Sermons: Truth and Reason
Sermons: Truth and Reason
Sermons: Truth and Reason
of
Truth and Reason
Gene Taylor
Table of Contents
The Atonement of Christ ........................................................................................................................ 2
The Christian’s Happiness ...................................................................................................................... 3
Do All in the Name of the Lord .............................................................................................................. 4
An “Exceptional Lesson” ........................................................................................................................ 5
Fear of the Lord ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Fit for the Master’s Use .......................................................................................................................... 7
Five Ways to Disobey God ..................................................................................................................... 9
The Gospel - God’s Power to Save ......................................................................................................... 11
Impenitence ............................................................................................................................................. 12
In Nothing Be Ashamed .......................................................................................................................... 13
Jesus the Stone ......................................................................................................................................... 14
Lessons from the Temptation .................................................................................................................. 15
Living Soberly ......................................................................................................................................... 16
Overcoming Sin ...................................................................................................................................... 17
The Parent - Child Relationship ............................................................................................................. 18
Peter’s Denial .......................................................................................................................................... 19
Prayer: A Four Lesson Series
Prayer and the Power of Prayer ................................................................................................... 20
The Assumptions, Components and Blessings of Prayer ........................................................... 21
Acceptable Prayer ....................................................................................................................... 22
The Model Prayer ....................................................................................................................... 23
Receiving the Word with Meekness ....................................................................................................... 24
The Sins of Jerusalem—The Sins of Today ........................................................................................... 25
Walking By Faith ..................................................................................................................................... 26
Who Is Wise? .......................................................................................................................................... 27
Why Don’t I Feel Forgiven? .................................................................................................................... 28
The Word of Salvation ............................................................................................................................ 29
Word Pictures of Salvation ..................................................................................................................... 30
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The Atonement of Christ
Introduction
1. The sacrifice of Jesus was eternally purposed by God to atone for man’s sins. (Eph. 3:10-11)
2. A great deal can be learned of His sacrifice by going back to the Old Testament and studying the
things of the Old Law which served as types, shadows and figures of the things to come.
III. Our Atonement in Jesus (Rom. 5:11 - “And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord
Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” [KJV])
A. The high priest who is clothed in holiness. (Heb. 7:26; 4:15)
B. Baptized with the baptism of John to “fulfill all righteousness.” (Matt. 3:11)
1. The baptism of John was for purification.
2. Jesus was baptized of John to satisfy heaven’s demands.
C. He needed no sin offering for Himself for He was sinless. (Heb. 7:26-28)
D. He was made to be sin for us (Heb. 10:4; 2 Cor. 5:21; cf. Matt. 25:31-46; Rev. 5:6; John 1:29)
E. He was a sacrifice to God for a “sweet-smelling aroma.” (Eph. 5:2)
F His blood was given for the remission of sins. (Heb. 9:22; 9:11-14)
1. Atonement. (Matt. 26:28)
2. Appeasement — propitiation. (Rom. 3:25)
3. “Mercy seat.” (Heb. 9:5; cf. John 14:6; Eph. 3:8-12)
Conclusion
Hebrews 9:23-28 (NKJV)
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The Christian’s Happiness
Introduction
1. It is sad to see so many unhappy, anxious Christians.
2. Many of them are:
a. Cumbered about with carnal things. (Luke 10:38-42)
b. As the thorny ground. (Luke 8:14).
3. The true Christian can enjoy a supreme happiness regardless of his plight in this world..
4. We will look at some of the factors that contribute to the happiness of the Christian.
I. Hope
A. A Christian knows that this life is not all there is to his existence.
B. His hope rests on his faith.
II. Contentment
A. The Christian may not be satisfied with every aspect of his life.
B. Contentment may not mean that one is necessarily resigned to the status quo.
1. He can abound in any state. (Phil. 4:11-12).
2. Godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Tim. 6:6).
C. The Christian can be content knowing His Lord will never forsake him. (Heb. 13:5)
III. Peace
A. The peace of God which passes all understanding. (Phil. 4:7)
B. Prayer brings peace. (Phil. 4:6).
C. Solutions to one’s problems are found in the word of God.
IV. Dedication
A. The one who is dedicated is happy.
B. Dedication to God brings about supreme happiness even in this life.
Conclusion
1. Those outside of Christ need to obey His gospel in order to attain the happiness that can only be
found in Him.
2. Christians must make sure the factors which contribute to true happiness are found in their lives.
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Do All In The Name Of The Lord
Text: Colossians 3:17
Introduction
1. This vital command affects each one of us in what we think, say or do.
2. It is imperative that every person have a clear understanding as to what it means.
Conclusion
We must submit ourselves, in all things, to Jesus Christ and His perfect law thus doing all in His name.
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An “Exceptional” Lesson
I. Introduction
1. The word “except” is found frequently in the Bible.
a. It often implies something conditional.
b. It is synonymous with “unless.”
2. This lesson will consider some passages where “except” is used to:
a. Emphasize some important Bible truths.
b. Set forth the conditions that must be met for one to be a recipient of the promises of God.
II. “Except Ye Be Converted, And Become As Little Children, Ye Shall Not Enter Into the
Kingdom of Heaven” (Matt. 18:3)
A. Conversion is essential to entering the kingdom.
B. Conversion is a change in spiritual life from sin to righteousness.
III. “As the Branch Cannot Bear Fruit of Itself, Except It Abide in the Vine...” (John 15:4)
A. Jesus is the vine and His disciples, the converted, are the branches.
B. From this figure one can conclude:
1. One must be in Christ.
2. Unless one abides in Christ he is fruitless.
3. One must continue to abide in Christ.
Conclusion
Why not obey God’s word and be converted so that you may abide in Christ and receive an eternal reward?
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Fear Of The Lord
Text: Proverbs 1:7
I. “Fear” Defined
A. The word may denote dread, terror, alarm or fight; that which disquiets or horrifies.
1. This is not the fear the Lord wants us to have.
2. Such is the “fear” of 1 John 4:18.
B. The fear God teaches us to have toward Him is reverence or awe, respect and adoration.
C. Some characteristics and consequences of the proper fear include:
1. Faith.
2. Love.
3. Trust.
4. Obedience.
5. Peace.
Conclusion
1. We must realize that the fear of God is the beginning of knowledge.
2. With that understanding, we must:
a. Walk in the fear of the Lord (Acts 9:31).
b. Pass the time of our sojourning in fear (1 Pet. 1:17).
c. Perfect holiness in the fear of God (2 Cor. 7:1).
d. Submit ourselves one to another in the fear of God (Eph. 5:21).
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Fit for the Master’s Use
Text: Luke 9:62
Introduction
1. Some are not fit for the kingdom of God such as the worldly-minded. (text)
2. This prompts the question, “Who is fit for it?”
3. “Fit” defined.
a. We usually think it means to be suitable, that which is fitting or appropriate.
b. Euthetos: “ready for use, fit, well adapted, lit., well placed...” (W.E. Vine, p. 446)
I. To Be Fit Is to Be Useful
A. A consideration of the text.
1. One who is attempting to plow but is not giving attention to it will do an unsuitable job.
2. The worldly-minded “Christian” will not do a suitable job for the Lord because his focus
is elsewhere.
a. His hypocritical example damages the image of Christ and the church.
b. He causes problems in the church. (1 Cor. 3:1-3)
c. He will eventually fall away. (2 Tim. 4:10)
1) Demas loved the present world and gave his attention to it.
2) Demas was of no value to the Lord or Paul.
B. The Lord wants His disciples to be the “salt of the earth.” (Matt. 5:13)
1. Salt that loses its flavor is fit for nothing. (Luke 14:34-35)
2. The “Christian” who loses his “fitness” is good for nothing.
II. Qualities of The One Who Is Fit for the Master’s Use
A. He realizes he is no longer his own. (1 Cor. 6:19-20)
1. He can no longer do as he pleases but as the Lord wills. (Matt. 16:24; 7:21)
2. The fact he is no longer his own means his service to God never stops. (Rev. 2:10)
a. The religion of Christ is a way of life. One’s life is not compartmentalized in that
he gives a portion to the Lord but the rest is his to do as he wants.
b. His attitude must be that of Paul: to press on. (Phil. 3:12-15)
B. He is committed to the Lord.
1. The rich young man failed the test of commitment. (Mark 10:17-22)
2. He will be faithful to the Lord no matter what it costs him or what he has to face.
3. Paul stood alone in defense of the gospel but he continued to stand. (2 Tim. 4:16)
C. He does good works. (Titus 2:14; Eph. 2:10)
1. He teaches others, in word and by example, how to become a Christian.
2. He encourages other Christians. (Heb. 10:24-25)
3. He corrects the erring. (Jas. 5:16; Gal. 6:1-2)
4. He looks to the material needs of others. (Eph. 4:28)
D. He lives a godly life. (1 Tim. 6:6)
1. He attempts to bring everything in his life into harmony with the will of God. (Rom. 12:1-2)
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“Fit for the Master’s Use” (continued)
2. He takes seriously what God has said about his relationships in all aspects of his life.
a. Marriage. (Eph. 5:25f)
b. Children. (Eph. 6:1-4)
c. Work. (Col. 3:22-24)
d. Government. (Rom. 13:6-7)
e. Care of the body. (1 Tim. 4:8)
f. Material and financial matters. (Rom. 13:8)
g. The world. (1 John 2:15-17; 1 Pet. 2:11-12)
E. He seeks to mature in Christ.
1. By producing the fruit of the Spirit. (Gal. 5:22)
2. By adding virtues to his faith. (2 Pet. 1:5-9)
3. By studying the word. (2 Tim. 2:15)
4. By exercising his spirituality. (Heb. 5:14)
5. The mature Christian is the one most useful.
Conclusion
1. What a joy to be a Christian. To think that I can be of value and use to my Savior and the Almighty
God of heaven.
2. How tragic when one allows himself to become useless to the Lord thus worthless and unprofitable
in His sight (John 15:1-8)
3. Want a quick measure of your usefulness to Him? Consider your usefulness to the local church.
a. What would this church lose if it lost you?
b. Of what value are you to this local church?
c. Can this church count on you? If not, how could the Lord even begin to count on you?
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Five Ways to Disobey God
Introduction
1. Many people who reject the religion of Christ have an improper view of Scripture.
a. They think the Bible is a book of “thou shalt nots.”
b. They think that since they do not steal, cheat, commit adultery, etc., that they have no need
to be religious or submit to Christ.
2. Sadly, some who claim to be Christians show they believe this idea by their actions.
a. They refrain from doing those things they believe God prohibits.
b. Yet, they fail to be doing all that God wants them to do.
3. Since the Bible indicates different ways in which God can be disobeyed, a reflection on those ways
can help all of us understand them so that we can avoid some of the pitfalls of sin.
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“Five Ways to Disobey God” (continued)
Conclusion
1. Realizing where we can fail we must:
a. Avoid that which God forbids.
b. Do that which God has commanded.
c. Never add to nor take from God’s word.
d. Avoid substituting for that which God has commanded.
2. It is our obedience to God’s Truth that will save us.
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The Gospel - God’s Power to Save
Text: Romans 1:14-18
Introduction
1. The gospel is that of which we should not be ashamed.
a. Reveals the righteousness of God.
b. It expresses the man the wisdom of God. (1 Cor. 1:24)
c. It is God’s power to save.
2. This lesson will focus on the gospel’s power to save
I. Gospel Defined
A. “Originally denoted a reward for good tidings, later the idea of reward was dropped, and the
word stood for the good news itself.” (W.E. Vine)
B It is a message of “glad tidings” and “great joy.” (Luke 2:10-11)
C. It is the message of good news that salvation is available in Christ. (Eph. 1:3-10)
Conclusion
1. There is no hope for one who rejects the gospel of Christ. (2 Thes. 1:7-9)
2. Why don’t you believe what the gospel presents about Christ, then obey what it commands so that
you can enjoy the promises it makes?
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Impenitence
I. Introduction
1. In order to obtain forgiveness of sins, men must, among other things, repent of their sins
(Acts 17:30).
2. An impenitent person displays a brazenness which may manifest itself all the way from simply
trying to ignore his sins to a shameless and open defiance of God and His word.
3. This lesson will note some illustrations of impenitence allowing us to see its consequences and show
how forgiveness is available to the penitent.
Conclusion
1. Your sins and impenitence can cause grave consequences to you and to those who come under your
influence.
2. If you need to repent, do so. Obey the commands of the Lord today.
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In Nothing Be Ashamed
Text: Philippians 1:12-20
I. Introduction
1. Definitions.
a. Ashamed. “The feeling of shame arising from something that has been done” (W.E. Vine).
b. Shame. “A condition of humiliating disgrace or disrepute; something that brings strong
regret, censure, or reproach” (Webster).
2. The apostle Paul’s desire was that he would do nothing of which to be ashamed. This same resolve
should be in the heart of every Christian.
3. This lesson will present some things of which the Bible says we should not be ashamed.
Conclusion
May all of us be truthfully able to sing, “I’m not ashamed to own my Lord, Nor to defend His cause;
Maintain the honors of His word, The glory of His cross.”
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Jesus the Stone
Text: 1 Peter 2:4-8
Introduction
1. In the text Peter ties several passages together in which Jesus is referred to as a stone.
2. These Old Testament figures of speech, when applied to Jesus, tell several things about Him.
Conclusion
1. Both the acceptance and rejection of Jesus are pictured in reference to Jesus as a stone.
2. What is He to you? Is He your chief corner stone or your rock of offense?
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Lessons from the Temptation
Text: Matthew 4:1-11
Introduction
The account of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness offers some of the richest lessons in Scripture.
Conclusion
Let us imitate the example of Jesus in overcoming temptation.
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Living Soberly
Text: Titus 2:11-12
Introduction
1. Living soberly involves more than the idea of being free from the intoxication of alcoholic
beverages.
2. What does it mean to “live soberly?”
I. “Soberly Defined”
A. The Greek word basically means being of sound mind, self-controlled, to be in one’s right mind,
to call to one’s senses. It suggests the idea of thoughtfulness, of being serious-minded and of
carefully considering the real situations of life.
B. “Living soberly” would eliminate the idea of being bounced around by life’s circumstances
without any reason, plan or goal for life.
Conclusion
No one can be a true success in this life without living soberly.
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Overcoming Sin
Text: Matthew 4:1-11
I. Introduction
1. When tempted in the wilderness, Jesus manifested the triumph and victory of faith.
2. His encounter with Satan was far different from that of Adam and Eve.
3. As victory over sin belonged to Him, it can belong to us.
4. When one is able to identify sin and at the same time have the desire within to overcome it, he can
enjoy a triumphant faith.
Conclusion
1. Sin can be overcome.
2. Overcome it today.
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The Parent - Child Relationship
Introduction
1. Family life in our society seems to be in real trouble.
2. The family is a divine arrangement. (Psa. 127:3; Gen. 48:9; Psa. 127:4)
3. The parent-child relationship, like all relationships, is reciprocal: it works both ways or it does not
work at all.
Conclusion
1. Parents: examine yourselves and see if you are worthy of being called “blessed.” (Prov. 31:28)
2. Children: look at yourselves honestly and see if you are doing the will of Christ in respecting and
obeying your parents.
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Peter’s Denial
Text: Mark 14:66-72
Introduction
1. It is just as important for us not to deny the Lord today as it was for Peter. (Matt. 10:32-33)
2. The record in the text is filled with suggestion that will help us to be more faithful to the Lord.
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Prayer and the Power of Prayer
Introduction
1. As children of God, no matter how diligently we may strive to please God in all other phases of our
responsibilities, if we do not pray, or pray properly, we will be miserable failures.
2. This lesson will seek to define prayer and show its power in our lives.
Conclusion
Let each child of God recognize the power of prayer and use its power effectively in his life.
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The Assumptions, Components
and Blessings of Prayer
Introduction
This lesson will concern the assumptions one must grant before praying, the components of prayer and
the blessings derived from prayer.
Conclusion
Let us ever be thankful for the great blessing we derive from the privilege of prayer.
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Acceptable Prayer
Introduction
This lesson concerns those things that can hinder our prayers and some essentials and nonessentials to
acceptable prayer.
I. Hindrances to Prayer
A. A lack of faith. (Jas. 1:5-7)
B. Wickedness. (Psa. 66:18; Prov. 28:9)
C. Substituting prayer for obedience.
D. Selfishness. (Jas. 4:3; Luke 18:9-14)
E. Improper attitudes toward others. (Matt. 6:14-15; 5:23-24; 1 Pet. 3:7)
Conclusion
Let each of us make every effort to make our prayers acceptable to God.
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The Model Prayer
Text: Matthew 6:5-15; Luke 11:1-4
Introduction
Though often called “the Lord’s prayer,” it was a model prayer given at the request of the Lord’s
disciples so that they might learn how to pray. (Luke 11:1)
Conclusion
We must seek to model our prayers and our prayer life after the teachings and example of Jesus.
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Receiving The Word With Meekness
Text: James 1:19-21
I. Introduction
1. The heart properly equipped to hear and heed the saving message of God is the “honest and good
heart.” (Luke 8:15)
a. It is essential for the one outside of Christ to have such an attitude if he is ever going to
believe, obey, and be saved.
b. It is also necessary for the one in Christ, a child of God.
2. The person who would receive the word with this attitude must have several very important
characteristics.
Conclusion
One who conscientiously applies these instruction from James to his life will be saved by the word.
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The Sins of Jerusalem: The Sins of Today
Text: Zephaniah 3:2
Introduction
1. In the text, Zephaniah listed four sins of the city of Jerusalem.
2. The sins of God’s people then remain the sins of His people today.
Conclusion
Correcting these four problem areas will go a long way in solving many of the problems that exist
among God’s people today.
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Walking By Faith
Text: 2 Corinthians 5:7
I. Introduction
Though many claim to be walking by faith they do not know what it involves.
Conclusion
1. Are you walking by faith?
2. If not, why not hearken to the will of God and begin living your life in accordance with it?
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Who Is Wise?
Text: James 3:13-17
Introduction
1. The text presents a challenging question, “Who is wise?”
2. Man’s involvement with and need for wisdom is clearly seen. (Gen. 3:16-17; Prov. 3:13-15)
3. In this lesson, we will go to the word of God to find the answer to the question, “Who is wise?”
I. True Wisdom
A. Wisdom versus knowledge.
1. Wisdom and knowledge are not the same.
2. One can have a great deal of knowledge and still not be wise.
B. Wisdom defined: “The ability to judge soundly and deal sagaciously with facts, especially as
they relate to life and conduct.”
C. Earthly wisdom versus wisdom from above.
1. Earthly wisdom. (Jas. 3:15)
2. Wisdom from above. (Jas. 3:17)
a. True wisdom.
b. How to obtain: 2 Timothy 3:15.
Conclusion
1. Are you wise?
2. Do you have the Biblical attributes of a wise person?
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Why Don’t I Feel Forgiven?
Introduction
1. A common feeling that one time or another burdens the heart of every conscientious child of God is
that he does not feel forgiven.
2. This lesson will:
a. Offer some help in solving the problem.
b. Deal with some common reasons for this feeling of uncertainty.
I. Lack of Faith
A. It is possible that our outward expression of faith may be little more than lip service.
B. One may feels unforgiven because he lacks faith to receive God’s pardon. (1 John 1:9)
Conclusion
1. The promises of God are such that there is no reason for being uncertain about being forgiven.
2. Consider Hebrews 4:16.
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The Word Of Salvation
Text: Acts 11:1-18
I. Introduction
1. The apostle Peter was told to speak words whereby Cornelius and his house could be saved.
2. This lesson will focus attention on the word of God and the role it plays in man’s salvation.
II. A Knowledge of the Word of God On the Part of Sinners Is Essential to Their Salvation
A. Man cannot come to God unless he is taught. (John 6:44-45)
1. No sinner is ever drawn to Christ independent of being taught the gospel.
2. Human creeds, emotions, traditions, “experiences,” etc., must never be allowed to
replace the word of God. (Matt. 15:6-9)
B. The word of God gives faith. (Rom. 10:17)
C. One must therefore learn and know the will of God.
III. The W ord of God Will Save Sinners Only When They Will Submit to Its Authority in Humble
Obedience
A. Those saved will be those who obey. (Matt. 7:21; Heb. 5:8-9)
B. Those obedient to the gospel plan of salvation are added by the Lord to His church. (Acts 2:47)
Conclusion
Now that you have heard the word of salvation proclaimed, you need to take knowledge of it and obey it
because it has the power to save your soul.
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Word Pictures of Salvation
Introduction
1. In the New Testament, salvation is pictured by several different figures of speech.
2. These figures are not different processes by which people may be saved but they are simply different
ways of expressing salvation.
Conclusion
1. Another figure of salvation: One Who Is Athirst (Revelation 22:17).
2. Jesus offers the water of life to those who will come in obedience to Him. Those who drink it will
never thirst.
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