Dedicated To The Men of God Who Preach the Word of God As It Is To Men As They Are

"Preach The Word"

New Year Sermons

THE PRESENCE OF THE UNCHANGING CHRIST

TEXT: Hebrews 13:5

INTRODUCTION: We shall look at this promise in five settings. Like apples of gold in pictures of silver, it is a word fitly spoken to the pilgrim on thehighway to Zion.

I.THE PILGRIM S COMMENCEMENT

It was given to Jacob, soon to be a pilgrim and a stranger (Gen. 28). He goes forth withh a fourfold encouragement; His loneliness is replaced by the joy of Divine companionship, "I am with thee"; his fears are dispelled by the promise of Divine protection, "... and will keep thee in all places"; his uncertainity is banished by the knowledge of Divine guidance, "... and will bring thee again into this land"; his doubts disappear by the assurance of the fulfillment of Divine purposes, "... For I will not leave thee until I have done tI at which I have spoken to thee of."

II. THE PILGRIM S COMMONWEALTH

It was made to a people going in to possess the land (Deut. 31:6). Canaan was their inheritance by God s guarantee, but the enjoyment of it depended on their faithfulness to God and their victory over their enemies.

III. THE PILGRIM S COMMISSION

It was made to a leader upon whom rested the care of all the tribes (Josh. 1:5). Three times over in this chapter God says "be strong." Whatever the burden the Lord is near to succour, "I will not fail thee nor forsake thee," therefore "Cast thy burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain thee" (Psalm 55:22).

IV. THE PILGRIM S CONTRIBUTION

It was made to a man whose task it was to build the Temple of God (I Chro. 28:20). We too are builders, and Christ is the foundation. Whether it is the building of individual character (Matt. 7:24-29), or the local assembly (I Cor. 3:11.12), or the Church universal (Matt. 16:18), each is formed to be a habitation of God. All must be fashioned according to the likeness of Christ.

V. THE PILGRIM' S CROSS

It was made to a people, sharing the reproach of their rejected Lord (Heb. 13:5). "Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp bearing His reproach" (v.13). His presence will mean contentment with our lot (v.5), strength for the conflict (v.6) joy in the unchanging Christ (v.8), stability for the heart (v.9), satisfaction in the Cross (v.10), and hope that shines amid the gloom (v.14).

      SERMONS FROM THE MAZE JACKSON
ABSENT FROM THE BODY--PRESENT WITH THE   LORD

 

E-Mail

Site created by Tom Walker