Tabernacle Baptist Church

1 Corinthians 1 / September 9th, 2018 / Dr. Todd Gray *

Although the church at Corinth was young and on fire, they were quickly fading and didn’t even realize it. There is danger of death when distractions become fractions in the church, but a Gospel focus brings unity.

Sermon Notes:

1. Paul’s 3-Part Exhortation for Unity (1 Corinthians 1:10)

2. Avoid Personality Worship (1 Corinthians 1:11-13)

3. Unity Prevents Distraction and Promotes Gospel Proclamation (1 Corinthians 1:13-17)

1 Corinthians 1 / September 2nd, 2018 / Dr. Todd Gray

*This week, we start off with the life of Edgar Allan Poe. He was a world-famous poet and a literary genius. Despite being “on top of the world,” a series of events led him to despair, drugs, and alcohol. After being found unconscious on the streets of Baltimore, he died 4 days later. The church in Corinth was in danger of following a similar path. When Paul founded their church, they were strong in their faith and understanding of the Gospel. After a few short years, however, the church is letting quarrelling and cultural influences begin to unravel the body.

Sermon Notes:

1. Paul’s Introduction (1 Corinthians 1:1-3)

2. Our Future with Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:8-9)

Ephesians 5 / August 26th, 2018 / Dr. Todd Gray**The Bible says that wives should submit to their husbands. Often, we have a hard time reading past that single sentence. We think submission and we think oppression or even abuse. This is not the kind of submission scripture talks about. This week, we look at how our singleness or marriages can be a great picture to the world of the love God has for us as a picture of the Gospel.

Message Notes:

1. Wives Respect your Husbands (Ephesians 5:21-24)

2. Husbands Love your Wives Sacrificially (Ephesians 5:25-31)

3. Purpose (Ephesians 5:32)

Boaz seeks redemption and restores Elimelech’s family name. In Christ we have been redeemed and this is for the purpose of complete restoration.

Message Notes:

1. Boaz Seeks to Redeem (Ruth 4:1-14)

2. Redemption and Restoration (Ruth 4:14-15)

3. Restoration and Racial Implications (Ruth 4:1-22)

Ruth 3 / August 12th, 2018 / Dr. Todd Gray

Last week, ESPN.com reported about a shocking event by college football players. A store owner was reviewing camera footage to find out why some of her merchandise and money were missing. She expected to find footage of her employees wrongdoings, but instead saw athletes approach an unattended register, leave the payment for their items on the counter. Concerned that the store may have been unintentionally left open, the players went next door and helped secure the store. They did the right thing when nobody was looking. We see these same qualities on display in the lives of Ruth and Boaz. Ruth and Boaz lived for God’s Glory so follow their example and live a righteous life motivated by the Gospel not by personal pleasure.

Ruth 2 / August 5th, 2018 / Dr. Todd Gray

“Hesed” is a Hebrew word that means “kindness.” This week, we see God’s Hesed on display in different ways. See how Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz all experienced Hesed and how you can experience it as well.

Message Notes:

1. Naomi: God’s Hesed and Hidden Hand of Providence

2. Ruth: Hesed on Display

3. Boaz: Hesed in the Redeemer

Ruth 2 / July 29th, 2018 / Dr. Todd Gray

Do you have anybody in your life whose integrity is unquestioned? We live in a world of private personal devices, the relative anonymity of the internet, and increasingly open standards of morality. In Chapter Two, Ruth and Boaz emerge as beacons of integrity and humility. They didn't get there on their own effort. This week, we talk about how we can rely on God and begin to model these qualities in our own lives.

Sermon Notes:

1. Live with Integrity

2. Walk in Humility

3. Make Your Mark by Staying Under the Shadow of His Wings

Have you ever been through such a painful experience that you become blinded to God’s blessings? Sometimes our blessings take the form of an opportunity or position, spouse or child. At the beginning of the book of Ruth, we are told of two different women - Naomi and Ruth - affected by the same tragedy. One woman is blinded to God’s blessings and the other seeks Him out despite the circumstances.

Message Notes:

1. Don't Buy the Lie from Pain that God is Not Sovereign.

2. Don’t Let Pain Blind you to What God has Given you.

3. Emulate the Commitment of Ruth.

4. Don’t Forget God’s End Game of Sending Jesus.

We sometimes find ourselves doing something we know isn’t entirely healthy...Comparing ourselves and our blessings to others. Don’t fall into this trap! True joy and contentment come when we keep our eyes on one thing, Jesus.

1. Jesus is Worthy (John 21:24-25)

2.Keep your Focus on Jesus and Stop Comparing Yourself to Others (John 21:20-23)

John 21 / July 8th, 2018 / Dr. Todd Gray

Apart from jesus, we can do nothing. But, as His followers we share the good news, care for His sheep, and follow Him unto death.

Apart From Jesus We can do nothing (John 21:1-8)

As Shepherds... We Care for His Sheep (John 21: 9-18)

As Disciples... We Follow Him (John 21:19)