here are the lyrics:

[Chorus:]
He got power man, You ain't never seen it like this
He got power man, His words make the world exist
He got power man, He can turn your situation 'round
I've seen Him do it, do it, do it, do it, do it

[Verse 1:]
I've seen the Lord do a lot of things in my day
Time after time, He blows my mind and He blows my faith
I like to read, and see what He's done in the past
He can do in the present, if His people would ask
I've seen Him shut a whole strip down
Full of strip clubs, now the dude's a Christian now
Wow, now that's power like you've never seen
How He dug in the man, and made his soul clean
Oh, I've even seen Him heal a broken home
Couple couldn't get along, now you be like, get a room
Man, I'm so impressed with His slate
I want to trust Him more and more, and strengthen my faith
Yes, I hope you know it's true, all power's in God's hands
What can't you make it through, the proof is the Godman
Nobody took His life, but Jesus He laid it down
And three days later, yes, He popped outta the ground

[Verse 2:]
Now for the record, we're talking about Almighty God
Please don't forget, what He did with Moses' rod
Please don't forget, when He split the Red Sea
What is a light bill, or a deadly disease
What is a marriage problem, or one that's on the rocks
To the One who speaks to storms, and storms stop
To the One who got Lazarus outta the grave,
Not after one, but two, three, four days
He is the Life, and the Resurrection
You give Him your filth, and get His perfection
I'm trying to get you to see, if He can save a soul
Defeat Satan and sin, all else is micro
And if He chooses to not grant a request
It's not because He lacks power, but He's seeking our best
It's not because He lacks strength, but He's seeking our good
Now go and walk through that trial, like Jesus would

[Verse 3:]
I know some people in my hood, that's been struggling with some things
They've been addicted for so long, they don't think that they can change
Then I tell them about Jesus, and how He can set them free
But they choose to stay away, man now that's just unbelief
But He's worthy to be trusted, He's a keeper of His word
But it's either you don't believe in Jesus, or that's just scared
Now what you're scared of, you shouldn't be scared of your sin
And not trusting in His name, that's the danger you're in
But you ain't gotta stay that way, you can pray and confess
Live a, life of repentance, receive Jesus' best
Himself, His love, His grace, His power
Give you strength in the darkest hour, so you won't be devoured
Give you strength against temptation, because He's stronger than sin
He's much stronger, than your corruption, erupting within
He's much strong, than your addiction to sex or a drug
To alcohol, or a club
Homie, that's what He does

[Verse 3:]
I know some people in my hood, that's been struggling with some things
They've been addicted for so long, they don't think that they can change
Then I tell them about Jesus, and how He can set them free
But they choose to stay away, man now that's just unbelief
But He's worthy to be trusted, He's a keeper of His word
But it's either you don't believe in Jesus, or that's just scared
Now what you're scared of, you shouldn't be scared of your sin
And not trusting in His name, that's the danger you're in
But you ain't gotta stay that way, you can pray and confess
Live a, life of repentance, receive Jesus' best
Himself, His love, His grace, His power
Give you strength in the darkest hour, so you won't be devoured
Give you strength against temptation, because He's stronger than sin
He's much stronger, than your corruption, erupting within
He's much strong, than your addiction to sex or a drug
To alcohol, or a club
Homie, that's what He does

November 6, 2011 | Psalm 1: The Lord is My Delight

Here is Sunday's message.  So far in our series on the Psalms, we have discovered the the Lord is my Shepherd, my King, my Lord, and now, my Delight.


Audio
Notes 





For more:
GBC - Everything is Awesome But Nobody is Happy: A Late Night Sermon on Psalm 1
Sermon - October 16, 2011 | Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd: Peace in the Shepherd's Arms
Sermon - October 23, 2011 | Psalm 99 - The Lord is My King
Sermon - October 30, 2011 | Psalm 8 - The Lord is My Lord
Sermon - January 17, 2010 - Matthew 5:1-12: If Your Joyful and You Know It . . .
Sermon - Matthew 5:1-4 - The Joy of Spiritual Humility - Audio
Sermon - Matthew 5:5 - Starving? Why Wait? - Audio
Sermon - Matthew 5:6-9 - The Joy of Holiness - Audio
Sermon - Matthew 5:10-12 - The Joy of Being Hated - Audio

Everything is Awesome But Nobody is Happy: A Late Night Sermon on Psalm 1

Sunday we'll be looking at the Wisdom psalm found in Psalm 1.  The Psalm begins with How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked . . .  The word blessed carries the idea of joy and happiness and as I continue to prepare for worship Sunday, the following video keeps coming to my mind.  I know nothing of the comedian in the video (I know a little about Conan O'Brien), but even the secular world hits the nail on the head.

Everything is awesome, but nobody is happy.  So true.  This out to be a reminder of our tail-chasing ways.  We keep looking for lasting joy and happiness but few of us ever find it.  But as Psalm 1;1-2 suggests, How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.





For more:
Sermon - October 16, 2011 | Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd: Peace in the Shepherd's Arms  
Sermon - October 23, 2011 | Psalm 99 - The Lord is My King
Sermon - October 30, 2011 | Psalm 8 - The Lord is My Lord 
Sermon - August 2, 2009 - Psalm 23:2: Peace of Rest
Sermon - August 9, 2009 - Psalm 23:3: The Peace of Restoration (notes only)
Sermon - August 16, 2009 - Psalm 23:4: "The Peace of Comfort"
Sermon - August 23, 2009 - Psalm 23:5: The Peace of the Shepherd's Sovereignty
Sermon - August 30, 2009 - Psalm 23:6: The Peace of the Shepherd's Providence 
GBC - Weekly Recommendation - "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23"
GBC - Weekly Recommendation: "Traveling Light"
GBC - Weekly Recommendation - "Restore My Soul" 
GBC - In More Detail: Repost of the Beatitudes
GBC - Bonhoeffer: The Meaning of Poor In Spirit and the Joy of Being Spiritual Bankrupt  

October 30, 2011 | Psalm 8 - The Lord is My Lord

The third sermon in our series entitled, "The Songs of Psalms" looks at the great Hymn Psalm 8 which extols God as Creator who is majestic. The Psalm opens and concludes with the simple truth that Yahweh is our Lord. Psalm 8 is one of the more popular Psalm and rightfully so. God is majestic and even in the expanse of the cosmos, He knows our names.





Audio
Notes


For more:

October 23, 2011 | Psalm 99 - The Lord is My King

The second sermon in our series, "The Song of Psalms" is an Enthronement Psalm that glorifies our God as King. Psalm 99 is a great Psalm though it is oftentimes overlooked. God's Sovereignty - His rule as King - is an important doctrine with very practical truths.





Audio
Notes


For more:
Sermon - October 10, 2010 - God is Sovereign
GBC - MacDonald on Divine Sovereignty
GBC - Charles Hodge on Sovereignty
GBC - God's Sovereignty Defined: A. W. Pink on The Doctrine of Divine Sovereignty
Sermon - April 18, 2010 - Haggai 2:1-9: And the Lord Said, "Get-r-Done"
Sermon - August 23, 2009 - Psalm 23:5: The Peace of the Shepherd's Sovereignty
Sermon - Sunday Night - "The Agony of Job and the Sovereingnty of God
GBC - Tony Evans on God and Purpose

October 16, 2011 | Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd: Peace in the Shepherd's Arms

We have begun a new sermon series looking at the book of Psalms highlighting a number of its various genres. The series is being titled "The Song of Psalms" and we will be in the book each week until Christmas. The book of Psalms has been a source of comfort and peace for countless believers throughout the centuries.

We begin with the most beloved Psalm - Psalm 23.






Audio
Notes


For more:
Sermon - August 2, 2009 - Psalm 23:2: Peace of Rest
Sermon - August 9, 2009 - Psalm 23:3: The Peace of Restoration (notes only)
Sermon - August 16, 2009 - Psalm 23:4: "The Peace of Comfort"
Sermon - August 23, 2009 - Psalm 23:5: The Peace of the Shepherd's Sovereignty
Sermon - August 30, 2009 - Psalm 23:6: The Peace of the Shepherd's Providence
GBC - Fruitie-Tales: Living By the Fruit of the Spirit Series  
GBC - Weekly Recommendation - "Finding Peace"
GBC - Weekly Recommendation - "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23"
GBC - Weekly Recommendation: "Traveling Light"
GBC - Weekly Recommendation - "Restore My Soul" 

Mere Churchianity Sermon Series

This summer we spent some time discussing the doctrine of the church.  Instead of focusing on issues of polity, church government, or even Baptist distinctives, we focused on the local community.  This is a very important series that I hope was and remains helpful.  We need to reevaluate why we go to church, what we think the church is and for, and how we, as individual members, contribute to and participate in the local community.

We need to break out of the evil hold of complacency, apathy, and indifference.  The church of Christ has sat on its tail for far too long.  It is sad that Christians will get active in politics and moral causes, but heaven forbid if God expects us to share the gospel, grow in Christ, or participate in the local community.  Our priorities are out of whack and we need to return to a more biblical and gospel centered ecclesiology.


Sermons:

July 24, 2011 | 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 - I Pray, Therefore I Am: The Emptiness of a Privatized Faith & Why Comfort Is Meant to Be Shared
July 31, 2011 | Ephesians 2:11-22 - Brown & Black Don't Make Gray: Art, The Gospel, and Church Unity
August 7, 2011 | The Story of the Church  
August 21, 2011 | The Trinity and the Church: Unified Diversity
September 18, 2011 | Ephesians 4:11-25 - The Training of the Church    

October 2, 2011 | John 2:13-22 - The Worshipping Church  
October 9, 2011 | Galatians 6:1-5 - The Growing Church  

Articles:

GBC - Driscoll on Consumers vs. Worshippers
GBC - The Church that is Holy  
GBC - Tim Hawkins on Worship Styles  
GBC - This is Who We Are: What a Baptist Is and Believes - The Church
GBC - The Church As Family
GBC - Ware on the Trinity & Relationships
GBC - Unified Diversity - The Church & Flyleaf's Beautiful Bride  
GBC - The Holy Church: The Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed 
GBC - Do We Want a Museum or a Movement?
GBC - Cool Churches Are Empty Churches: The Wall Street Journal Wakes Us Up
GBC - Are We Contemporvant? 
GBC - "Christ, Christ Baby!":  Why I Do Not Seek to Be Relevant 
GBC - How To Grow a Church and Fill It With Unconverted Believers: A Humorous But Sad Video
GBC - Will They Stay?: Rainer on Returning Guests
GBC - Me Church  
GBC - A Divine Kick in the Pants: Jim Elliot and the Call to Go Out  
Blogizomai - Accomodationism Breed Irrelevancy:  Why Liberalism Fails and the Transcendent Gospel Triumphs 


Other Links:
Sermon - September 27, 2009 - Matthew 16:13-21: Don't Just Stand There. Do Something!
Sermon - Ephesians 4:12: How God Grows His Church
 


Other Series:
God: Proper Theology Proper Sermon Series
Faith in the Midst of God-Ordained Storms Sermon Series
The Sermon on the Mount Series
Matthew Thus Far:  Matthew 1-5
The Last Week of Jesus: From Triumphal Entry to Triumphal Grave Series
Fruitie-Tales: Living By the Fruit of the Spirit
Basic Christianity Series
Revelation Study