1.7.24 - The Importance Of Reading The Bible by Midway Baptist Church

Text: Ruth 1:6-17

Opening Statement:

In each of these widows there are lessons to learn. In one we have a troubling example, in one a tragic example, and finally in one a thrilling example. These three widows illustrate three responses of people.

First, we see in Naomi:

I) A DISCOURAGING WIDOW (6-13)

Naomi illustrates how the life of a believer that is not living for God, is often a discouragement to others knowing God.

As we view this scene, we see that:

A) Naomi Was Being Observed

When she started back her daughters-in-law followed her. In their hour of grief, they looked to her for guidance. They were watching to see what Naomi would do. Whatever she did, they would do. Every action and step of Naomi was being observed.

We as believers need to be constantly reminded that we are being watched by the unsaved. Whether we admit it or not, accept it or not, or acknowledge it or not, we are being watched by those around us.

As we continue looking at this scene, we also see that:

B) Naomi Was Being Obstructive

One of the chief occupations of a believer is to try and lead unbelievers to the Lord. A person going to heaven is to work to take people to heaven.

Naomi was only thinking of their material circumstances rather than their spiritual condition. She was only thinking of their physical needs and not their spiritual needs.

Naomi reminds us of those who are professing Christians but are not practicing Christians.

The second widow in our story that I want us to consider is Orpah. In her we see:

II) A DEPARTING WIDOW (14)

Orpah illustrates those who turn away from God and reject Him as their Lord and Savior. As we look at Orpah, we first see her:

A) Returning To Moab

Orpah chose to stay in a cursed land. She chose to live in a place of spiritual darkness and desolation.

Orpah reminds us of those who are given the opportunity to be saved, yet they reject that offer and choose to live a life without God.

We not only see Orpah returning to Moab, but we also see her:

B) Remaining In Moab

How tragic it is for someone to have heard the Gospel; to have been given the opportunity to be saved; to say no, and then die lost without God. The great tragedy is that not one person in hell had to go there. All could have been saved, but they like Orpah rejected the opportunity to be saved.

The third widow in this story is Ruth. In her we see:

III) A DECIDING WIDOW (16-17)

We see Ruth making a decision that changed her life. We read that instead of leaving Naomi, “Ruth clave unto her” (Vs.14).

The decision Ruth made gave her a:

A) New Life

Salvation gives a person a new life. Paul said, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things pass away and behold all things are become new” (II Cor.5:17). Salvation makes us a new person and gives us a new life.

We also see that her decision gave her a:

B) New Lord

No doubt she had worshipped the false idols and false gods of Moab. She had known nothing but paganism. Now she has a new Lord in her life. Her life is now centered around Him and His people.

Finally, we see that her decision gave her a:

C) New Loyalty

Ruth was saying, “This decision is for the rest of my life.” She had no desire to go back nor plans to return. Her decision was for time and eternity.

There is nothing behind us and everything before us.

Closing Statement:

Which of these poor widows best represents the life you are living right now?

If you are saved and away from the Lord, I invite you to come home. If you are lost and are thinking about a life of faith, I invite you to receive Jesus today. If you are saved, secure and settled I invite you to come before Him to worship, praise and thank Him for grace.

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2023.4.30 - The Mercado Missionaries by Midway Baptist Church

Text: Ruth 1:1-7

Opening Statement:

In the book of Ruth there are scenes that are tragic, domestic, romantic, dramatic, historic, and prophetic. Yet each scene is a mine filled with precious gems.

The Book of Ruth is a beautiful picture of Christ’s great love for us, and the redemption He purchased for us.

The opening scene of the book is tragic for we find three graves in Moab. Let’s notice the story behind these 3 graves. First, notice:

I) THE DEPARTURE FROM THE LORD (vs.1-4)

As we look at this departure from the Lord we see:

A) Where They Were Leaving

Their home was the town of Bethlehem in the country of Judah. The name “Bethlehem” means, “House of bread.” “Judah” means “praise.”

This was the place we find Elimelech and his family leaving. They first left the city limits of Bethlehem and then left the borders of Judah. They first got out of the House of God and then out of the will of God.

We also see:

B) Where They Went to Live

We read that they “went to sojourn in the country of Moab” (Vs.1). In Psalm 108:9, we find an interesting description of Moab. We read, “Moab is My washpot.”

Elimelech’s journey to Moab is illustrative of a Christian leaving God and going back to the old life.

We see that not only did they settle down in Moab, but their children took to themselves wives of the Moabites (Vs.4). Marriage among the pagan nations was strictly forbidden by God. The parents’ departure only led to a further departure in the children.

We see a departure from the Lord, and we also see the results of leaving God.

II) THE DISCIPLINE BY THE LORD

Just as an earthly father will discipline a disobedient child, God will discipline His disobedient and straying children (Heb.12:6). The writer of Hebrews describes both a process and a procedure of God’s discipline.

When we look at Elimelech and his family we see this process and procedure of discipline.

A) The First Acts Of Discipline (V.2)

It would appear that Elimelech and Naomi, had begun to drift from God in their hearts, before they ever left Bethlehem-judah. A departure from God always begins on the inside long before it is seen on the outside. The names of their children would seem to suggest that God had already begun a work of discipline to get their attention. These boys seem to be the first acts of discipline in their life.

Both of their children would seem to suggest that God was trying to get their attention.

B) The Fatal Acts Of Discipline (vs. 3,5)

First God chastens us, and if that does not get our attention, He scourges us. The first warnings were ignored and finally God’s discipline was drastic and fatal.

Whenever a Christian gets out of the house of God, and the will of God, God will discipline. He will deal with them patiently and lovingly. But in time, if there is no repentance and a return to God, He will deal in a more drastic measure. A departure from the Lord will always bring the discipline of the Lord.

III) THE DESIRE FOR THE LORD (vs. 6-7)

She heard of how God was blessing His people again. The famine was over at last. The people had come back to God. It was this news, coupled with all that had happened, that created in her heart a desire to return to God. In her desire we see:

A) Her Repentance

It is interesting how her actions are described. It was not just that she returned to Bethlehem-judah. She was turning her back on Moab. She was leaving Moab. That is repentance.

In her desire we also see:

B) Her Return

She returned to the place of blessing. She came back to the will of God. She is leaving the place of sin for the place of blessing.

In Closing:

Just like Naomi and the prodigal son, if you find yourself in a foreign place don’t make your home there. Come home, your Heavenly Father is waiting to receive you with open arms of forgiveness. Return to him today.

Easter is Over, Now What?

Text: Matt. 28:18-20

Opening Statement:

It's clear from all four Gospels that, after His Resurrection, Jesus is single-minded on His mission to share the good news throughout the world. Jesus fulfilled the earth-bound portion of His mission. It would soon be time for His followers to fulfill their part in the mission to take the Gospel to the nations.

That was then, and this is now! The Great Commission still stands! God still expects His people to take His message to a lost world so that they might hear the wonderful words of life.

I) WE HAVE A DIVINE MANDATE (v. 19)

The mandate of The Great Commission is to “Go”. There are two ways we can do this.

1) It involves our Lifestyle (Matt. 5:13-16)

Like salt, our life should create a thirst in people for the Lord. If He is the focus of our lives, men will see Him lived out through our lives, day by day!

2) It involves our Lips

We are told to “teach”. That word has the idea of “making disciples or to instruct”. It is not enough to just show it, we must also say it!

II) WE HAVE A DIVINE MESSAGE (v. 20)

Jesus tells His followers to share a specific message: “…to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…” As we go and as we tell the world about Jesus, the message we are to share is very clear. We are to share the Gospel.

There is no other message that God will use to draw the sinner to Himself and there is no other message He will use to save lost souls!

III) WE HAVE A DIVINE MISSION (v. 19)

He tells us that we are to “Go…and teach all nations”.

He is telling us very clearly that our mission is to every person in the world.

If they are sinners, they are candidates to hear the message of the cross. If they are lost, they need a Savior. If they do not know Him, they need to, and we have been authorized and commanded to reach them!

IV) WE HAVE A DIVINE MENTOR (v. 20)

Jesus doesn’t send us in to the lost world without any resources.

1) We Are Promised His Presence

When you are standing there sharing the Gospel with that friend, that family member, even that total stranger, the Lord Himself is right there with you. You will never share the Gospel alone if you are a child of God!

2) We are Promised His Power

The Spirit of God will take our efforts and He will use the words we share to convict the hearts of the lost.

In Closing:

The question we need to ask, and answer is, has “The Great Commission” become “The Great Omission” in your life and mine? Are we as a church doing everything we can to find inroads of outreach into the world around us? Or are we sitting back watching the world around us slip into Hell?

2023.04.09 - The Emptiness of Easter by Midway Baptist Church

This event we are looking at today in Jesus’ life is often called the Triumphal Entry. We all know the scene well: Jesus entering Jerusalem accompanied by the waving of palm branches, the cheering of the crowds and great anticipation. If you were a visitor to Jerusalem on this day, if you were unfamiliar with Jesus’ life and teachings, you would probably be wondering what this was all about. You might even ask, “What makes Jesus worthy of worship?”

I) Jesus Reveals that He is the Messiah (28-34)

There are three ways Jesus reveals himself as Messiah.

A) He starts from the Mount of Olives (28-29)

The starting point of the Mount of Olives is important because the Mount of Olives is more than just a geographical marker here. The Mount of Olives has Messianic implications. Ezekiel 11:23 and Zechariah 14:4

B) He rides the tethered colt (30)

For the Jewish person in Jesus’ day, steeped in the Old Testament as they were, this tethered colt here in Luke’s gospel would evoke associations with this prophecy in Genesis 49:10-11 and provide yet another reason to see Jesus as the Messiah.

C) Jesus alludes to the position of “Lord” (31-34)

The name “Lord” was a title that was used for the coming Messiah. For example, Psalm 110:1 “The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’”

II) The People Reveal Jesus as Messiah (35-38)

We see this in a number of ways.

A) They place him on the donkey (35)

By placing him on the donkey and then going before him into the city of Jerusalem, the people clearly proclaim Jesus as Messiah and king.

B) They spread their cloaks before him (36)

The spreading of the cloaks was a sign of respect for the king. (2 Kings 9:13)

C) They shout his praises (37-38)

The word “hosanna” literally means, “Lord save us!” (Matthew 21:9)

The praises of the people are the third way that the people proclaim Jesus as Messiah as he enters Jerusalem.

III) Jesus Relishes their praise of him as Messiah (39-40)

Not everyone was happy about Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

A) The Pharisees object to the people’s praise of Jesus (39)

They understood the implications of all these things. Jesus was revealing himself as Messiah, and the people revealed Jesus as Messiah. And so, they tell Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples. Tell them to stop!”

B) Jesus relishes the people’s praise (40)

In fact, instead of rebuking them, Jesus relishes the people’s praise instead. Look at verse 40: “I tell you that, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

I love that phrase. It is wonderfully ambiguous, and yet at the same time such a clear affirmation that Jesus accepted the people’s praise of him as Messiah.

In Closing:

We started out asking the question, “What makes Jesus worthy of worship?

So, what does Jesus’ triumphal entry say to us today? Let me leave you with three words of application.

1) Believe that Jesus is the Messiah.

2) Serve him as King.

3) Proclaim his praises.

How do you respond to Jesus’ Triumphal Entry today?

Strange Fire - Leviticus 10:1-3

I. Worship Worthy of a Holy God

II. God is a Consuming Fire

III. God Will be Treated as Holy

Jesus says,

“What is it that I should do for you?” “That our eyes should be opened.” That’s it, and then 3 things immediately happen. He touched them, they regained their sight, and then they follow him. We can learn a lot when Jesus stops. We learn at least three lessons in this miracle.

I) The Need for Persistent faith (29-31)

The blind men asked what was going on? And when they hear that Jesus is going by, they begin shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

A) A Cry for Mercy

Their cry for mercy is an expression of faith. Faith in Jesus begins with the acknowledgement of your need. These two blind men knew their need very well. They were blind and could not see. Their cry for mercy was an acknowledgement of their need and a demonstration of faith.

B) A Cry of Acknowledgment

When they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

The expression “Son of David” is another name for the Messiah. They call on Jesus as Messiah and Lord, believing that he has the power to heal them.

C) A Cry that Won’t be Silenced

These two blind men cried out for mercy. They called on Jesus as Messiah and Lord. And then they also persevered through the obstacles. They didn’t give up, did they?

These two blind men demonstrate persistent faith. They cry for mercy. They call on Jesus as Messiah and Lord. They persevere through the obstacles.

II) The Need to Respond to Penetrating Questions (32)

So, how does Jesus respond to these two men’s faith? He asks them a penetrating question.

A) Jesus: “What do you want me to do for you?” (John 9:39-41)

Jesus asks the two blind men who are crying out for mercy, “What do you want me to do for you?” What do you want Jesus to do for you?

Jesus stopped and called them to himself. The gospel call of salvation still goes out today. Many still do not respond. Don’t be one of them!

III) The Need to Receive the Most from God (33-34)

A) What they Received on a Physical Level

So, on the physical level the two men told Jesus, “We want to see.” They demonstrated faith in Christ. They received their sight and followed him.

B) What they Received on a Spiritual level

Jesus’ miracles always have a spiritual meaning as well. And on the spiritual level, we demonstrate faith by recognizing our spiritual darkness and need.

When you cry out for mercy, when you ask Jesus to open the eyes of your heart, he will have compassion on you. He will touch you. He will give you the sight you need.

In Closing:

There’s an old saying: “There are none so blind as those who will not see.” Is that you this morning?

Jesus asks you this morning, “What do you want me to do for you?” What better response than: “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, that I may see and follow you.”

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We are going to look this morning at the prayer life of Jesus. Luke gives us a summary statement here. This is not any particular day. This is a day that happened over and over again in the three years of Jesus’ active earthly ministry.

I) Surveying the Prayer Life of Jesus

1. Jesus Prayed Alone (Matthew 14:23)

2. Jesus Prayed During Special Events (Luke 3:21)

3. Jesus Made Prayer a Priority (Luke 5:15-16) & (Luke 6:12)

4. Jesus Prayed Both Privately and Collectively (Luke 9:18) & (Luke 9:28)

5. Jesus Prayed During Times of Distress

In the Garden (Luke 22:44)

On the Cross Jesus prays out three times.

First, (Luke 23:34)

Second, (Matthew 27:46)

Third, (Luke 23:46)

II) Specific Principles from the Prayer Life of Jesus

What do we learn from the prayer life of Jesus? What can we apply to our own prayer life as we meditate on the example of Jesus?

1. First, we see the priority to prayer in the life of Jesus.

The discipline in Jesus’ prayer life stands out in several respects.

A) A Certain Place (Luke 11:1)

This phrase lends itself to the idea that Jesus had “certain places” He went to pray.

Wilderness (Luke 5:16)

Mountain (Luke 6:12 and 9:28)

Garden (Luke 22:39)

B) A Consistent Practice (Luke 5:16)

Despite the many demands that are being made upon Jesus. He knew of the importance to slip away and pray on a regular basis.

C) A Concrete Pattern (Luke 11:1)

The teaching that follows in verse 2-4 serves as a model for praying—not words to necessarily be mimicked, but a pattern that serves as a concrete pattern.

D) A Continuing Process

Luke 22:44, 23:34, and 23:46 show us the continuing prayer life of Jesus. Paul said 1 Thess. 5:17 that we are to pray unceasingly.

2. Second, we see the purpose of prayer in the life of Jesus.

If we have learned “how” he prayed by the discipline (priority) in His life, then we can learn “why” we pray by examining the things that Jesus prayed.

Jesus prayed . . .

• For refreshment (5:16)

• In times of important decision (Luke 6:12)

• In times of distress—In garden and on the cross

• For the faith of the disciples (Luke 22:32)

• For the unity of the disciples (John 17)

Closing:

Prayer is the key to unleashing human participation in the works of God. and Prayer is the key to unleashing Divine participation in the works of humanity.

If Jesus prayed, how much more do we need to pray?

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