SERMON STARTERS
|
~ FREE ~
Resources Recommended by Fedena and Madden! |
|
|
|
|
HE WAS THERE ALL THE TIME! - Dr. Paul Fedena
TEXT: Lk.24:13-35
THESIS: To show that the Lord’s presence is a reality even when things are dark.
INTRO.:
A. I received a note this week which said: “It’s very difficult to see God’s will in this mess.” All of us have been there...in the dark place, the foreboding place, the place of disappointment & tears. It is lonely there & it is hard to see the Lord in that dark place & we may cry out “Where are you, Lord?”
B. There are 3 precious passages which speak specifically to this question. It is significant that all 3 took place after the resurrection. The problem was a lack of trust in His promise! He said: “I will NEVER leave you nor forsake you...” He said: “Lo I am with you always...” In spite of the fact that the people in these post-resurrection events were unaware of His presence “HE WAS THERE ALL THE TIME!”
(continue reading)
TEXT: Lk.24:13-35
THESIS: To show that the Lord’s presence is a reality even when things are dark.
INTRO.:
A. I received a note this week which said: “It’s very difficult to see God’s will in this mess.” All of us have been there...in the dark place, the foreboding place, the place of disappointment & tears. It is lonely there & it is hard to see the Lord in that dark place & we may cry out “Where are you, Lord?”
B. There are 3 precious passages which speak specifically to this question. It is significant that all 3 took place after the resurrection. The problem was a lack of trust in His promise! He said: “I will NEVER leave you nor forsake you...” He said: “Lo I am with you always...” In spite of the fact that the people in these post-resurrection events were unaware of His presence “HE WAS THERE ALL THE TIME!”
(continue reading)
MESSAGES FROM HEAVEN
TEXT: Hebrews 1:1
THESIS: To show that God has indeed communicated with man and that the nature of the communication is vital
to man’s destiny.
INTRO.:
A. We live in a day of supersonic communications. Someone presses the right button and messages, photos and information fly through the air, unseen, across oceans and from outer space.
B. In our day a breakdown of communications could be disastrous. A misunderstanding could bring about the annihilation of the human race. Our very existence is wrapped up in the content of communication.
C. So too communications are that important in relation to spiritual things. Either God has spoken about our eternal destiny or He has not and we are yet in our sins. A breakdown or misunderstanding of God’s communications could be even more disastrous than in the material realm. What shall it profit a man if he understand all communications, but Gods...and lose his own soul?”
THESIS: To show that God has indeed communicated with man and that the nature of the communication is vital
to man’s destiny.
INTRO.:
A. We live in a day of supersonic communications. Someone presses the right button and messages, photos and information fly through the air, unseen, across oceans and from outer space.
B. In our day a breakdown of communications could be disastrous. A misunderstanding could bring about the annihilation of the human race. Our very existence is wrapped up in the content of communication.
C. So too communications are that important in relation to spiritual things. Either God has spoken about our eternal destiny or He has not and we are yet in our sins. A breakdown or misunderstanding of God’s communications could be even more disastrous than in the material realm. What shall it profit a man if he understand all communications, but Gods...and lose his own soul?”
|
|
🎼NIGHT SONGS🎼
TEXT:
Psalm 77:6 I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.
INTRO.:
A. The writer of this Psalm is obviously going thru one of the greatest times of testing in his life.
🔸He is on a sick bed, maybe his death bed (v.1-3) &
🔸he asks some disturbing questions (v.7-9). [Have YOU ever done this?!]
🔸He also makes an enlightening statement (v.4-6) & speaks of his “song in the night.”
🔸Job, in the middle of his afflictions speaks of these “NIGHT SONGS.” When defending the Lord to his “comforters” he states that the Lord gives “songs in the night.” (35:10)
B. Since all of us will eventually go through some dark times, we need to learn about “NIGHT SONGS.” We will look at 3 such songs tonight...
More...
Psalm 77:6 I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.
INTRO.:
A. The writer of this Psalm is obviously going thru one of the greatest times of testing in his life.
🔸He is on a sick bed, maybe his death bed (v.1-3) &
🔸he asks some disturbing questions (v.7-9). [Have YOU ever done this?!]
🔸He also makes an enlightening statement (v.4-6) & speaks of his “song in the night.”
🔸Job, in the middle of his afflictions speaks of these “NIGHT SONGS.” When defending the Lord to his “comforters” he states that the Lord gives “songs in the night.” (35:10)
B. Since all of us will eventually go through some dark times, we need to learn about “NIGHT SONGS.” We will look at 3 such songs tonight...
More...
|
|
MAN: THE REMARKABLE REFLECTION OF GOD
TEXT:
Gen.1:26-27 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
INTRO.:
A. Some think that the "image of God" referred to in our text speaks of man's intellect, emotion & will & that that is the "remarkable reflection" of God in man. While it is true that man is like God in these areas - above the animals - there is something more to God's reflection in man. Others believe that man has lost his free will & his ability to lift himself out of spiritual death, but has retained his power to think, love, his sense of right & wrong, justice & injustice, etc. & while the above is true there is still more to "MAN: THE REMARKABLE REFLECTION" (of God).
B. In this series we will considered - "MAN: THE REMARKABLE REFLECTION" (of God). Just how was man made in the "image of God"?!
More...
Gen.1:26-27 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
INTRO.:
A. Some think that the "image of God" referred to in our text speaks of man's intellect, emotion & will & that that is the "remarkable reflection" of God in man. While it is true that man is like God in these areas - above the animals - there is something more to God's reflection in man. Others believe that man has lost his free will & his ability to lift himself out of spiritual death, but has retained his power to think, love, his sense of right & wrong, justice & injustice, etc. & while the above is true there is still more to "MAN: THE REMARKABLE REFLECTION" (of God).
B. In this series we will considered - "MAN: THE REMARKABLE REFLECTION" (of God). Just how was man made in the "image of God"?!
More...
|
|
MUSIC & THE CHRISTIAN
Dr. Paul Fedena
1 Corinthians 14:7-11
INTRO.:
A. Often Christians become very emotional and illogical about things they have developed strong opinions about (whether right or wrong). If you ask a believer why he prefers or accepts certain kinds of music and rejects other kinds, it will often elicit statements like “I know what I like” – which really means “I like what I know.” A more sensible answer would be “I know why I like what I like.” The believer must differentiate between conviction and opinion.
B. Some Christians reject (they think) any and all “contemporary” Christian music and may even refer to it as “rock music.” But when asked to define “rock music” they are unable to do so. They simply state “I don’t know how to define it, but I know it when I hear it.” Definitions in both cases are needed if clear thinking is desired.
NOTE: An absolute definition of “rock music” is difficult at best, but several general things may be said with certainty:
1. Rock music reverses or mixes up musical order: melody, harmony, rhythm.
2. Rock music emphasizes rhythm (beat) and builds tension without release. (Good music should have a climax and not leave you hanging.)
3. Rock music makes the music, not the words or harmony, most important.
(more)
Dr. Paul Fedena
1 Corinthians 14:7-11
INTRO.:
A. Often Christians become very emotional and illogical about things they have developed strong opinions about (whether right or wrong). If you ask a believer why he prefers or accepts certain kinds of music and rejects other kinds, it will often elicit statements like “I know what I like” – which really means “I like what I know.” A more sensible answer would be “I know why I like what I like.” The believer must differentiate between conviction and opinion.
B. Some Christians reject (they think) any and all “contemporary” Christian music and may even refer to it as “rock music.” But when asked to define “rock music” they are unable to do so. They simply state “I don’t know how to define it, but I know it when I hear it.” Definitions in both cases are needed if clear thinking is desired.
NOTE: An absolute definition of “rock music” is difficult at best, but several general things may be said with certainty:
1. Rock music reverses or mixes up musical order: melody, harmony, rhythm.
2. Rock music emphasizes rhythm (beat) and builds tension without release. (Good music should have a climax and not leave you hanging.)
3. Rock music makes the music, not the words or harmony, most important.
(more)
|
|
THE STATE OF THE UNION – 2021 or
“A NATION IN CRISIS”
TEXTS:
Prov.14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
Isaiah 1:4 Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.
Isaiah 58:1 Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression...
THESIS: To show the state & shame of our nation in 2021, because of a failure to observe the principle stated in the text.
INTRO.:
A. The news media shouts “THE WHITE HOUSE IN CRISIS” or “THE PRESIDENCY IN CRISIS,” but the truth is we are “A NATION IN CRISIS!”
B. This message will not be a harangue about the sins of our President (or former Pres. Clinton) – the problem runs much deeper than that.
NOTE: Did Clinton sin? Yes! Did he lie to cover up his sins? Yes! Did he have others lie for him? Yes! But the problem in America is NOT Wm. Jefferson Clinton, Monica Lewinsky, Linda Tripp, Kathleen Willey, the Democrats cover up, the Republicans hypocrisy or cowardice, or even the White House legal staff & the President’s defense team. The problem runs much deeper...to the very roots of our society and even to God’s born again people and preachers who remain silent.
C. Is our present President less guilty? No! He has the blood of 13 Marines on his hands along with the blood of the women in Afghanistan who will be tortured and murdered, and the girls who will be sold into sexual bondage and slavery and the Afghans who were our allies who are left behind.
ILLUS.: The tragedy is that these incidents have exposed a fatal flaw in our nation. It has become a mirror to reflect the lack of our nation’s character. For anyone in this once principled, once-great nation to defend the indefensible, to look the other way, to pretend that it is personal & has nothing to do with leadership or character or morality, exposes the degradation of character & has resulted in “A NATION IN CRISIS.”
TRANS.: Long before the Pres. of the U.S. took office and gave his “State of the Union’’ address, it was an annual responsibility for Bible-believing preachers to do so as well. I want to continue that honored tradition today. The question I want to address is “How did we get here?” The text gives us the answer. But the text shows the fruit – today I want us to look at the root... (MORE)
Prov.14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
Isaiah 1:4 Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.
Isaiah 58:1 Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression...
THESIS: To show the state & shame of our nation in 2021, because of a failure to observe the principle stated in the text.
INTRO.:
A. The news media shouts “THE WHITE HOUSE IN CRISIS” or “THE PRESIDENCY IN CRISIS,” but the truth is we are “A NATION IN CRISIS!”
B. This message will not be a harangue about the sins of our President (or former Pres. Clinton) – the problem runs much deeper than that.
NOTE: Did Clinton sin? Yes! Did he lie to cover up his sins? Yes! Did he have others lie for him? Yes! But the problem in America is NOT Wm. Jefferson Clinton, Monica Lewinsky, Linda Tripp, Kathleen Willey, the Democrats cover up, the Republicans hypocrisy or cowardice, or even the White House legal staff & the President’s defense team. The problem runs much deeper...to the very roots of our society and even to God’s born again people and preachers who remain silent.
C. Is our present President less guilty? No! He has the blood of 13 Marines on his hands along with the blood of the women in Afghanistan who will be tortured and murdered, and the girls who will be sold into sexual bondage and slavery and the Afghans who were our allies who are left behind.
ILLUS.: The tragedy is that these incidents have exposed a fatal flaw in our nation. It has become a mirror to reflect the lack of our nation’s character. For anyone in this once principled, once-great nation to defend the indefensible, to look the other way, to pretend that it is personal & has nothing to do with leadership or character or morality, exposes the degradation of character & has resulted in “A NATION IN CRISIS.”
TRANS.: Long before the Pres. of the U.S. took office and gave his “State of the Union’’ address, it was an annual responsibility for Bible-believing preachers to do so as well. I want to continue that honored tradition today. The question I want to address is “How did we get here?” The text gives us the answer. But the text shows the fruit – today I want us to look at the root... (MORE)
|
|
DO YOU LOVE WHAT THE ONE YOU LOVE, LOVES?
TEXT: 1 Samuel 18:1
THESIS: To show that we should love what the Lord loves.
INTRO.:
A. Did you ever notice that the couples who stay together and who really love one another have made an effort to love the same things? He loves to travel, so she loves to travel. She loves a certain kind of animal, so he learns to love that kind of animal. He loves the mountains, so she learns to love them too (that’s real love! 😊). He loves the ocean, so she learns to love the ocean. (AMEN!) He loves sports, so she pretends to love sports. 😊 ! Those who stay together have many things in common. “DO YOU LOVE WHAT THE ONE YOU LOVE, LOVES?”
B. In 1 Samuel 18 it says that David was loved by 4 different groups or individuals. It says that Israel & Judah loved David. (That was an expectant, hopeful and expedient love.) It says that Jonathan loved David. (That was a surrendering, encouraging and protecting love.) He loved what the one he loved, loved. (Did you ever notice that the best Christians are those who love what the One they love loves?!) Then it says that David was loved by Michal, Saul’s daughter (who later became his wife). (Her love for David was a selfish, possessive and fickle love.) She didn’t love David enough to love what he loved.
TRANS.: We want to examine that concept this morning and I want to ask you if you love what your husband loves, or your wife
loves, or your children love or your parents love, or that other person you say you love, loves. Most importantly I want to ask that
question concerning the Lord: “DO YOU LOVE WHAT THE ONE YOU (SAY YOU) LOVE, LOVES?”
TEXT: 1 Samuel 18:1
THESIS: To show that we should love what the Lord loves.
INTRO.:
A. Did you ever notice that the couples who stay together and who really love one another have made an effort to love the same things? He loves to travel, so she loves to travel. She loves a certain kind of animal, so he learns to love that kind of animal. He loves the mountains, so she learns to love them too (that’s real love! 😊). He loves the ocean, so she learns to love the ocean. (AMEN!) He loves sports, so she pretends to love sports. 😊 ! Those who stay together have many things in common. “DO YOU LOVE WHAT THE ONE YOU LOVE, LOVES?”
B. In 1 Samuel 18 it says that David was loved by 4 different groups or individuals. It says that Israel & Judah loved David. (That was an expectant, hopeful and expedient love.) It says that Jonathan loved David. (That was a surrendering, encouraging and protecting love.) He loved what the one he loved, loved. (Did you ever notice that the best Christians are those who love what the One they love loves?!) Then it says that David was loved by Michal, Saul’s daughter (who later became his wife). (Her love for David was a selfish, possessive and fickle love.) She didn’t love David enough to love what he loved.
TRANS.: We want to examine that concept this morning and I want to ask you if you love what your husband loves, or your wife
loves, or your children love or your parents love, or that other person you say you love, loves. Most importantly I want to ask that
question concerning the Lord: “DO YOU LOVE WHAT THE ONE YOU (SAY YOU) LOVE, LOVES?”
|
|
THE SONS OF GOD IN THE DAYS OF NOAH
(“…and also after that”)
A Scriptural and logical attempt to discover the identity of the sons of God in Genesis 6
By Dr. Paul Fedena
(“…and also after that”)
A Scriptural and logical attempt to discover the identity of the sons of God in Genesis 6
By Dr. Paul Fedena
“There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that…” Gen. 6:4
TEXT: Genesis 6:1-7:16
INTRO.:
A. Who were the “sons of God in the days of Noah?” Were they simply “believers” in the line of godly Seth or were they fallen angels who “kept not their first estate” and went after “strange flesh”?
B. There are good and godly men on both sides of this controversy. I have decided on the basis of what follows, to side with those who teach that they were fallen angels. Please at least give your attention to the Scripture and study this subject with an open Bible and an open mind.
C. It is interesting, regardless of who you think these “sons of God” were, that their offspring were “giants…” and that God decided to destroy the earth by a worldwide flood because of whatever took place at that time. If they were simply believers cohabiting with unbelievers why doesn’t God respond in the same way in other ages when believers marry unbelievers?.......
TEXT: Genesis 6:1-7:16
INTRO.:
A. Who were the “sons of God in the days of Noah?” Were they simply “believers” in the line of godly Seth or were they fallen angels who “kept not their first estate” and went after “strange flesh”?
B. There are good and godly men on both sides of this controversy. I have decided on the basis of what follows, to side with those who teach that they were fallen angels. Please at least give your attention to the Scripture and study this subject with an open Bible and an open mind.
C. It is interesting, regardless of who you think these “sons of God” were, that their offspring were “giants…” and that God decided to destroy the earth by a worldwide flood because of whatever took place at that time. If they were simply believers cohabiting with unbelievers why doesn’t God respond in the same way in other ages when believers marry unbelievers?.......
|
|
SEVEN SUPERLATIVES ON THE SAVIOR'S SUPERIORITY
TEXT: Heb.1:1-3
INTRO.:
A. To maintain a balance in my preaching & teaching I must preach messages & teach lessons which instruct, inspire, reprove,
rebuke, encourage, exhort, break & build. Tonight I just want to exalt our Savior! "Let's just praise the Lord..."
B. "Who is this King or glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory." Ps.24:10
Who is this One about Whom we speak in Seven Superlatives? Who is this one Who is superior to all others?
QUOTE: MacArthur, Hebrews, p.9,10 "Someone has said that Jesus Christ came from the bosom of the Father to the bosom of a woman. He put on humanity that we might put on divinity. He became Son of Man that we might become sons of God. He was born contrary to the laws of nature, lived in poverty, was reared in obscurity, and only once crossed the boundary of the land in which He was born and that in His childhood. He had no wealth or influence & had neither training or education in the world's schools. His relatives were inconspicuous & uninfluential. In infancy He startled a king. In boyhood He puzzled the learned doctors. In manhood He ruled the course of nature. He walked upon the billows & hushed the sea to sleep. He healed the multitudes without medicine & made no charge for His services. He never wrote a book & yet all the libraries of the world could not hold the books about Him. He never wrote a song, yet He has furnished the theme for more songs than all the songwriters together. (How many songs have you heard about Buddha, Mohammad, Joseph Smith, et.al.?! – P.F.) He never founded a college, yet all the schools together cannot boast of as many students as He has. He never practiced medicine & yet He has healed more broken hearts than all the doctors have healed broken bodies. This Jesus Christ is the star of astronomy, the rock of geology, the lion & the lamb of zoology, the harmonizer of all discords, and the healer of all diseases. Throughout history great men have come & gone, yet He lives on. Herod could not kill Him. Satan could not seduce Him, Death could not destroy Him & the grave could not hold Him." (I don’t agree with MacArthur on many things but this statement is wonderful and Biblical, unlike his statements on Christ’s blood on the cross not capable of saving anyone. – P.F.)
TRANS.: Perhaps no 2 verses of Scripture says as much about Him as the verses of our text which present...
SEVEN SUPERLATIVES ON THE SAVIOR'S SUPERIORITY...
TEXT: Heb.1:1-3
INTRO.:
A. To maintain a balance in my preaching & teaching I must preach messages & teach lessons which instruct, inspire, reprove,
rebuke, encourage, exhort, break & build. Tonight I just want to exalt our Savior! "Let's just praise the Lord..."
B. "Who is this King or glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory." Ps.24:10
Who is this One about Whom we speak in Seven Superlatives? Who is this one Who is superior to all others?
QUOTE: MacArthur, Hebrews, p.9,10 "Someone has said that Jesus Christ came from the bosom of the Father to the bosom of a woman. He put on humanity that we might put on divinity. He became Son of Man that we might become sons of God. He was born contrary to the laws of nature, lived in poverty, was reared in obscurity, and only once crossed the boundary of the land in which He was born and that in His childhood. He had no wealth or influence & had neither training or education in the world's schools. His relatives were inconspicuous & uninfluential. In infancy He startled a king. In boyhood He puzzled the learned doctors. In manhood He ruled the course of nature. He walked upon the billows & hushed the sea to sleep. He healed the multitudes without medicine & made no charge for His services. He never wrote a book & yet all the libraries of the world could not hold the books about Him. He never wrote a song, yet He has furnished the theme for more songs than all the songwriters together. (How many songs have you heard about Buddha, Mohammad, Joseph Smith, et.al.?! – P.F.) He never founded a college, yet all the schools together cannot boast of as many students as He has. He never practiced medicine & yet He has healed more broken hearts than all the doctors have healed broken bodies. This Jesus Christ is the star of astronomy, the rock of geology, the lion & the lamb of zoology, the harmonizer of all discords, and the healer of all diseases. Throughout history great men have come & gone, yet He lives on. Herod could not kill Him. Satan could not seduce Him, Death could not destroy Him & the grave could not hold Him." (I don’t agree with MacArthur on many things but this statement is wonderful and Biblical, unlike his statements on Christ’s blood on the cross not capable of saving anyone. – P.F.)
TRANS.: Perhaps no 2 verses of Scripture says as much about Him as the verses of our text which present...
SEVEN SUPERLATIVES ON THE SAVIOR'S SUPERIORITY...
|
|
SOME THINGS I LEARNED TOO LATE - P. Fedena
TEXT: 2 Tim.4:6-8
INTRO.:
A. Paul the Apostle looked back over his life since being saved & over all evaluated it as positive. I am sure if he had his life to live over he would have done some things differently, e.g., he would have gotten saved earlier, he would have avoided going up to Jerusalem against the Holy Spirit’s leading, etc. But he looks back with joy for his service & ministry & expects a reward for his faithfulness.
B. As we read the Scriptures we can easily look at the lives of the men & women on its pages & see their successes & failures & hopefully learn from them. Tonite I want to look back with you over my life & ministry & help you to learn from my successes & failures as well. There are “SOME THINGS I LEARNED TOO LATE” that may help you to know about. Perhaps you can correct these things in your own life & never have to look back w/regret.
ADDED NOTE: In the text passage above I find myself: “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand...” (At this writing I am now 87 years old...)
C. My job as Pastor is to prepare you for the Judgment Seat of Christ. If what I have learned (often the hard way) can help you to avoid my mistakes, praise the Lord. The purpose of this message is to edify you, i.e., build you up. I can’t change my mistakes or go back & erase the errors, but maybe I can save you some heartache & grief down the road & especially when you stand before the Savior.
TEXT: 2 Tim.4:6-8
INTRO.:
A. Paul the Apostle looked back over his life since being saved & over all evaluated it as positive. I am sure if he had his life to live over he would have done some things differently, e.g., he would have gotten saved earlier, he would have avoided going up to Jerusalem against the Holy Spirit’s leading, etc. But he looks back with joy for his service & ministry & expects a reward for his faithfulness.
B. As we read the Scriptures we can easily look at the lives of the men & women on its pages & see their successes & failures & hopefully learn from them. Tonite I want to look back with you over my life & ministry & help you to learn from my successes & failures as well. There are “SOME THINGS I LEARNED TOO LATE” that may help you to know about. Perhaps you can correct these things in your own life & never have to look back w/regret.
ADDED NOTE: In the text passage above I find myself: “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand...” (At this writing I am now 87 years old...)
C. My job as Pastor is to prepare you for the Judgment Seat of Christ. If what I have learned (often the hard way) can help you to avoid my mistakes, praise the Lord. The purpose of this message is to edify you, i.e., build you up. I can’t change my mistakes or go back & erase the errors, but maybe I can save you some heartache & grief down the road & especially when you stand before the Savior.
TRANS.: Curtis Hutson wrote a book titled: “Some Things I Have Learned.” I want to preach a message from my experience titled: “SOME THINGS I LEARNED TOO LATE”...
(continue reading)
(continue reading)
|
|
THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION 2 & 3
By Dr. Paul Fedena
NOTE: A church judged by its buildings or the crowds which attend may result in a poor evaluation. The large crowds (think charismatic churches, or a Billy Graham crusade, or a Vatican Papal audience), and beautiful buildings (think the Mormon Tabernacle, the Vatican, a Benny Hinn Crusade in a large stadium) may house deadness, while a small unimposing building and a small crowd may be a church which is very much alive. What we see as “rich” may be poor to the Lord and what we may see as “poor” may indeed be rich in God’s sight.
The next two chapters portray Christ as giving an “X-ray” of seven churches. We know that these are seven literal churches in Asia Minor, but it seems as though there is much more here than an evaluation of seven local assemblies of long ago. While it is no doubt true that these seven churches existed and were the original recipients of this letter, there seems to be a much broader message intended for a much larger audience. In fact, it seems more than coincidental that the characteristics of these seven churches so neatly portray seven periods of church history. There is a message here for the original congregations, and a message as well for the church in every part of the church age.
More...
The next two chapters portray Christ as giving an “X-ray” of seven churches. We know that these are seven literal churches in Asia Minor, but it seems as though there is much more here than an evaluation of seven local assemblies of long ago. While it is no doubt true that these seven churches existed and were the original recipients of this letter, there seems to be a much broader message intended for a much larger audience. In fact, it seems more than coincidental that the characteristics of these seven churches so neatly portray seven periods of church history. There is a message here for the original congregations, and a message as well for the church in every part of the church age.
More...
|
|
LOST CHURCH MEMBERS!
TEXT: Titus 1:16
THESIS: To wake up & shake up those who have professed faith, w/out truly being saved.
INTRO.:
A. Our text is shocking! It speaks of those who “profess to know God, but in works deny Him...” Does this describe YOU? It surely describes (Your Church Name here) - LOST CHURCH MEMBERS!”
B. B.R. Lakin used to say that 75% of those attending Bible-believing churches were lost. Dr. A.W. Tozer said: “Among evangelical churches probably no more than one out of ten know anything experientially about the new birth.” Dr. A.W. Criswell said that he would be surprised to meet 25% of his members in heaven. Dr. Bob Gray estimated that 75% of those he baptized were not saved! One evangelist, Carl Woodbury, declared that 40 – 50% of professing Christians are lost. Dr. Monroe Parker stated: “If we could get half the church members saved, we would see a great revival.” Pastor Carl LoTurco says that one major problem is that as pastors we are attempting to disciple unsaved church members – an impossibility! Another author wrote: “The greatest field for evangelism today, and in the days ahead, is among church members.” Someone declared the Church is like the Titanic: “large, elegant & sinking fast.”
TRANS.: The question is: What’s wrong? The answer is that we have emphasized “decisions” over the new birth, numbers over
salvation, & filled pews over changed lives. What a horrible thing to sit in a fundamental, Bible-believing church for years & die & wake up in hell! We need to reexamine what the Bible teaches about legitimate salvation. What is it? and Do we have it? Or are YOU one of the many LOST CHURCH MEMBERS!?”
TEXT: Titus 1:16
THESIS: To wake up & shake up those who have professed faith, w/out truly being saved.
INTRO.:
A. Our text is shocking! It speaks of those who “profess to know God, but in works deny Him...” Does this describe YOU? It surely describes (Your Church Name here) - LOST CHURCH MEMBERS!”
B. B.R. Lakin used to say that 75% of those attending Bible-believing churches were lost. Dr. A.W. Tozer said: “Among evangelical churches probably no more than one out of ten know anything experientially about the new birth.” Dr. A.W. Criswell said that he would be surprised to meet 25% of his members in heaven. Dr. Bob Gray estimated that 75% of those he baptized were not saved! One evangelist, Carl Woodbury, declared that 40 – 50% of professing Christians are lost. Dr. Monroe Parker stated: “If we could get half the church members saved, we would see a great revival.” Pastor Carl LoTurco says that one major problem is that as pastors we are attempting to disciple unsaved church members – an impossibility! Another author wrote: “The greatest field for evangelism today, and in the days ahead, is among church members.” Someone declared the Church is like the Titanic: “large, elegant & sinking fast.”
TRANS.: The question is: What’s wrong? The answer is that we have emphasized “decisions” over the new birth, numbers over
salvation, & filled pews over changed lives. What a horrible thing to sit in a fundamental, Bible-believing church for years & die & wake up in hell! We need to reexamine what the Bible teaches about legitimate salvation. What is it? and Do we have it? Or are YOU one of the many LOST CHURCH MEMBERS!?”
|
|
HOW TO DIE YOUNGER OR LIVE LONGER
TEXT: Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
THESIS: To reveal principles in God’s Word which enable one to live longer & enjoy a better quality of life.
INTRO.:
A. It is amazing that people will do almost anything to live longer & healthier - except claim the guarantees God gives in His Word. When the former Queen Elizabeth was dying she said: “I would give all my wealth & position for one small extension of time.”
B. According to Scripture we have a fixed & pre-determined life span, but God permits us to shorten our lives by hours, days or even years by disregarding CERTAIN PRINCIPLES in His Word. He fixes the “outer limits” - we determine the “inner limits” by our obedience to those principles
.
ILLUS.: The book of Deuteronomy was written for Israel, but the PRINCIPLES there are for us as well. They were written for our “admonition & learning.” The interpretation was for Israel, the application is for us.
TRANS.: What I will share w/you today is better than pills, needles, vitamins (even Shaklee – remember that?!), articles in Reader’s Digest on longevity, or any other method, device or information from any other source. I am going to tell you
“HOW TO DIE YOUNGER OR LIVE LONGER”...
TEXT: Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
THESIS: To reveal principles in God’s Word which enable one to live longer & enjoy a better quality of life.
INTRO.:
A. It is amazing that people will do almost anything to live longer & healthier - except claim the guarantees God gives in His Word. When the former Queen Elizabeth was dying she said: “I would give all my wealth & position for one small extension of time.”
B. According to Scripture we have a fixed & pre-determined life span, but God permits us to shorten our lives by hours, days or even years by disregarding CERTAIN PRINCIPLES in His Word. He fixes the “outer limits” - we determine the “inner limits” by our obedience to those principles
.
ILLUS.: The book of Deuteronomy was written for Israel, but the PRINCIPLES there are for us as well. They were written for our “admonition & learning.” The interpretation was for Israel, the application is for us.
TRANS.: What I will share w/you today is better than pills, needles, vitamins (even Shaklee – remember that?!), articles in Reader’s Digest on longevity, or any other method, device or information from any other source. I am going to tell you
“HOW TO DIE YOUNGER OR LIVE LONGER”...
|
|
LOAVES, FISHES & LOST SOULS
TEXT: Mk. 8:1-9 (Please read this passage before proceeding)
THESIS: To apply the principles of the feeding of the 4000 to the need to reach the lost around the world.
INTRO.:
A. This is Jesus’ second miracle of feeding thousands with a meager supply of fish and bread. He knew that skeptics would deny His miracles so He performed this fantastic feat on two separate occasions. He had thousands of witnesses because He wanted to be sure that no one could continue in unbelief and go to hell unless they leaped over wall after wall of proven facts.
B. His feeding multitudes with bread and fish which seemed impossible demonstrated how He can save a lost world with a seemingly impossible measure of wonderful mercy and grace. We may never understand how Jesus multiplied the elements in the hands of the disciples, nor may we ever understand how He can dispense mercy and grace to the vilest of sinners through us, but He can and does!
C. Just as He used His disciples to satisfy the physical needs of multitudes with their meager supply, so too He wants to use us who are still in the flesh, and with very little to offer humanly speaking, to satisfy the spiritual needs of a lost world.
TEXT: Mk. 8:1-9 (Please read this passage before proceeding)
THESIS: To apply the principles of the feeding of the 4000 to the need to reach the lost around the world.
INTRO.:
A. This is Jesus’ second miracle of feeding thousands with a meager supply of fish and bread. He knew that skeptics would deny His miracles so He performed this fantastic feat on two separate occasions. He had thousands of witnesses because He wanted to be sure that no one could continue in unbelief and go to hell unless they leaped over wall after wall of proven facts.
B. His feeding multitudes with bread and fish which seemed impossible demonstrated how He can save a lost world with a seemingly impossible measure of wonderful mercy and grace. We may never understand how Jesus multiplied the elements in the hands of the disciples, nor may we ever understand how He can dispense mercy and grace to the vilest of sinners through us, but He can and does!
C. Just as He used His disciples to satisfy the physical needs of multitudes with their meager supply, so too He wants to use us who are still in the flesh, and with very little to offer humanly speaking, to satisfy the spiritual needs of a lost world.
|
|
THESIS: To show that Satan delights when God’s children fall.
INTRO.:
A. In our text Satan is portrayed as a “roaring lion.” Elsewhere he characterized as a “an angel of light” (counterfeiter), a “serpent” (subtle), and a “dragon” (hideous and powerful). But here he is called “the devil” (accuser, deceiver), “adversary” (opponent), and “roaring lion.”
B. A lion breaks the silence of the jungle at night (under cover of darkness) when he has successfully killed his prey. He stands over his victim and roars. The devil is “as a roaring lion” i.e., he roars every time he is victorious over his prey – the believer. Matthew Henry says this “roaring lion” is “hungry, fierce, strong & cruel – the fierce and greedy pursuer of our souls.” He wants to have dominion over us so he can roar in victory.
TRANS.: The believer is to know how to stand against the “wiles of the devil.” (Eph. 6:11) The Greek word for “wiles” is “methodia” from which we get our word method. We are to be aware of the devil’s methodology so he is not victorious over us. His main weapons or “wiles” to bring down Christians (including and maybe even especially preachers), are sex, pride, & money. There are numerous examples in Scripture, but we will limit our examination to three men today...
~ Paul Fedena ~
INTRO.:
A. In our text Satan is portrayed as a “roaring lion.” Elsewhere he characterized as a “an angel of light” (counterfeiter), a “serpent” (subtle), and a “dragon” (hideous and powerful). But here he is called “the devil” (accuser, deceiver), “adversary” (opponent), and “roaring lion.”
B. A lion breaks the silence of the jungle at night (under cover of darkness) when he has successfully killed his prey. He stands over his victim and roars. The devil is “as a roaring lion” i.e., he roars every time he is victorious over his prey – the believer. Matthew Henry says this “roaring lion” is “hungry, fierce, strong & cruel – the fierce and greedy pursuer of our souls.” He wants to have dominion over us so he can roar in victory.
TRANS.: The believer is to know how to stand against the “wiles of the devil.” (Eph. 6:11) The Greek word for “wiles” is “methodia” from which we get our word method. We are to be aware of the devil’s methodology so he is not victorious over us. His main weapons or “wiles” to bring down Christians (including and maybe even especially preachers), are sex, pride, & money. There are numerous examples in Scripture, but we will limit our examination to three men today...
~ Paul Fedena ~
|
|
The question that needs to be addressed is not if the KJB is superior to the Greek and Hebrew but if God kept His promise to preserve His Word and words? If so, are they only preserved in the long gone autographs? Where are they? Are they up in Heaven as those who hold that position say? Did he preserve errors? (I don't believe that God is in the business of preserving errors.) If so, where are they? If not, then we don't have an "every word" Bible Jesus spoke of in Mt.4:4 & Luke 4:4. Was he just
kidding? In John 6:63 Jesus said His words (even He didn't have the originals) were spirit and life (are the words in a KJB "spirit and life"?) and Peter said we can only be born again by incorruptible seed - not corrupted seed. Peter didn't have the originals either. Does that mean that I may not be born again via a corrupted (KJ) Bible. Where are the errors in a KJB - might they affect my salvation or security?
kidding? In John 6:63 Jesus said His words (even He didn't have the originals) were spirit and life (are the words in a KJB "spirit and life"?) and Peter said we can only be born again by incorruptible seed - not corrupted seed. Peter didn't have the originals either. Does that mean that I may not be born again via a corrupted (KJ) Bible. Where are the errors in a KJB - might they affect my salvation or security?
|
|
THESIS: To show that for the believer trials and battles not only bring tears but blessings.
INTRO.:
A. While on his way to battle the Philistines, a lion crosses Samson’s path. It was a “young lion” i.e., it was in the prime of its life and strength. But Samson too is in the prime of his life and besides - “the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him” - and he was able to kill the wild beast. Later when he passes by that dead carcass, he sees that a swarm of bees has deposited a treasure of honey inside. He not only eats of that honey, but shares it with his parents. Here is a wonderful picture of strength distributing weakness.
ILLUS.: When believers savor a victory they should share that with others. As Samson stood with the honey in his hands, sharing it with others, so we should share the victories won in spiritual battles with all who are dear to us. With the sweet victory or “honey in our hands” we should offer it to others declaring “O taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.”
B. In Samson we have both a picture of the victorious Savior, offering His sweetness of His salvation and satisfaction to the world, but also a picture of the victorious saint, offering the sweetness of the Savior to others, showing that battles bring blessings and that “LIONS & HONEY” go together.
INTRO.:
A. While on his way to battle the Philistines, a lion crosses Samson’s path. It was a “young lion” i.e., it was in the prime of its life and strength. But Samson too is in the prime of his life and besides - “the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him” - and he was able to kill the wild beast. Later when he passes by that dead carcass, he sees that a swarm of bees has deposited a treasure of honey inside. He not only eats of that honey, but shares it with his parents. Here is a wonderful picture of strength distributing weakness.
ILLUS.: When believers savor a victory they should share that with others. As Samson stood with the honey in his hands, sharing it with others, so we should share the victories won in spiritual battles with all who are dear to us. With the sweet victory or “honey in our hands” we should offer it to others declaring “O taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.”
B. In Samson we have both a picture of the victorious Savior, offering His sweetness of His salvation and satisfaction to the world, but also a picture of the victorious saint, offering the sweetness of the Savior to others, showing that battles bring blessings and that “LIONS & HONEY” go together.
|
|
THESIS: To point out the problem of "Preacher Burnout" & the biblical RX for avoiding it.
A. During the 40 yrs of Moses leadership of Israel in the Wilderness years, we regularly read of the people murmuring against God or God's man. Then we see either God threatening to kill the people with Moses interceding or Moses asking God to kill the people with God cooling Moses off.
B. In this chapter, Moses & the Lord are angry with the people (v.10) & Moses is praying for God to kill HIM! (v.15) He has reached the stage of "PASTORAL BURNOUT."
ILLUS.: Have YOU ever been there? Maybe you haven't asked God to kill you, perhaps you have asked him to chasten the people or asked for God to call you to a place where the people appreciated you more. Or maybe you asked God to call you to some foreign mission field where people flock to take tracts, Bibles & walk miles & sit for hours to hear preaching. Or maybe you asked God to take you out of the ministry or even to speed up His timetable for the Rapture!?!?
C. But God didn't kill ALL the people. And God didn't kill Moses. In fact Moses survived his bout with "PASTORAL BURNOUT" for he continued to lead the people into the Promised Land for about 38 more years.
A. During the 40 yrs of Moses leadership of Israel in the Wilderness years, we regularly read of the people murmuring against God or God's man. Then we see either God threatening to kill the people with Moses interceding or Moses asking God to kill the people with God cooling Moses off.
B. In this chapter, Moses & the Lord are angry with the people (v.10) & Moses is praying for God to kill HIM! (v.15) He has reached the stage of "PASTORAL BURNOUT."
ILLUS.: Have YOU ever been there? Maybe you haven't asked God to kill you, perhaps you have asked him to chasten the people or asked for God to call you to a place where the people appreciated you more. Or maybe you asked God to call you to some foreign mission field where people flock to take tracts, Bibles & walk miles & sit for hours to hear preaching. Or maybe you asked God to take you out of the ministry or even to speed up His timetable for the Rapture!?!?
C. But God didn't kill ALL the people. And God didn't kill Moses. In fact Moses survived his bout with "PASTORAL BURNOUT" for he continued to lead the people into the Promised Land for about 38 more years.
|
|
In the early church salvation wasn’t just an individual thing, it was a community thing! v.44 “And all that believed were together and had all things common.” Then things began to deteriorate. In Acts 6 the “widows were neglected...”
Something had to be done.
1. They Leadership was sensitive to the problem & took immediate action. Acts 6:2,3
2. They set priorities (the Word & prayer could not be neglected). v.4
3. They chose servants – helpers are a part of the solution. v.3
4. Their solution built unity: “The saying pleased the whole multitude.” Acts 6:5
5. Then there was a fresh reception to God’s Word; more converts resulted! 6:7
Notice that the outcome of solving this problem wasn’t a new “outreach” or soul-winning program. It was a “ministry” begun. They got personal with people. It isn’t about programs, it’s about people. Sometimes our Outreach gets in the way of our Ministry! Soul-winning and outreach programs should not be put on the back burner, but ministry will give more results.
~ Paul Fedena ~
Something had to be done.
1. They Leadership was sensitive to the problem & took immediate action. Acts 6:2,3
2. They set priorities (the Word & prayer could not be neglected). v.4
3. They chose servants – helpers are a part of the solution. v.3
4. Their solution built unity: “The saying pleased the whole multitude.” Acts 6:5
5. Then there was a fresh reception to God’s Word; more converts resulted! 6:7
Notice that the outcome of solving this problem wasn’t a new “outreach” or soul-winning program. It was a “ministry” begun. They got personal with people. It isn’t about programs, it’s about people. Sometimes our Outreach gets in the way of our Ministry! Soul-winning and outreach programs should not be put on the back burner, but ministry will give more results.
~ Paul Fedena ~
|
|
A. The 7 churches of Rev.2, 3 to which John wrote are historically & prophetically, as well doctrinally significant. Historically they are 7 local churches in Asia Minor who are commended & condemned as needed by John. Doctrinally they address many of the faults, failures & successes of any church. Prophetically they speak of the history of the church age, with the last church - Laodicea - being representative of the days just before the Savior returns. The time is now! We live in the Laodicean age.
B. The message is simple: “YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIVE LIKE A LAODICEAN” (JUST BECAUSE YOU LIVE IN THE LAODICEAN AGE)! We should not either repeat the faults & failures of others in the past nor should we ignore the faults & failures predicted of the church today! YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE LUKEWARM! v.14-16
~ Paul Fedena ~
B. The message is simple: “YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIVE LIKE A LAODICEAN” (JUST BECAUSE YOU LIVE IN THE LAODICEAN AGE)! We should not either repeat the faults & failures of others in the past nor should we ignore the faults & failures predicted of the church today! YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE LUKEWARM! v.14-16
~ Paul Fedena ~
|
In our visitors packets we advertise that we believe in “THE BOOK, THE BLOOD & THE BLESSED HOPE.” These are
foundational doctrines or landmark beliefs. All true Bible-believers have these doctrines as their bedrock, foundational beliefs. I dare say that you cannot be a Bible believer without a correct position on these 3 key issues. Every once in a while I just need to reaffirm where I stand & where our church stands on these & other key doctrines. It is exciting to review our position & to re-examine our doctrine. We just need to drag out our banner & wave & cheer & clap & shout over what we believe God wants us to believe. I do so tonight w/out apology & I do so with genuine enthusiasm. ILLUS.: Just like a grandparent or parent who drags out pictures of their children or grandchildren at the slightest opportunity and brags on them, we as believers ought never to grow weary on dragging out our beliefs & bragging on them! ~ Paul Fedena ~ |
|
|
|
Let me tell you who I am (and who you should be). I AM A BIBLE BELIEVER, first.
Then I am a CHRISTIAN, then I am a FUNDAMENTALIST (which means I am also a SEPARATIST). Because of who I am I HATE THE DEVIL! Which means I am against tobacco, liquor, dope, Hollywood, dirty Broadway plays, gambling, homosexuality, bisexuality, bestiality, rock and rap music! I AM A BIBLE BELIEVER! I am against Jesse Jackson, Latoya Jackson, & Janet Jackson! ( I haven’t made up my mind about Mahalia Jackson.) [I am FOR Stonewall Jackson and Andrew Jackson]! I AM A BIBLE BELIEVING CHRISTIAN, FUNDAMENTALIST AND SEPARATIST! I HATE THE DEVIL!
~ Paul Fedena ~
Then I am a CHRISTIAN, then I am a FUNDAMENTALIST (which means I am also a SEPARATIST). Because of who I am I HATE THE DEVIL! Which means I am against tobacco, liquor, dope, Hollywood, dirty Broadway plays, gambling, homosexuality, bisexuality, bestiality, rock and rap music! I AM A BIBLE BELIEVER! I am against Jesse Jackson, Latoya Jackson, & Janet Jackson! ( I haven’t made up my mind about Mahalia Jackson.) [I am FOR Stonewall Jackson and Andrew Jackson]! I AM A BIBLE BELIEVING CHRISTIAN, FUNDAMENTALIST AND SEPARATIST! I HATE THE DEVIL!
~ Paul Fedena ~
|
Do your problems drive you farther from the Lord or do they serve to cement your relationship? Do negative circumstances (loss of a loved one, a wayward child, financial setbacks, serious illness, etc.) drive you to backsliding or drive you to your knees?
David has experienced God's chastening, he is on the run, he is physically fatigued & emotionally drained, but his spirit is still strong. He has not given up on God. "His trials only came to make him strong." David was still trusting - in his trials. He is "GLUED TO GOD!" - 2 Samuel 17:1-23 TRANS.: Meanwhile, back at the palace, plans for David's death are being laid. Where is God? Absalom is seated on the royal throne. He has just physically ravished David's wives at the traitorous Ahithophel's counsel. But the crown rests uneasily on his head as long as David still lives, so he seeks more counsel... ~ Paul Fedena ~ |
|
|
God’s Word is likened to food in the Bible. The children of Israel ate a nutritious diet of perfect food called Manna, which is a picture of God’s Word, called the Bread of God. Jeremiah declared: “Thy words were found and I did eat them.” Jer. 15:16 The Psalmist said that God’s words were “sweeter than honey in the honeycomb.” Ps. 19:10 But today the new versions delete words, verses, whole passages and doctrines so that there is an absence of spiritual food in the land and “THE FAMINE HAS BEGUN!”...
NOTE: We are often told that certain doctrines are missing in the new versions in some places, but are included elsewhere. In some cases that is true, but who gives anyone permission to remove doctrines anywhere God has spoken? The trick they use is called “dynamic equivalency” – “We (the scholars) will tell you what God meant to say, instead of translating what He said!" ~ Paul Fedena ~ |
|
|
Israel had miraculously crossed the Red Sea (a picture of salvation) & after 40 years in the wilderness of Sin (!), they have now crossed over Jordan (a picture of the Spirit-filled life). But Joshua’s statement Joshua 18:3 is an indictment against their complacency & slackness. No longer meeting w/any open opposition, they had settled down to rest, though more than 1⁄2 of the nation had not obtained their inheritance.
How like those today in the church who think that because they are on the safe side of salvation & have entered into a portion of the blessings of God can now sit back & relax. ~ Paul Fedena ~ |
|
|
We are against “Lordship Salvation” but we are for making Christ the Lord of our life. In fact you may be a Christian, but you are not a good Christian unless He is the Lord of your life. (Since the Bible speaks of “carnal” Christians and “baby believers it is obvious that not all Christians have made Him Lord.)
Christians shouldn’t have to be badgered to serve the Lord after what He did for them. Soldiers don’t question orders, they just say “Yes, sir!” A SUBJECT IS WILLING! ~ Paul Fedena ~ |
|
|
The service you or your child misses could be the one God wanted to use to change your or his direction, change a life, win a victory, etc.
Good soldiers KEEP RANK in heat, cold, rain, sun, snow, blow, sniffles, colds, fevers, wounds, backaches, heartaches, etc. KEEP RANK! The Commander is counting on YOU! Our Commander-in-Chief is coming soon to inspect the troops. KEEP RANK! “It is required of a steward that he be found (happy, bubbly, tingly, satisfied, contented...NO!)...FAITHFUL!! KEEP RANK!! ~ Paul Fedena ~ |
|
|
Every time God is about to do something special for His people or take them where they have never been, He commands them to “sanctify (clean) themselves!” Literally this meant for them to wash their bodies, put on clean garments, etc. It was a symbolic act of inward cleansing. Before God manifests Himself to His people, He wants them clean. Before He will do great miracles for them, He wants them clean. Before He would provide for them, He wants them clean. Before He would give them victory, He wants them clean.
Before he would send revival, He wants them clean. The command is always “sanctify yourselves!” ~ Paul Fedena ~ |
|
|
According to v.1 of this chapter these are “the last words of David...” It is significant that as he passes off the scene he decides to honor the 3 men in our text. - (2 Samuel 23)
Today I want to single out one of these 3 mighty men and the quality that separates him from all others in David’s army. It says that this man, Eleazar, though weary in battle, nevertheless decided to “HOLD ON TO THE SWORD!” until the victory was won. It says that because of his refusal to let go of the sword, that “...the Lord wrought a great victory that day.” This man exhibited the characteristics of diligence and persistence in times of trial which is an example to us today. But the Bible also states that “...his hand was weary.” It is what we do in weakness, that will make or break us, not what we do in times of strength. The “real man” does not stand on the Mt. top when God’s power is on him, but in the valley when he is at his lowest ebb. ~ Paul Fedena ~ |
Helps for the Pastor and his Church - Paul Fedena
|
|
Because of the wimps of Christianity like Norman Vincent Peale, the average person in America thinks that becoming a Christian means the end of all woes & trouble. Paul presented the Christian life as warfare! (I find Peale appalling & Paul appealing!) Instead of a cross today, men want a couch. Instead of a battlefield men want a beauty parlor. Instead of believers being
“ARMED& DANGEROUS” they are disarmed & frivolous. As Lester Roloff said: “It’s a battlefield brother, not a recreation room, it’s fight & not a game!” ~ Paul Fedena ~ |
|
|
We have the mentality that if we do certain things, God will wink at our sin. “Well, I am a teacher, bus worker, musician, asst. pastor, deacon, preacher...so God understands my sin.” NO HE DOESN’T! Somebody says, “I am a soul-winner, so God understands my sin.” Soul-winners must stay clean just like everyone else. Your Christian service does not excuse your sin.
I heard a preacher tell about a man who was a good soul-winner in his church, but his wife walked around with a bad spirit all the time. Finally one day she went to the preacher & said: “I hate to tell you this preacher, but my husband has been beating me.” This man had over 100 on his bus regularly, but he was a low-down, dirty, sorry wife-beater! And GOD DOESN’T UNDERSTAND! Could it be that the reason there is no power & no blessing in your life, in your ministry, or in this church, is because there is unconfessed, unjudged sin in your life?! We need to deal with our sins! ~ Paul Fedena ~ |
|
|
|
“Sameness kills.”
“Variety is the spice of life.”
“Dead formalism.”
“Familiarity breeds contempt.”
“Lifeless ponds contain stagnant water.”
> We have all heard these clichés and may have even repeated them. Although they may be clichés the reason they have survived is that there is a grain of truth in them.
> Many of us have preached against ritual in churches, yet while fundamentalists do not have actual rituals we follow in our churches, it may be true that we have allowed our church service format to become ritualistic with the “same ole, same ole” every time we meet till the saints not only know what to expect next, but go “ho hum” since they know exactly what is coming.
> And while the phrase “vain repetition” is applied specifically to prayer in the Bible, may it not also be what we have allowed to happen (especially in our prayer meetings, but in other services as well)?
~ Paul Fedena ~
“Variety is the spice of life.”
“Dead formalism.”
“Familiarity breeds contempt.”
“Lifeless ponds contain stagnant water.”
> We have all heard these clichés and may have even repeated them. Although they may be clichés the reason they have survived is that there is a grain of truth in them.
> Many of us have preached against ritual in churches, yet while fundamentalists do not have actual rituals we follow in our churches, it may be true that we have allowed our church service format to become ritualistic with the “same ole, same ole” every time we meet till the saints not only know what to expect next, but go “ho hum” since they know exactly what is coming.
> And while the phrase “vain repetition” is applied specifically to prayer in the Bible, may it not also be what we have allowed to happen (especially in our prayer meetings, but in other services as well)?
~ Paul Fedena ~
|
We as preachers are command to
“feed the flock.” Thus we are guilty of starving the flock instead, if we fail to do so. As every preacher knows there are basically three types of sermons: topical, textual and expository. Often many preachers content themselves with only the first method. The topical type of preaching is the easiest to prepare; select a text, glean some supporting points and voila, you have an instant meal. (Unfortunately I have never tasted an “instant” anything that I enjoyed!) ~ Paul Fedena |
|
|
|
|
HELPS For The Pastor!
|
|
