What did you teach on Sunday?

[JimB]

What did you preach/teach on Sunday? (Subject and gist of your sermon/study.)​

or ​

What did your pastor preach/teach on Sunday? (Subject and gist of his sermon/study.)​

Remember: Brevity is the soul of wit.​

\o/​

​

For example, last Sunday's life lesson at our church:​

What You Don’t Know About Forgiveness Can Hurt You​

1. Forgiveness is Required.

I related the story of the unforgiving servant in Matt 18.21-35 and pointed out how ironic it is that we, who have been forgiven so much forgive so little. But that Jesus said, "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.’’ (Mark 11:25). So, forgiveness is not an option; it’s madatory for Christians.

2. Forgiveness is Hard.

I mentioned here that just as loving someone means more than simply tolerating them (one of our slogans), so forgiving people means more than simply excusinging them (a C.S. Lewis observation). Excusing implies that no one is really in the wrong, forgiving acknowledges the wrong but forgives it.

Forgiveness is hard because, even after we forgive, when we recall the injustice feelings resentment arises again and again. God does not forget our sins when He forgives us (He is, after all, Omnicient), He simply does not remember them AGAINST US any more.

3. Forgiveness is Necessary.

For forgiveness to be complete it has to be both offered and accepted. You can only do your part. But forgiving is an act of faith. Philip Yance said in his book What’s So Amazing About Grace?, "At last I understood: in the final analysis, forgiveness is an act of faith. By forgiving another, I am trusting that God is a better justice-maker than I am. By forgiving, I release my own right to get even and leave all issues of fairness for God to work out. I leave in God’s hands the scales that must balance justice and mercy.

"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:19-21

 

[CoCoChiCa33]

I'll tell ya tomorrow haha... But wednesday our youth pastor talked about following God and how his footsteps are everywhere... We are doing a big thing before school starts, trying to get people saved and stuff.

 

[enoch son]

I preached on the 26 Chap. of Leviticus. THE BLESSING OF OBEDIENCE.
1. Lot's wife was trun into a pillar of salt vers. 1. She looked at her flesh! So our flesh is a idol.
2. If you repent after you are born agian you dishonor the sanctuary. You are looking at your flesh and not Jesus you have put Him to a open shame. We are to confess are sin before entering the sanctuary. NO FLESH!
3. Read vers. 4-13 and look at the new covenant! It is just to cool!

 

[JimB]

I Must Decrease​

​

Reference: John 3.30. “He must increase, but I must decrease.”​

1. HOW DOES CHRIST INCREASE.

“Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 34.3

How do we make the Lord “bigger”? By making Him “bigger” in our lives. As we make Him “bigger” in our lives, He becomes “bigger” in other peoples lives.

“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God”. 1Cor. 3.5
​

2. HOW DO I DECREASE.

Paul’s opinion of himself:

“I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle,” 1 Cor 15.9

“I am the foremost of sinners. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1.15-16.

“I am less than the least of all God's people, I am the very least of all the saints.” Ephesians 3.8
​

So, where does that put me?

“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. We, however, will not boast …” 2 Corinthians 10.12-13
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3. PERSONAL APPLICATION.

Mother Teresa: “I am not called to be successful, I am called to be faithful.”
​

 

[FoundInGrace]

The guy that preached at our church talked about the importance of spiritual maturity and being intentional about it. ie with babies parents usually don't just point to the food and books and say 'go to it - grow' but they feed, play with it, invest in the baby, parents are quite intentional about the baby's growth etc.
Same with spiritual maturity, being intentional - spending time with other christians, reading the Bible, praying, going to church etc are all good things regarding growing towards spiritual maturity. Also talked about the importance of living it out, serving others etc
Also talked about habits today forming who we are in the future - reap what you sow type thing.
Lots of other related bits too which expanded on the spiritual maturity theme. It was very good.

 

[Andry]

I Must Decrease​

​

Reference: John 3.30. “He must increase, but I must decrease.”​

Interesting quote Jim. Given the OP, I must assume that this thread will be subjected to discussions on various subjects.

My comments on the above, in context, was John the B's seemingly 'spiritual' statement about him decreasing. On that day that he made that statement, he never did decrease or quit and joined the Christ. Questions:

1. Why didn't he decrease?
2. Why did he not shut down his ministry and thrown his lot in with the Christ whom he testified as the whole reason for his own ministry...ie. "This is the one who is to come....etc etc.
3. Why was he still baptising and carrying on his ministry on the other side of the river?
4. What are all these disciples of John doing? He didn't exactly discourage them from being his disciples instead of being Christ's disciples.
5. Why did he question the one whom he testified when he was in prison? He ended his life immediately before his death in a place of severe confinement, his faith was shaken, and questioning whom he testified about.
6. Why wasn't a disciple of Jesus? He should have been disciple #1.

Your comments?

 

[Ave Maria]

I wouldn't know. I don't usually go to church.

 

[Andyman_1970]

My teaching this week was: "What's the point"

We looked at James Chapters 1 and 2. For the last several weeks we have been looking at how Jesus lived, how we are called to be disciples, how a disciples life in Jesus day was consumed with being like their rabbi (how our lives should be also).

My "what's the point" centered on, things like: if we don't care about the things God cares about, what's the point? If you're not going to do anything with what you get(teachings, sermons, etc) at church, what's the point?

I ended the teaching with this question: are you a student satisfied with simply learning about Jesus, or is the desire of your heart and the focus of you life to become like our rabbi (Jesus)?

May you be covered in the dust of you rabbi..................

 

[JimB]

Interesting quote Jim. Given the OP, I must assume that this thread will be subjected to discussions on various subjects.

My comments on the above, in context, was John the B's seemingly 'spiritual' statement about him decreasing. On that day that he made that statement, he never did decrease or quit and joined the Christ. Questions:

1. Why didn't he decrease?
2. Why did he not shut down his ministry and thrown his lot in with the Christ whom he testified as the whole reason for his own ministry...ie. "This is the one who is to come....etc etc.
3. Why was he still baptising and carrying on his ministry on the other side of the river?
4. What are all these disciples of John doing? He didn't exactly discourage them from being his disciples instead of being Christ's disciples.
5. Why did he question the one whom he testified when he was in prison? He ended his life immediately before his death in a place of severe confinement, his faith was shaken, and questioning whom he testified about.
6. Why wasn't a disciple of Jesus? He should have been disciple #1.

Your comments?

Gosh Andry, I never thought of any of this. But it is very insightful and has caused me to do some reflecting on John the Baptist. I guess I just took JB at his word. IMO, though, John who was quite a headliner at the time Jesus came to him to be baptized, realized at that moment that his 15 minutes of fame would now begin to fade away and his cousin would now become the rising star of Israel. Maybe John, like Bill Clinton, did not want to fade away quietly; maybe it was difficult for him to step out of the spotlight. Who knows? I will have to do some thinking on that.
But I do know that Jesus felt that John was the greatest person ever born to woman, or at least that is what He said in Matt. 11.11. And I do know, no matter what John may have thought about it, he was right. He did decrease, and Jesus did increase. Whether or not he decreased graciously or not, I do not know. That might make a good subject for another thread, though.

\o/

 

[riverpastor]

My message was, "What in hell do you want?"

Just kidding... but I did preach that sermon a few years back.

Last week: 2nd Chronicles 5:1-14. Emphasis was on the steps to bringing God's Presence into the temple (Church).

The representative steps included bringing the ark back into focus (representing the Covenant - acknowledging the Covenant), sanctifying the priesthood by Grace(Christians are a royal priesthood), God-focused worship (For HE is good and HIS MERCY endures forever), and finally, simply allowing the Glory of God to have His way in the midst of the congregation.

It kind of went along with that dream I had this past week where I was drunk in the Spirit and not able to stand to minister. (verse 14).

 

[Suffolk Sean]

Gosh Andry, I never thought of any of this. But it is very insightful and has caused me to do some reflecting on John the Baptist. I guess I just took JB at his word. IMO, though, John who was quite a headliner at the time Jesus came to him to be baptized, realized at that moment that his 15 minutes of fame would now begin to fade away and his cousin would now become the rising star of Israel. Maybe John, like Bill Clinton, did not want to fade away quietly; maybe it was difficult for him to step out of the spotlight. Who knows? I will have to do some thinking on that.
But I do know that Jesus felt that John was the greatest person ever born to woman, or at least that is what He said in Matt. 11.11. And I do know, no matter what John may have thought about it, he was right. He did decrease, and Jesus did increase. Whether or not he decreased graciously or not, I do not know. That might make a good subject for another thread, though.

\o/

John 1:35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!" 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

Good example of John's decreasing right here

 

[Andry]

John 1:35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!" 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

Good example of John's decreasing right here

Whoa , hang on a second. Immediately before his death, he still had disciples! Why would he have disciples? Why didn't he tell his disciples to NOT follow him, but follow the Christ? That's not decreasing.

My decreasing? Being willing to give up everything for him, including pet idols.

 

[Andyman_1970]

Whoa , hang on a second. Immediately before his death, he still had disciples! Why would he have disciples? Why didn't he tell his disciples to NOT follow him, but follow the Christ? That's not decreasing.

My decreasing? Being willing to give up everything for him, including pet idols.

Look at John in the context of a Rabbi and his disciples. If John had disciples, then the rabbinic tradition tells us he had S'mikah, or authority. In those days a rabbi with S'mikah was a HUGE deal, when one visited your villiage it was like a rock star coming to town, people would give up eating and walk for miles and days to see a S'mikah'd rabbi.

A disciple's (or Talmid) whole life revolved around the pursuit of becoming like their rabbi. So if John's disciples were in the process of trying to become like their rabbi, then why would they leave him? Why is John having disciples considered him not decreasing? The number of disciples a rabbi would have would be relatively static, also the Text dosen't give us an indication that the number of disciples he had was growing after he says I must decrease.

Also, check out the writings of Flavius Josephus, he writes alot about John the Immerser.

 

[Suffolk Sean]

Whoa , hang on a second. Immediately before his death, he still had disciples! Why would he have disciples? Why didn't he tell his disciples to NOT follow him, but follow the Christ? That's not decreasing.

My decreasing? Being willing to give up everything for him, including pet idols.

All of them at once? No, it is a process. You might give up what you think are idols, but there are some you don't know about yet.

My point being, is that something did happen, not in it's fullness perhaps, but something.

 

[Andry]

All of them at once? No, it is a process. You might give up what you think are idols, but there are some you don't know about yet.

Yes, you're absolutely right! That's perhaps not a good example.

My point being, is that something did happen, not in it's fullness perhaps, but something.

My point is, yes, not in it's fullness, but his faith was completely shaken before he was beheaded. So we have to ask the question, why? I mean, we're not talking some Joe Schmoe....this is John the B. SO there has to be more to this than what we've been traditionally taught (and not to debate it here).

 

[Ariel]

Presently, I am taking my Sunday School class through a list of sins identified in Scripture. This last Sunday we discussed respecting/loving our spouses, as well as godly behavior in the work place.

I took my class to Genesis 31 to show them a leadership style that seems overlooked. Jacob knows he needs to leave Laban, and God even tells him so. But when Jacob meets with Leah and Rachel out in the fields, he doesn't say, "Pack your bags, we're leaving tonight." He simply presents them with the problem. Eventually he mentions what God said to him. Then he waits for them to speak. They are sympathetic to him because instead of telling them what to do, he has taken them on the journey with him--by telling them the problem and allowing them to share their own thoughts.

This is an extremely effective leadership style in marriage. I know, because my husband uses it with me. I feel respected, cherished and loved when he allows me to see the problem with him, come up with solutions together, and then act in mutual agreement.

I believe that this leadership style may be used in other settings as well--businesses and even churches.

 

[JimB]

I Fought the Law​

References: “The law is holy,” Romans 7.12 - “The curse of the law.” Galatians 3.13

Intro. "The Word is like a mirror," James 1.22-25

1. The Law is Holy.

• Like a Mirror, the Law tells us the Truth.
• Like a Mirror, the Law does not compromise.
• Like a Mirror, the Law shows our flaws.

2. The Law is a Curse.

• Because fulfilling the Law is based on human effort, perfect obedience.
• Because the Law prescribes a penalty for disobeying.
• All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

3. Jesus’ Contract with the Kingdom..

• The Old "contract" could not pass away until it was fulfilled.
• Christ came to fulfill the Old contract and become the mediator of a New contract.
• The basis for 'fulfilling' the New contract is faith.

 

[servant4ever]

My message was, "What in hell do you want?"

Just kidding... but I did preach that sermon a few years back.

lol, That is a good sermon title, maybe even a sermon series title... it would get people interested, i'm sure...

servant4ever

 

[enoch son]

Last sunday I spoke on the conscience and found that it doesn't mean a moral state of mind. But it's more like the takening away of the veil and making you aware of the conscience of God around you'

 

[Standyman51]

1. Why didn't he decrease?

The Greek text is "while I go on decreasing (present passive infinitive elattousthai"
So, it happened just as he said.

Stan