“The Beginning of the End A Christmas Story” sermon 5 of a sermon series ,Portraits of God, November 27, 2011 / First Advent Sunday / This Week is Blue Grass Sunday for November

Pastor Richard Daughtridge

“The Beginning of the End , A Christmas Story,  “Omega, the End”. 

In our first sermon of this series we looked at Alpha (beginning)  becoming Abba (Daddy). Today we will close with Abba becoming Omega (the End). The story of the Bible is all about new beginnings. The story of Christmas is the beginning of the end. The end of sin’s domination over man, the end of man’s separation from God the father, the end of Satan’s power over man, and eventually the the end life on earth as we know it. Rejection and fatherless end. Now we become a part of the adoption as God’s children.  Joy to the World . What an announcement!

 I belong to my Father.

John 1:12

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Romans 1:7

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:16

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

1 Cor. 1:3

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Cor. 1:2

Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1:4

Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

 The Mantle is Passed

2 Kings 2:12

And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.

Acts 7:55-56

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, [56] And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

 The Inheritance Established

Col. 1:12

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

Col. 3:24

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Hebrews 9:15

And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

1 Cor. 2:9

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

 Close by singing “Emmanuel”.

Don't forget ,This Sunday is Blue Grass Sunday.

 

4th Portrait “The Rock of Ages” fourth of a sermon series , Portraits of God, by Pastor Richard Daughtridge 11/ 20/11

Pastor Richard A. Daughtridge

“The Rock of Ages” fourth of a sermon series , Portraits of God, by Pastor Richard Daughtridge 11/ 20/11

Slavery in any form of it’s existence is demoralizing. I’ve stood at markets in several parts of the world where thousand of slaves have been sold. My mind wandered back. What fear must have rushed their minds. What humiliation must have eroded their esteem. Their dignity was robbed and unbearable heartache lurked ahead.

Rom. 6:6 NIV For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin–

Based on the stories  I’ve read, if this story even happened it was rare, but I heard the story about a master that agreed he would buy two of his slave’s son’s and his wife which were being sold. The slave was heard saying, “I’ll be your slave twice, once for the price you paid and  the second  for the kindness you’ve shown.” The family worked hard and lived together and were thankful. They adopted the faith of that farmer  and worshiped  together in the slave areas. After they were freed at the time of the Emancipation Proclamation the farmer  farmer announced, “You are free now. You may go as you will.”

The slaves asked, “Could we talk and meet you later at the slave rock, where we were bought? We will be there this afternoon.”

When the farmer arrived  at the market the family was on the rock. The elderly slave, the dad,   held a sign in his hand that said, “Free.”

The farmer puzzled shrugged his shoulders but then heard this question, “Can we go home now? We’ll work out the terms of our employment later.”

I remembered thinking when  I heard this story, “ It must have been the Rock of Ages.” The stories are is quite similar. We were all slaves.

Romans 7:14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.

1 Samuel 2:2    There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.

2 Samuel 22:2-3

And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; [3] The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

2 Samuel 22:32

For who is God, save the Lord? and who is a rock, save our God?

2 Samuel 22:47

The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.

 2 Samuel 23:3

The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

Psalm 18:2

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Psalm 18:31

For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?

Psalm 18:46

The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.

The Rock Jehovah

Jehovah  translated  “Lord.” The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning “to be” or “to exist.” It also suggests “to become” or specifically “to become known” — this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly.

1. Jehovah Nissi  (The Lord My Banner)
2. Jehovah-Raah (The Lord My Shepherd)
3. Jehovah Rapha (The Lord That Heals)
4. Jehovah Shammah (The Lord Is There)
5. Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness)
6. Jehovah Mekoddishkem  (The Lord Who Sanctifies You)
7. Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide)
8. Jehovah Shalom(The Lord Is Peace)
9. Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts)

The word for Jehovah means Lord which means Master. Slaves were sold on the slave rock.

Get on the Rock

2 Cor. 5:14-18

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: [15] And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. [16] Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. [17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. [18] And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

Now let’s sing Rock of Ages   Page   342  Then we’ll have I’ll pastoral prayer.    

 

Portrait # 3 “The Portrait of a Shepherd” third of a sermon series , Portraits of God, by Pastor Richard Daughtridge 11/13/11

Pastor Richard Daughtridge

 “The Portrait of a Shepherd” third of a sermon series , Portraits of God, by Pastor Richard Daughtridge

1. Shepherd’s Birthing Techniques

Isaiah 40:11  He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

• We are to deliver the lambs.  We preach the Gospel, the Holy Spirit then convicts the sinner, and if some repent and believe they can be born again.

John 3:3  In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”

•  Only the Lord Jesus Christ can save and cause a person to be born again.  But when a lamb is newly born, the under shepherd still has responsibilities.

John 11:25  Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;

2. A Shepherd’s Heart

.John 21:15-17 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep”.

Earthly ministry will reflect the Chief Shepherd.

3. Shepherd’s Feed

2 Tim. 3:16-17  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Stories, pop psychology and worldly methodology do not feed sheep.  They must be fed on the written Word of God as it is exegeted properly and applied by the Holy Spirit.

 Matt. 28:19-20  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

 4. Shepherd’s Watering Hole

 Genesis 29:3  When all the flocks were gathered there, the shepherds would roll the stone away from the well’s mouth and water the sheep. Then they would return the stone to its place over the mouth of the well.

5. Shepherd’s Grooming Sheers

2 Tim.4:2-5  Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage— with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

5. Shepherd’s Rod & Staff

Heb. 12:7-11  Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

1 Thessalonians 5:14  And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

Titus 2:13-15  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; [14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. [15] These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Get the picture?

Sermon Hymn   597 Take my life and let it be.