Emory Baptist Church

Top 10 Questions about Baptism

Last Sunday morning, I shared my annual sermon on the Lord’s Supper.  As I was preparing to preach that sermon, I thought it might a good idea to preach a similar sermon on Baptism since we consider them as the two ordinances we practice at Emory Baptist Church.

 

However, if the Lord is willing, we will be back in Luke next Sunday.  Our text will be Luke 8:16-17.

 

Like we looked at the top ten questions about the Lord’s Supper last Sunday, I want to look at the top ten questions today about Baptism, and I’m going to use the term Christian Baptism.  I think it will be obvious why soon enough.

 

 

1. Is Christian Baptism required for salvation?

 

I pray that you understand that obviously here at Emory Baptist Church, we believe the answer to this is a resounding no. 

 

If baptism was required for salvation, how could Jesus say what He said to the thief on the cross?

 

Luke 23:43, 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

 

If baptism was required for salvation, why would Paul say what he said to the Corinthian Church?

 

1 Corinthians 1:17, 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

 

Therefore, and again, of course, we don’t believe that baptism is required for salvation. 

 

As I said last week, we believe that any individual and every individual is only saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

 

Ephesians 2:8-9, 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

 

 

2. Is Christian Baptism essential to obedience and right standing with the Lord Jesus?

 

Again, I think the answer to this question is obvious because of our very name.  For 100 plus years, this church has chosen to identify as a Baptist church.  Therefore, we think very highly of the act of baptism

 

So yes, we believe that every follower of Christ should be baptized. Why? 

 

Matthew 3:13-17, 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”  15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.  16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

 

Jesus was baptized, and this pleased God His Father.  Therefore, we can conclude that every follower of Christ should be baptized as well.

 

Not to do so would be disobedience.  Therefore, if you are waiting for some reason, wait no longer. 

 

Your delayed obedience is disobedience.   Choose obedience instead of disobedience today!

 

 

3. Who should be baptized?

 

At Emory Baptist Church, we believe any and every individual who has trusted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior should be baptized.  After all, we have chosen to have Baptist in our church name.

 

That includes any Catholic, any Lutheran, any Presbyterian, any Episcopalian, any Methodist or otherwise.

 

We believe that every Christian should be baptized.

 

 

4. How should every Christian be baptized?

 

The New Testament pattern and example of baptism is immersion.

 

However, let me explain how it is redundant to say baptism by immersion. 

 

In the New Testament, and using biblical language, there is a word for sprinkling.  There is a word for pouring. 

 

However, the word for immersion is baptize.  Therefore, when we say baptize, we are NOT talking about any other method except immersion. 

 

Allow me to illustrate.  If you are lover of Dr. Pepper, you recognize your favorite soft drink by its name and the color of the can and the color of the drink. 

 

If someone handed you a Dr. Thunder and told you to enjoy the Dr. Pepper you were just handed, you would think there’s no way. 

 

However, the name is similar, and the color of the can is the same, and the color of the drink is the same.

 

At Emory Baptist Church, we don’t believe sprinkling is baptism.  We believe sprinkling is sprinkling. 

 

So what are some reasons for baptism by immersion? 

 

First, Jesus was immersed.  If we want to follow His example, that example is immersion. 

 

Second, we believe that baptism should be the decision of the saved individual and not the decision of well-meaning family members including parents.

 

Third, every baptism in the New Testament is by immersion. There are no examples of sprinkling or pouring in the New Testament. 

 

Fourth and finally, an immersed body is the best picture of the death and burial of Jesus Christ and the old self.

 

Only then can an individual be a picture of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and being raised to new life.

 

 

5. What have church fathers said about immersion?

 

When I say church fathers, I’m talking about human founders of mainline denominations.

 

• Martin Luther (Father of the Lutheran Church), “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed as the word (Bible) implies and the mystery signifies.” (Luther’s Essay, “The Babylonian Captivity of the Church”)
• John Calvin (Father of the Presbyterian Church), "The word 'baptize' signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church." (Institutes of the Christian Religion, 4:15:19)
• John Wesley (Father of the Methodist Church), “Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.” (Wesley’s Explanatory Notes on the New Testament, Romans 6:4)

 

 

6. When should a new believer be baptized?

 

Again, we look to God’s Word, and the New Testament pattern is as soon as possible.

 

Acts 16:14-15, 14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.

 

Acts 16:33, 33 And he (Paul) took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.

 

Therefore, if you haven’t been baptized this morning, you are in one of three situations.

 

First, you may not have ever believed in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior because you have never been convicted that you are lost without Him.  If that is true of you, I invite you to be saved today and baptized ASAP.

 

Second, you may know that you are lost and you may know how to be saved but you haven’t acted on it.  Gamble with your eternity no more!  Be saved today and baptized ASAP.

 

Third, you may be saved and not baptized.  Remember, your delayed obedience is disobedience.  Make that commitment today and be baptized ASAP.

 

 

7. Do I become a member of EBC once I am baptized?

 

Remember, we believe that baptism is a church ordinance.  Therefore, yes, you become a member of Emory Baptist Church if we baptize you.

 

However, I do want to be fair and mention one exception.  The Ethiopian Eunuch was baptized by Phillip in Acts 8, and there doesn’t seem to be a local church involved.

 

However, this is the exception and not the rule.

 

 

8. What if I was baptized as a child or youth but wasn't saved until later?

 

That is a great question, and one that deserves an honest answer.

 

At Emory Baptist Church, not only do we want to be faithful to the New Testament example of immersion, but we also want to be faithful to the New Testament sequence of events.

 

The New Testament pattern is always believing first and baptism second.  Therefore, if you have not been baptized since you were saved, we would invite you be baptized after salvation in what we often call believer's baptism.

 

 

9. What if I was sprinkled as an infant?

 

Again, that is a great question, and one that deserves an honest answer. 

 

Since our final authority is God’s Word, we look again to the New Testament.  The New Testament pattern is immersion after salvation.

 

That’s why in order to join EBC, an individual must be immersed after salvation.

 

That’s also why salvation and baptized by immersion is implied when we take the Lord’s Supper.

 

 

10. When does EBC baptize?

 

EBC baptizes at the beginning of our Sunday AM and Sunday PM worship services.

 

However, we will baptize at the most convenient time for person being baptized.

Found Useful in Christ

8 Ears and 4 Hearts

For the next two Sundays in our study of Luke’s gospel, we will look at two parables that Jesus told in Luke 8.  Today, I want to share a message with you entitled, 8 Ears and 4 Hearts.

 

A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.  In other words, Jesus often told a story with familiar characters and objects in order to illustrate a spiritual truth.

 

Your Bible probably calls today’s text the parable of the sower.  However, I think a more accurate title is the parable of the soils, and it has to do with farming and would have made much sense to first-century Palestinians and especially those who farmed.

 

 

1. The Parable Described, Luke 8:4-8

4 And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable: 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. 8 But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.” When He had said these things He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” 

 

Verse 4 tells us that a large crowd was coming together to hear and see Jesus.  They must have heard about His healings and miracles. 

 

Keep in mind that this crowd was made up of a lot of different people and different kinds of people.  Some would be receptive to Jesus.  Others would not.

 

Verse 4 says that Jesus spoke a parable to this great multitude.  He spoke to them an earthly story that had a heavenly or spiritual meaning.  The good news about this parable is that Jesus told the parable and explained the parable. 

 

Verse 5 say that the sower went out to sow his seed.  In this first century culture, the farmers sowed first and plowed second. 

 

Picture this farmer with a pouch draped over his shoulder.  Sowing was doing between October and December since the harvest came around June. 

 

He would take a handful of seed and broadcast the seed from left to right or right to left.  Obviously, seed cast in broadcast form would land on multiple types of soil.

 

Some fell on the road or path that was hard and had been trampled down.  Therefore, it served as bird feed. 

 

Other seed fell on rocky soil.  This was soil with a thin layer of top soil but rocks underneath.  This seed grew fast but soon died for lack of water. 

 

Other seed fell into the thorns or weeds.  It was choked out.

 

Finally, some seed fell on good soil.  It grew and produced fruit. 

 

By the way, that is purpose of planting seed right?  If no fruit or crop is produced, the plant is dead. 

 

In verse 8, after Jesus finished the parable, He said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”  In other words, if you can understand the parable, that is great. 

 

Understand it and apply it to your life.  Hear and do.

 

 

2. The Parable’s Desire, Luke 8:9-10

9 Then His disciples asked Him, saying, “What does this parable mean?”  10 And He said, “To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that ‘Seeing they may not see, And hearing they may not understand.’

 

In verse 9, Jesus’ disciples asked about the meaning of this parable.  His answer is verse 10.

 

He gave two desires of any parable.  The parable will reveal, or the parable will conceal. 

 

To the disciples, the parable was meant to reveal the mysteries of the kingdom of God.  The parable was meant to explain the secrets or hidden truths about salvation. 

 

However, for the rest, the parable was meant to conceal.  The parable’s desire was convict or judge the hearer. 

 

In verse 10, He quoted Isaiah 6:9-10.  The Lord sent Isaiah to unbelieving and rebellious Israel to preach to them, and even though they saw, they didn’t see.  Even though they heard, they didn’t understand. 

 

In the crowd that day, there were those that had already made up their minds that Jesus was not the promised Messiah.  He spoke in a parable to judge them. 

 

They saw Him, but they didn’t understand.  They heard Him, but they didn’t understand.  This parable concealed truth from them because they had already rejected Him. 

 

 

3. The Parable Disclosed, Luke 8:11-15

11 “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13 But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. 14 Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. 15 But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.

 

Evidently, Jesus’ disciples were looking for a fuller explanation.  The seed is the word of God preached.  In that day, the sower was Jesus.  Today, it is anyone who preaches or shares the gospel. 

 

The first soil can be likened to a heart that is subverted by a predator.  The gospel is preached or shared, but before it takes root, they devil steals the seed and prevents these individuals from believing and beings saved.  An example would be the Pharisees.

 

The second soil can be likened to a heart that succumbs to problems.  Look at verse 13.  The gospel is received initially with joy, but it is not cultivated and gives way to temptations or trials or distress or problems. 

 

These folks begin following Jesus so enthusiastically, but appear to fall away when they experience difficulties.  An example of this second set of ears and second heart maybe those who came to Jesus excited about His miracles of healing but didn’t for long.

 

The third soil can be likened to a heart that surrenders to pleasures.  Verse 14 says the seed or gospel is received but instead of surrendering to the word of God, this heart surrenders to the cares or riches or pleasures of this life. 

 

Following Jesus was going to cost them too much.  These individuals were dooped into thinking that Jesus wasn’t worth it.  An example of this third set of ears and third heart would be the Rich, Young Ruler.

 

The fourth and final soil can be likened to a heart that succeeds with perseverance or patience.  This heart welcomes the word of God immediately and deeply and exclusively and bears fruit because ultimately. 

 

This individual’s heart is obedient to God’s word.  This set of ears and this heart is that of the disciples. 

 

 

Invitation

First, the invitation for some of you today is to hear the gospel in that you are a sinner and if you are left to answer for your sin alone, you will not be able to stand, and you will be judged to hell by holy God because of your sin. 

 

However, if you recognize that you are a sinner and understand that Jesus died on the cross in your place, you can confess Him today as Lord and Savior of your life surrendering your life to His will and His way.

 

Second, if you are here today and you have welcomed the gospel into your life, don’t fall to the distresses of this life.  Don’t fall to the desires of the world.  Persevere in following Jesus through thick and thin, in good times and in bad, for better and for worse. 

 

Finally, don’t forget that you are now a sower of the seed.  Don’t worry about the seed.  It is God’s word. 

 

Don’t worry about the soils.  That is not your concern, but sow the seed wherever you go and with whomever you meet.  

 

Jesus Loves Females!

I want you to take your Bibles and find Luke 8:1. I want to share a message with you entitled, “Jesus Loves Women!”

 

These three verses that begin chapter 8 may seem relatively innocent in meaning.  However, there is much here especially as it relates to females. 

 

As we continue in our study of Luke’s gospel, I want to show you three reasons why Jesus loves women.  Jesus loved the women in this passage, and He loves women today.

 

 

1. Jesus loves women as demonstrated by His creating them, Luke 8:1-2a.

1 Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, 2 and certain women…

 

Beginning in verse 1, we see that Jesus went from town to town preaching and evangelizing.  As a matter of fact, when some people think of Jesus and His earthly ministry, they think He was primarily about ministering and healing and caring for those in need. 

 

While He did do those things, Jesus was primarily a preacher.  Furthermore, His primary ministry was preaching and evangelizing. 

 

Luke said that He was bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God.  Literally, that means he was preaching the good news or the gospel of the kingdom of God.

 

What is the gospel of the kingdom of God?  God is holy, and He created humanity holy.  However, Adam and Eve sinned and every human to come after them has sinned too except Jesus.

 

Because we have sinned, our sin has separated us from a holy God.  Therefore, everyone human is in need of salvation and a savior.

 

The only One qualified to save us is Jesus.  Why?  Jesus is the only One who has ever been sinless, and He died on the cross in our place for our sin.

 

Therefore, anyone who put his or her faith in Christ alone as Lord and Savior will be saved.  That is the good news of the kingdom of God. 

 

That was Jesus’ message.  That is our message, and His resurrection from the grave never to die again affirmed the truth of the gospel. 

 

Verse 1 continues and says that the twelve disciples or twelve apostles were with Jesus along with certain women.  Luke goes out of his way to differentiate these women from the others.

 

Why? Jesus created women.  Keep in mind, these aren’t men identifying as women.  These aren’t effeminate men.  These are biological women.

 

Jesus created them as women.  Jesus loved them as women, and Jesus loves women today.

 

BTW…If you are going to promote a story, this was not the way to do it in the first century.  Women were not valued and to include them in your inner circle was counter-cultural.  This reality demonstrates the authenticity of Jesus’ ministry and Luke’s account thereof.

 

Also, did you know that Luke has been called the gospel for women because it is the gospel that spotlights so many women?  Consider these examples.

 

1:5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

 

2:36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity.

 

7:37 And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil…7:50 50 Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

 

10:38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.

 

13:10 Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11 And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. 12 But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.”

 

15:8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ 10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

 

18:3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’”

 

21:1 And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2 and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. 3 So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; 4 for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”

 

Evidently, Luke was greatly impressed by Jesus’ ministry to women.  He continued to spotlight them in Acts: Dorcas or Tabitha in Acts 9, Lydia in Acts 16, Damaris in Acts 17, and Priscilla in Acts 18.

 

 

2. Jesus loves women as demonstrated by His healing them, Luke 8:2b-3a.

2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna…

 

While it is true that women were not highly thought of in the Old Testament and in first century Judaism, that is very far from the truth with Jesus.  Jesus absolutely loved and valued women, and we can see that here in verses 2 and 3.

 

Again, it is highly unusual for Luke to mention these three women by name: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna.  These three women, along with others, were some of the first followers of Christ along with the twelve male disciples. 

 

Even though Mary Magdalene often carries a bad reputation as having been a prostitute, that is only speculation.  Folks have said that about her as they have connected her as the sexual sinner from the end of Luke 7. 

 

The truth is that all we know about her, other than she witnessed the resurrected Christ, is found her in Luke 8.  She was demon-possessed but then fully and complete healed by Jesus.  Remember, the number 7 is often times used to connote full and complete.

 

As for Joanna, she too was an eye witness of the resurrected Christ, and she was the wife of one of Herod’s men.  Evidently, the gospel had made it to the palace. 

 

As for Susanna, she is never mentioned again in all of the Bible.  However, her legacy and memory live on here and for approximately 2000 years.

 

 

3. Jesus loves women as demonstrated by their providing for Him, Luke 8:3b.

And many others who provided for Him from their substance.

 

The last part of verse 3 tells us that of these first century followers of Jesus, many were women, and they provided for Jesus from their substance.  Your translation may say, “them,” so that would be Jesus and the Twelve.

 

These women didn’t just receive from Him.  They gave back to Him and the twelve and their ministry.  Thinking back to last week and Self-righteous Simon and the Sexual Sinner, if you love Jesus, it will be proven more with your works than your words. 

 

Today, women in this church love Jesus, and they demonstrate that love by giving to Him and His ministry.  They give financially.  They give their prayers, and they give by ministering to so many. 

 

 

Invitation

As I close this morning, here me again.  Jesus loves women, and that includes you.  If you didn’t know that previously, maybe your response today is calling on Him to save you.

 

Because Jesus loves women, EBC needs to love women.  If this is the church that God is calling you to join, would you respond to this morning’s invitation?

 

Finally, Jesus loves women, but do you?  You may need to repent of your feelings and behavior toward women.  Our invitation is for you.

 

Filthy Sinner to Forgiven Saint

This morning we continue in our sermon series entitled, “Ordinary People with an Extraordinary God,” and we turn our attention to the New Testament.  Last month, we looked at the Old Testament and the lives of Noah, Abraham, Jacob, and David.

 

Today we turn to the gospel of Luke and a story that is often confused with another.  This morning, you’re going to see a woman pour perfume on Jesus’ feet and wipe them with her hair.  Some believe this story is the same as one in Matthew 26 and Mark 14.  However, those happened during the last week of Jesus’ life.  This story in Luke 7 happens toward the beginning of His earthly ministry.  Those stories in the other gospels are about Mary, Lazarus’s sister.  The woman in Luke 7 is unnamed. 

 

In Luke 7:36-50, I want you make three observations with me.  Notice a party with a controversy, a parable of conviction, and a principle for consideration.

 

39. A Party with a Controversy, Luke 7:36-39.

Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to ^[a]dine with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. ^37 (A)And there was a woman in the city who was a ^[b]sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, ³⁸ and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. ³⁹ Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were ^(B)a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a^[c]sinner.” 

 

In this first scene, we have two main characters other than Jesus.  They are sophisticated Simon and a sexual sinner.  Verse 36 tells us that Jesus was invited to a dinner party by a Pharisee.  His name is revealed as Simon in verse 40.  Therefore, Jesus came as requested and was reclining at the dinner table. 

 

Remember that the tradition here would have been for the guests to be on the floor leaning on their left arm with their head closer to the table, and their feet would have been further away from the table. 

 

Also, whenever a Rabbi visited a home, it was not uncommon for many different townspeople to drop in even though they may not have been personally invited. 

 

Verse 37 introduces our sexual sinner.  This sinner is a woman, and if you look at the footnotes in your Bible, it probably says she was an immoral person.  More than likely, she was a prostitute.  Even though uninvited guests could attend this dinner party, it took some courage for her to be here. 

 

We also see in this verse that she brought an alabaster vial of perfume.  This was probably a rounded container with a longer neck.  Once the neck was broken to pour the perfume, all of the perfume had to be used as there no way to use the container again. 

 

Perhaps she was going to pour the perfume on Jesus head, anointing Him with oil.  However, she could only get as close as His feet.  When she began to pour the perfume on His feet, she was overcome with emotion and began to cry.  She then perhaps was embarrassed and began to wipe His feet with her hair trying to clean off her tears.  Another reason she is considered to be a prostitute is because it was considered very immodest for a Jewish woman to have her hair down in public.  However, this woman doesn’t seem to be concerned. 

 

Her final act was not only to anoint Jesus feet and wipe them with her tears, but she also began to kiss His feet again and again and again. 

 

All the time this going on, Sophisticated Simon is just watching, and in verse 39, he draws three conclusions.  First, Jesus must not be a prophet because He didn’t know who was touching Him.  Second, if He knew what king of woman this was, He wouldn’t let her touch Him.  Third, since He did let her touch Him, He is no prophet and shouldn’t be called as such. 

 

 

43. A Parable of Conviction, Luke 7:40-43.

⁴⁰ And Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he ^[d]replied, “Say it, Teacher.” ⁴¹ “A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred ^[e](C)denarii, and the other fifty. ⁴² When they ^(D) were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?” ⁴³ Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have judged correctly.”

 

As Jesus often did, He used a parable in the next four verses to illustrate a point.  A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning, and He directs it as Simon.  A moneylender had two debtors.  One owed him almost 18 months worth of money.  The other owed him about two months worth of money.  They were both unable to pay.  Therefore, the moneylender graciously agreed to forgive both debts.  Jesus then asked who loved the moneylender more. 

 

Surely, this wasn’t a hard question.  The one that Jesus forgave more loved more, and Simon got it correct.

 

 

• A Principle for Consideration, Luke 7:44-50.

⁴⁴ Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you ^(E) gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. ⁴⁵ You ^(F)gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet.^46 (G)You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. ⁴⁷ For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” ⁴⁸ Then He said to her, “^(H)Your sins have been forgiven.” ⁴⁹ Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say^[f]to themselves, “^(I)Who is this man who even forgives sins?” ⁵⁰ And He said to the woman,“^(J)Your faith has saved you; ^(K)go in peace.”

 

The principle that Jesus taught the Pharisee and us is found in verse 47.  The person who has been forgiven much, loves much.  The person who has been forgiven little, loves little.  Simon the Pharisee embodied indifference.  Simon didn’t give Jesus any water to wash his feet.  He didn’t give Jesus a kiss as a greeting.  He didn’t anoint Jesus’ head with oil as was the custom of the day for hosts to do to their guests. 

 

This sexual sinner on the other hand demonstrated indebtedness.  She wet Jesus’ feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.  She didn’t stop kissing Jesus feet, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with her perfume. 

 

She recognized that had sinned much and was forgiven much, and consequently, she loved much.  Simon only recognized that he had sinned little and was forgiven little, and consequently, he loved little. 

 

Jesus then turned to her and verbalized her sins being forgiven.  That action drew much ire from the crowd.  They didn’t recognize that He was God and could forgive sins.  He then dismissed the woman in peace and rightfully commented that her faith had saved her.

 

What caused Jesus to transform this woman from filthy sinner to forgiven saint?  It was her faith and can be your faith, and her faith was demonstrated in brokenness over her sin as she cried, gratitude for Jesus’ mercy as she kissed His feet, and worship of God as she anointed His feet with perfume. 

 

 

Conclusion

Jesus is ready to transform you this morning as well if you’ll believe.  If you’ll put your faith and trust in Him as Lord and Savior, He’ll save you…even sexual sinners can be transformed to forgiven saints.

 

If you here this morning, and you think you’re saved but have never been broken over your sin or grateful for Jesus’ mercy or genuinely worshipped God, you might not be saved.  It is debatable whether Simon was saved, but don’t worry about Simon.  What about you?

 

Every Parent's Greatest Fear

Whether you are a parent or a child, I think you will agree that the death of child is maybe the greatest fear every parent of every parent in the room.  Even some of you here today have experienced your child preceding you in death. 

 

My heart goes out to you.  I hope today’s message is encouraging to you.  Jesus feels your pain and is more than sorry for your loss.

 

Today’s story is only in Luke.  However, it is very similar to a story found in 1 Kings 17:8-24 that we will see in just a moment.

 

In our study of Luke so far, we have seen that is Lord and has authority over demons in Luke 4-5.  We have also seen that Jesus is Lord and has authority over disease.  We saw that just last Sunday.  Today, we are going to see that Jesus is Lord and has authority over death.

 

 

1. A Dire Situation, Luke 7:11-12

11 Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. 12 And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her.

 

Verse 11 tells us that Jesus went next to the city of Nain the day after He healed the centurion’s servant.  Nain was approximately 25 miles south of Capernaum.  That would have been a day’s journey beginning at sunup. 

 

Along with Him were His disciples and a larger crowd as well.  More than likely, it was closer to the end of the day, and at the edge of town, Jesus met a funeral procession. 

 

BTW…Here is another example demonstrating that all of Jesus’ followers were called disciples.  Disciples is not a more mature group or a more committed group.  All Christians are disciples of Christ.

 

This man probably died earlier in the day.  It was the custom of the day to bury your dead as soon as possible since they did not having the embalming technologies that we have today. 

 

He was now being taken outside the city where he would be buried and then covered with rocks to mark his grave.  Even though NKJV uses the word coffin in verse 14, more than likely, this was a bier (beer), which was an open coffin.  Therefore, you could see inside.

 

BTW…The traditional after-life process for the follower of Christ in the Bible was burial, and that is still true today.  However, the Bible does not prohibit cremation if that is your choice. 

 

Jesus saw this deceased young man on the bier (beer), and his mother was leading the procession along with many of her friends from the community.  Why is this a dire situation other than the obvious?

 

Notice how verse 12 describes this family.  This woman was a widow.  Therefore, we know that she already experienced the loss of her husband.  Now, it is her only son. 

 

She was in emotional trouble because she outlived her child.  That hurts.  This is a parent’s greatest fear. 

 

She was in physical trouble.  She didn’t have any male family to physically protect her. 

 

She was in financial trouble.  She had no income and no one to provide for her. 

 

She was in trouble.  Jesus recognized her trouble, and was about to change her situation.

 

Don’t overlook what this story tells us about those experiencing the death of a loved one.  They need friends during that time.  They need family during that time. 

 

They need others to help them make it.  Don’t neglect ministry opportunities like this. 

 

 

2. A Miraculous Demonstration, Luke 7:13-15

13 When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15 So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother.

 

When Jesus saw this scene, His heart broke.  He felt compassion for her.  He felt pity for her.  He felt sympathy for her.  His inward emotions were distraught. 

 

Why?  Jesus cares for you.  He hates to see people hurt.  He hates to see you hurt, and this woman was hurting. 

 

In this day, the mother would be leading the way, and she was crying.  In verse 13, Jesus didn’t dismiss her hurt and pain by telling her to stop crying.  He told her to stop crying because He was about to change her situation. 

 

Jesus stopped the procession in verse 14.  He came up to the bier (beer), and touched it, and spoke to the dead body. 

 

Notice what He said.  “Young man, I say to you, arise!”  The corpse sat up. 

 

Can you even imagine this?  Jesus just brought death to life.  Jesus just did the impossible.  He just did the unbelievable. 

 

In order to prove this miracle was real, the young man spoke.  We don’t know what he said, but that is irrelevant.  He was alive and talking, and Jesus returned him to his mother.

 

BTW…You may think this morning that your situation is beyond hope.  You may think your marriage is dead or your relationship with your adult child is dead or your finances are dead or your health is dead and hopeless. 

 

Don’t be so sure.  Jesus can bring death to life.

 

 

3. A Positive Reverberation, Luke 7:16-17

16 Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us”; and, “God has visited His people.” 17 And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region.

 

As you can imagine, when the crowd saw the dead man alive, they were awestruck.  Verse 16 says fear gripped them.  That wasn’t fear as in they were afraid. 

 

They were fearful in the sense of reverence and respect.  They recognized and admitted that in fact Jesus was a great prophet.

 

This admission was not complete, but it was accurate in what it stated.  Not only was He a great prophet, they recognized and admitted that God had visited them. 

 

Consequently, this news spread throughout the surrounding area.  As I said previously, this story will be the basis for our next look at Luke’s gospel as some of John the Baptist’s disciples come on the scene.

 

 

Illustration: 1 Kings 17:8-24

8 Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.” 11 And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.”  12 So she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.”  13 And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. 14 For thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.’”  15 So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah.  17 Now it happened after these things that the son of the woman who owned the house became sick. And his sickness was so serious that there was no breath left in him. 18 So she said to Elijah, “What have I to do with you, O man of God? Have you come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to kill my son?”  19 And he said to her, “Give me your son.” So he took him out of her arms and carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed. 20 Then he cried out to the Lord and said, “O Lord my God, have You also brought tragedy on the widow with whom I lodge, by killing her son?” 21 And he stretched himself out on the child three times, and cried out to the Lord and said, “O Lord my God, I pray, let this child’s soul come back to him.” 22 Then the Lord heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came back to him, and he revived.  23 And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper room into the house, and gave him to his mother. And Elijah said, “See, your son lives!”  24 Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now by this I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is the truth.”

 

 

Invitation/Conclusion/Application

So how does story apply to you? 

 

First, the main point of this story is that Jesus is Lord over death.  Jesus can bring death to live any time and any place. 

 

Most applicable to us this morning maybe Him bringing the spiritually dead to life.  Jesus is ready to save you this morning who are spiritually dead and on your way to an eternity in hell separated from God.

 

Second, Jesus is full of compassion for those who are hurting this morning.  If you’ve lost a child, Jesus hurts with you and for you, and is here to comfort you. 

 

If you’re hurting because of your marriage, your relationship with your children, your health, your finances, whatever, Jesus wants to comfort you today.  He wants to help you today. 

 

Third, Jesus is worthy of worship and worthy of praise because of what He has done.  He is also worthy of worship and praise because of who He is. 

 

He is the Son of God and the Son of man.  He is the way, the truth, and the life.  He is our Lord and Savior and coming King!

 

 

 

Marvelous Faith

This morning, we have come to Luke 7.  If you have your Bibles, please stand in honor of God’s Holy Word. 

 

I want to share a message with you this morning entitled, “Marvelous Faith.”  Our text is Luke 7:1-10. 

 

Today’s story is found here and also in Matthew 8.  In both instances and in Acts 10, we find God’s Word highlighting the faith of Roman Centurions. In the gospels, it is faith at which Jesus marvels. 

 

 

Exposition

In verse 1, Jesus had finished His Sermon on the Mount, or some would say, “Sermon on the Plain.” Then, He moved onto Capernaum. 

 

It was there that we are introduced indirectly to a Roman Centurion.  A centurion was a member of the Roman Army who had approximately one hundred men in His battalion and under his leadership. 

 

This particular centurion mentioned in verse 2 must have also been somewhat wealthy since he owned a slave.  We also find out that this slave was sick and about to die.  Matthew’s gospel tells us that he was paralyzed. 

 

We also see in verse 2 that this centurion loved his slave dearly.  This slave was highly regarded by his owner, and must have been extremely valuable beyond utility. 

 

In verse 3, the centurion had heard about Jesus healing many people and must have thought He could help in this situation.  Therefore, he wanted to be in contact. 

 

However, because he was a Gentile, he may have been afraid that Jesus wouldn’t respond if he spoke to him directly.  Therefore, He sent some Jewish elders with is request.  These may have been religious leaders, or they may have been simply older Jewish men that the centurion knew well.

 

When these Jewish elders met Jesus, they begged Him to come and save this slave’s life.  Notice their reasoning in verses 4 and 5. 

 

This centurion was a trusted friend in their eyes. From their perspective, he loved Israel and these Jews.  He even helped build their synagogue either physically or financially. 

 

Some commentators call him a “God-fearer.”  While he hadn’t been circumcised and thus converted to Judaism, he did fear the God of Judaism and respected the followers of that God.

 

In verse 6, Jesus started on His way to answer the request of the centurion and heal his slave.  In the mean time, the centurion had another thought. 

 

Realizing more of who Jesus truly was, he recognized that he was not worthy to be in His presence.  Therefore, he sent another delegation of friends to intercept Jesus and ask Him to simply command the healing of this slave.  Notice the message the centurion sent in verses 7 and 8. 

 

In verse 7, he said he wasn’t even worthy to speak with Jesus directly.  He had so much respect and reverence for Jesus’ authority to heal that Jesus could simply speak the words and his slave would be healed.

 

In verse eight, he explained further his understanding of authority.  He was one under authority and one with authority in the Roman Army. 

 

BTW, Do you recognize Jesus’ authority in your life by obeying Him?  If Jesus said it, does that settle the issue for you, and does your life reflect it? 

 

Take this little quiz from Matthew’s Gospel.  See 10:32, 12:36-37, 16:24-25, 18:8-9, 18:15-17, 18:21-22, 19:6, 24:42, 28:19-20. 

 

In verse 9, Jesus responded to this man’s respect and reverence for His authority.  Luke says that Jesus marveled at him. He was amazed at what He just heard.  You might even say this centurion had marvelous faith.

 

But why?  This man was an uncircumcised Gentile.  He was not raised in a believing covenant community.  His parents had not raised him going to the synagogue and reading and studying the Torah. 

 

However, he had faith.  He had marvelous faith. 

 

In verse 10, Jesus then turned to the crowd that included His disciples and most likely included some Jewish religious leaders and said that He had not found faith like this among religious Jews.  His comments served two purposes: to chastise the Jews and to commend the centurion.

 

When the second delegation got back to the centurion’s home, the slave was well.  He had been healed. 

 

 

The Centurion

In this text, we might first look at the centurion.  Notice his character.  He was compassionate with his slave.  He was kind to the Jews.  He was reverent to Jesus.

 

We have already spoken of his marvelous faith. He had faith that Jesus would could heal.  He had faith Jesus would heal.  He even had faith Jesus could heal and would heal from a distance by just speaking a word, and He did. 

 

 

The Savior

We also need to make sure that we focus on the Savior.  Notice that He cares for all.  He cares for the Gentile and his servant, and He cares for the Jew.  He also cares for the wealthy and the poor. 

 

Second, Jesus has authority over all.  We have seen already from Luke, and we will continue to see that He has authority over demons and disease (today), and death (next Sunday). 

 

Third, Jesus loves all.  He loved this centurion.  He loved the Jews that the centurion sent, and He loved the centurion’s servant.  We know that because He healed him, and He wants to heal you too.

 

 

The Sinners

Jesus is inviting you sinners today to come to Him. Come to Him just like the centurion, but come humbly recognizing your sin and Jesus’ holiness.

 

Jesus is inviting you sinners to ask of Him just like the centurion. Ask Him to save you.  Ask Him to heal you.

 

Finally, Jesus is inviting you to believe in Him just like the centurion.  Believe in Him as your Savior.  Believe in Him as the Lord of your life.

Badgers, Locusts, and Spiders, Oh My!

Why is Disobedience Bad?

This morning, we come to the end of Luke 6.  In the past several Sundays, we have been looking at one of Jesus’ sermons.

 

It may be Luke’s version of the Sermon on the Mount.  There certainly are some similarities with Matthew 5-7. However, there are more differences.  Therefore, it is most likely another sermon with similar material.

 

This sermon began with 4 blessings and 4 corresponding woes.  Next, Jesus articulated the Golden Rule in positive terms.  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. 

 

In a lost world, live unnaturally with your deeds, your words, and your prayers.  In other words, love your enemies.

 

Finally, last week, we looked at some of House of Faith Rules.  Because our relationship with brothers and sisters in Christ is based on our relationship with Jesus, we should treat them differently…differently in a good way. 

 

Today, we come to the invitation of this sermon.  Jesus will give us two choices.

 

BTW, Every biblical sermon must have an invitation.  However, an invitation is not the same as an alter call. 

 

Sometimes, people say to me that a church they visited didn’t offer an invitation.  What they mean is that the church didn’t offer a “walk the aisle” alter call or come to the front alter call.

 

Every sermon must have an invitation, an opportunity to respond.  However, every sermon doesn’t have to have an alter call.

 

 

Exposition

Today’s text begins in verse 46, and Jesus asked a question.  It’s one you probably remember as it was our verse of the year for 2023, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do what I say?”

 

This congregation included the Twelve Disciples.  It included the Pharisees, Jewish Religious Leaders.  It included those who said they were followers of Jesus, but didn’t live like it.  I would presume our congregation today is made up of similar groups.

 

The term Lord means master and boss.  A person’s Lord is the one who calls the shots, make decisions, who is in authority.  It makes no sense to address someone as such and not treat him as such.

 

Beginning in verse 47, Jesus told a parable.  A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly or spiritual meaning.  This first century congregation would have identified personally with this story.

 

The one who comes to Jesus and hears what Jesus is saying and then does what Jesus says is like a man who built a house.  In building this house, the man dug deep into the ground and laid a secure and firm foundation on the rock.

 

Consequently, when this house was subject to rain and flooding and torrential storms that beat vehemently on the house, it withstood the storm.  Why?  It withstood the storm because of the foundation that was dug deep and on the rock.

 

However, this parable included another man.  He also built a house.  The parable implies in the same area because this house also experienced the same rain and the same flood and the same storm.

 

It also beat vehemently against the house, but the result was different.  This house fell and fell immediately.  Why?  It fell because this man built his house without a foundation. 

 

Verse 49 says he just built his house on the earth.  We there this today, and his folly is obvious to us.

 

What is the spiritual and or heavenly meaning here?  The first builder is like a man who comes and hears and is obedient to Jesus.  Today, you are invited to come to Jesus and hear Jesus. 

 

BTW, Can I give you some tips when it comes to hearing Jesus on Sunday mornings here at Emory Baptist Church?

 

First, be intentional.  Come ready to hear.  Come committed to listening.  Come with your Bible. 

 

Second, pray for yourself.  You hear me pray this most Sunday mornings, but pray for eyes to see and ears to hear.  The Bible says those are gifts from God, and pray for a heart that is receptive. 

 

Also, pray for no internal distractions and no external distractions. Internal would be worries or concerns that occupy your thoughts.  External would be within our Sanctuary with the noises or sounds or folks getting up and down in the service.

 

Third, take notes.  We provide for you a notes sheet in each bulletin.  They don’t have to be exhaustive or comprehensive, but I usually try to give you three main points or so.

 

This first builder is like the one who comes to Jesus and hears Jesus and is obedient to Jesus.  The second builder may come to Jesus and hear Jesus but isn’t obedient. 

 

 

Application

Now, let’s move to why disobedience is bad.

 

First, it is illogical.  We see that back in verse 46.  It is makes no sense to call Jesus Lord, your boss, the one who calls the shots in your life and then not obey?  Is He Lord or isn’t He?

 

BTW, The idea that you can have Jesus as your Savior and not surrender to Him as Lord is foreign to the New Testament.  That idea is a misnomer.

 

Second, disobedience for the follower of Christ is unwise.  Whether you are a Christian or not, you will experience the storms of life.  They will happen, and they will be severe, and they will beat on you.

 

It may be death or disease.  It may be financial loss or an unfaithful spouse. It may be prodigal children or caring for aging and elderly parents. 

 

The only way to survive is with Jesus as your foundation.  You will not survive otherwise. 

 

Third, and related to the second, disobedience in the life of a Christian is unsafe.  Verse 49 says the second house fell, and the ruin of the house was great. 

 

A common consequence of disobedience in the life of a Christian is God removing His protection from you.  You expose your health.  You expose your marriage.  You expose your family.  You expose your finances. 

 

 

Conclusion

As I conclude, for the Christian living in disobedience, repent.  Don’t be like this description from Arthur Pink:

 

They bring their bodies to the house of prayer but not their souls; they worship with their mouths, but not “in spirit and in truth.”  They are sticklers for immersion or early morning communion, yet take no thought about keeping their hearts with all diligence.  They boast of their orthodoxy; but disregard the precepts of Christ.  Multitudes of professing Christian abstain from external acts of violence, yet hesitate not to rob their neighbors of a good name by spreading evil reports against them.  They contribute regularly to the “pastor’s salary,” but shrink not from misrepresenting their goods and cheating customers, persuading themselves that “business is business.”  They have more regard for the laws of man than those of God, for His fear is not before their eyes.

 

However, for others this morning, you have heard Jesus’ words to repent and believe and you have not.  Storms are coming, and your greatest storm will be the storm of judgment in Revelation 20:11-15.

 

Revelation 20:11-15, 11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

 

Will you repent and believe today?  The decision is yours, but you only two options.  One option takes you heaven.  The other sends you to hell. 

 

House Rules

If you have your Bibles, please find Luke 6:37.  I want to share a message with you entitled, “House Rules.”

 

Many of you know what I mean when I say “house rules.”  There are some instances when special rules are allowed in a certain location or under special circumstances in sporting events.

 

For example, some basketball tournaments that Caroline plays in plays 4 quarters like high school ball.  Others play 2 halves like college ball.  Some use a regular clock.  Others use a running clock.  Some allow 5 fouls.  Others allow 6 fouls.

 

If you have ever played Uno, some families have special house rules.  For example, when multiple Draw 2 Cards are played consecutively, does the person have to only draw 2 or the sum of the consecutive cards played?

 

Last week, Jesus reminded us of our ethic as followers of Christ for the world.  He gave us the Golden Rule in positive terms.  We are to treat others as we want to be treated.  We are to love our enemies. 

 

Today, how are we to treat our brothers and sisters in Christ?  What are the rules or guidelines or instructions for this house of faith?  What are our house rules?

 

 

1. Be as gracious as you can be, Luke 6:37-38.

37 “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” 

 

It is interesting to note these four imperatives.  They are don’t judge, don’t condemn, pardon, and give. 

 

If you follow the instructions, Jesus said God will then treat you accordingly and others will most likely treat you accordingly. 

 

Verse 38 then ends with a picture of this idea of reaping what you have sown.  If you don’t judge or don’t condemn and pardon and give, God will or THEY will pour into your lap. 

 

They will pour into your laps a good measure into your jar.  You will then shake it up and let it settle further down, and they will give more to the point of running over.  You then have an abundance.  By your standard of measure it will return to you.

 

As it relates to folks in this house of faith, let’s be as gracious as we can and not judge and not condemn.  Let’s be as gracious as we can be forgiving and giving.

 

Why?  Because what is how we want to be treated.  That is how we want God to treat us and how we want others to treat us.

 

However, nothing that Jesus said here precludes biblical Christian accountability and biblical Church discipline.  If you sin publicly and egregiously and with an unrepentant heart and attitude, you should be held accountable by this house of faith because you will be held accountable by your Father in heaven. 

 

I will talk more about the multiple New Testament passages that speak to Christian accountability on Wednesday night.  However, generally speaking, we want to be as gracious as we can be with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  That is a house rule.

 

 

2. Stay in your lane, Luke 6:39-42.

39 And He spoke a parable to them: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. 41 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? 42 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye. 

 

In verses 39-40, Jesus asked some rhetorical questions.  Can a blind guide lead anyone?  No, he can’t.  Will anyone who follows a blind guide end up in a ditch?  Yes, they will. 

 

This parable hit home with all of the Pharisees in the congregation.  For a follower of Jesus, He is the ultimate leader to follow. 

 

In verse 41, Jesus returned to our next house rule, but He used a humorous illustration. It is the example of a speck and a plank or a speck and a log. 

 

Humorously and logically, you can’t take the speck out of someone else’s eye when there is a plank or log or beam in your own.  You just can’t do it.  It is silly to try it. 

 

First, you have to take the log out of your own eye.  Then you can see clearly in helping your brother.  Therefore, stay in your own lane.

 

At the end of John’s gospel, Jesus gave this stark reminder to Peter.  See John 21:18-23.

 

18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”  20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”  22 Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”  23 Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?”

 

Brothers and sisters, let’s make sure we worry the most about the person in the mirror.  Let’s trust the Holy Spirit to take care of those around us.  Let’s stay in our own lane.

 

 

3. Guard your heart, Luke 6:43-45.

43 “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

 

The last three verses of this text speak of a tree and its fruit.  The reality is this.  Trees produce a specific type of fruit. 

 

Apple trees don’t produce oranges some of the time and apples the rest of the time.  They produce only apples.  The same is true for peaches or pares. 

 

That applies to you as well.  If you are good or saved, you will produce good fruit or the fruit of the Spirit.

 

If you are not saved, you will produce fruit of the flesh.  If you are producing fruit of the flesh but you think you are saved, you might want to check again. 

 

This specifically applies to what you say with your mouth.  It also applies to what you say with your fingers on social media.  From your mouth and with your fingers, you speak what is in heart.

 

We have to make sure and guard our hearts or otherwise we produce unwanted fruit.  See Proverbs 4:23.

 

23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

 

 

Charlie Woolwine

1. Started attending on Sunday morning, Sunday nights, and Wednesdays.
2. Came to my office to talk about joining; told me he was a registered sex-offender, but he still wanted to join.
3. I listened to his story, and told him the congregation would have to know. He agreed.
4. He stood with me during a member’s meeting, and I told the congregation his story. I told them he could never be in our children’s building or memorial hall for any reason.  They were to watch for him.
5. They voted him in and agreed to hold him accountable. He went on to be a faithful member even singing in the choir until he moved.

 

We tried to be as gracious as possible.   We wanted to stay in our lane but understood our lane to be the good of Emory Baptist Church.  We want to guard our heart because sin breaks God’s heart as Charlie’s sin broke guards heart.