Winchester Road East Church of Christ » Ephesians

The Spiritual Forces of Evil

admin — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:00:17 +0000

The Spiritual Forces of Evil

Ephesians 6:11-13

Introduction
1. As with angels, there are widely differing views of the nature and activities of demons, Satan.
  1. Demons are popular subjects in horror movies
  2. Satan certainly has a part in the public mind, but often inaccurately pictured.
  3. Both make up the “spiritual forces of evil” who oppose children of God.
2. We need a proper grounding of our understanding of their nature. (Eph. 6:11-13)
  1. Satan achieves his purposes more freely when misconceptions prevail.
  2. God’s word provides the understanding, and the armor, we need to combat these forces.
The Nature of Demons
1. There are five major views concerning the nature of demons
  1. A pre-Adamic race (but… Gen. 1:1-2)
  2. Offspring of angels and women (Gen. 6:1-4; but … Mark 12:25).
  3. Mental illness (but… Matt. 4:24; Luke 4:40-41; Mark 5:1-19)
  4. Departed spirits of wicked men (but … Luke 16:24-31)
  5. Fallen angels (Jude 6; 2 Peter 2:4)
2. God does not specifically tell us what demons were, other than the fact they were “unclean spirits” (Matthew 10:1 et al.)
The Truth that Demons Demonstrate
1. They demonstrate that there is a spirit world. (Eph. 6:11-13)
  1. There is evil that transcends the actions of men on earth.
  2. In spiritual matters, what is not of God is of these forces of evil.
    (1 Cor. 10:20,21; 1 Tim 4:1)
2. Demons demonstrated the superiority of Jesus over the Devil and his works.
  1. God allowed them to be present in order to show the spiritual authority of Jesus.
    (Mark 1:23-27; James 2:19)
  2. They serve to give credence to Jesus’ claims of authority to judge. (Luke 11:20-22)
3. The power to cast out demons was given to the apostles of Jesus (Mark 16:17; Acts 5:16)
  1. Demonstrated that His apostles did have His authority, as He claimed they would.
  2. Showed that those who follow Jesus continue to be safe and secure in Christ.
  3. That is not necessarily an assurance to those outside Christ (Acts 19:13-16)
4. Jesus came to conquer Satan, and He did so (1 John 3:8 Hebrews 2:14)
Our Adversary, Satan
1. Satan is not eternal, else he would be “God” too
2. It is most likely, per Bible references, that Satan was a fallen angel (Jude 6; 2 Peter 2:4)
3. The reason for his fall was pride (1 Tim. 3:6)
4. Regardless of the questions concerning his origin, we certainly know Satan’s destiny

(Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10)

1. Nevertheless, Satan seeks to continue to bring spiritual destruction upon men.
  (Rev. 12; 1 Peter 5:8)
Conclusion
1. We must choose a side in the spiritual conflict.
  1. Like the angels and the demons we have studied, we have a choice to make
  2. As we choose to obey or disobey God, our destiny will follow theirs
2. We must continue to “fight the good fight,” to struggle against the spiritual forces of evil.
  1. Because of the crushing victory of Christ over Satan, we have no reason to fear.
  2. Which side are you choosing through your choices and actions?

September 20, 2009 From PreachingHelp.org

Stop Dating the Church

admin — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:15:52 +0000

Stop Dating the Church
Ephesians 3:10-11

Sermon from July 19, 2009
Speaker: Glenn Record

Stop Dating the Church

admin — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:00:36 +0000

Stop Dating the Church
Ephesians 3:10-11

I. Introduction

A. You may know someone who has difficulty committing to a relationship.

B. In Stop Dating the Church, Joshua Harris examines commitment problems in the church.

1. It is an intriguing idea, and an apt analogy.

2. It offers an enlightening look at a relationship too many take lightly.

II. The shortcomings of “dating” the church.

A. What does it mean to “date” the church?

1. A relationship where we set all the terms

2. But a relationship we expect to be pleasing to us.

B. Is this the kind of relationship Jesus expects?

1. Jesus makes demands of those who follow Him (Luke 9:56-62)

2. Will He be satisfied with uncommitted “disciples”?

III. Signs of a “church dater”

A. Church Daters are often “me-centered” when it comes to church.

1. “What can the church do for me and my family?”

2. Programs and activities are the reason they come

3. They don’t go with the intention to be counted on or called upon.

B. They intend to remain independent, keep a safe distance from the church

1. They attend church because that’s what they have to do.

2. But they are careful not to become too attached, too involved.

C. They are often critical of the church.

1. They show little allegiance

2. They are quick to find fault.

D. They are satisfied with shallowness in their date

1. This is a two-way street: Some churches foster an attitude of dating

2. Some church-goers don’t care about deeper truths as long as they “get what they need”

IV. The church is worthy of your commitment

A. God has honored and glorified the church.

1. The church isn’t some religious club, invented by men.

2. God’s eternal purpose and wisdom are made known in it (Eph. 3:10-11)

3. It is a source of glory to God “forever and ever. Amen.” (Eph. 3:21)

4. It is precious to its Redeemer (Eph. 5:22-27)

5. The church is the “fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Eph. 1:22-23)

B. God involves the church in His atoning work.

1. God has not only saved us, but He has invited us to participate in His plan to save
the lost.

2. The church is His tool for carrying out that plan. (Romans 10:14-15)

3. It is “a pillar and buttress of truth” (1 Tim. 3:15)

C. From the heavenly perspective, the beauty of the church is unsurpassed.

1. Our experiences with imperfect people in churches may give us a negative impression.

2. From the eternal perspective, it is the glorious, holy family of God.

D. Only One has the right to disown the church – and He won’t (Eph. 5:25)

V. Conclusion

A. The choice to commit is our own.

1. We can maintain a dating posture towards the church.

2. Or we can stop dating the church, fall in love, and be completely committed to it.

B. What choice will you make?

July 19, 2009
PreachingHelp.org

Marks of an Effective Church

admin — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:15:53 +0000

Marks of an Effective Church
Ephesians 1:22-23

Sermon from June 28, 2009
Speaker: Glenn Record

Marks of an Effective Church

admin — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:00:31 +0000

Marks of an Effective Church
Ephesians 1:22-23

I.    Introduction
       A.  This lesson came from Steve Higginbotham’s wonderful PreachingHelp.org site.
       B.  Some churches are effective in their service to our Lord, and some are not so effective.
            1.  Effective churches are true to their duty.
            2.  Ineffective churches are a disappointment in accomplishing their purpose.
       C.  What makes for an effective congregation?
            1.  What should we consider to be essential to effectiveness?
            2.  How do we measure up – as individuals who are a part of it, and as a collective family?
II.   An Effective Church Is Christ Centered
       A.  Made up of individuals centered on Christ (Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 1:22-23)
       B.  Made up of those whose hope is fixed on His salvation.
       C.  Have a desire to share His good news (Luke 19:10)
III.  An Effective Church Is Bound By Scripture
       A.  Jesus stated the importance of His words, the word of God (John 12:48-50)
       B.  The church remains effective when it remains in the word (I Corinthians 4:6)
       C.  Effective churches profit from study of God’s word (II Timothy 3:16-17)
IV.  An Effective Church Respects Diversity in Matters of Opinion
       A.  The New Testament makes clear that differing views are possible (Romans 14:1-5;13)
            1.  They will not agree on every point as they seek to be obedient to God (Romans 14:5-6)
            2.  They will respect individual accountability to God (Romans 14:10)
            3.  And they seek peace, mutual upbuilding (Romans 14:19; 15:2)
       B.  But these differences do not prevent unity, harmony (Psalm 133:1; Ephesians 4:2-3)
       C.  Distinction and discrimination must be made concerning types of error.
            1.  Errors that deter one from faithfully serving God.
            2.  Errors that do not deter one from faithfully serving God.
V.   An Effective Church has Visionary Leadership
       A.  Leadership in the church is not equivalent to what the world practices (Matthew 20:25-28)
            1.  The world has its own version of leadership, brand of leaders (Matthew 20:25)
            2.  The church follows Christ, who modeled His own style of leading (Matthew 20:28)
       B.  Leaders in the church must lead like Christ in their style of leadership.
            1.  A variety of leadership methods are possible, but not all are effective in the church.
            2.  Elders are to lead with vision (Hebrews 13:17 – “as those who will have to give an account”)
VI.  An Effective Church Brings About Lives That Are Changed
       A.  The church is more like an emergency room than a sterile laboratory.
       B.  We are to look after the spiritual healing of one another. (James 5:16; I John 5:14-16)
       C.  In order to do that, we must be “beam-free” (Matthew 7:1-5)
       D.  Our ministry is fulfilled, when we are involved in reconciling others (II Corinthians 5:18-19)
VII. Conclusion
       A.  Rather than the size, wealth, etc., it is commitment to Jesus that makes a church effective.
       B.  For each of us, making this church effective begins in our own lives.

Glenn Record
June 28, 2009

Lovingly Blunt – Speaking Truth That Matters

admin — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 18:05:49 +0000

Lovingly Blunt – Speaking Truth That Matters
Ephesians 4:15

Sermon from March 01, 2009
Speaker: Glenn Record

Sermon outline available here.

Lovingly Blunt – Speaking Truth That Matters

admin — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 18:00:03 +0000

Sermon audio is available here.

Lovingly Blunt – Speaking Truth That Matters
Ephesians 4:15

I.     Introduction
       A. We are to be people who speak the truth
       B. But speaking the truth involves more than just not lying.
           1. There is a need to speak relevant, pertinent truth.
           2. Suppose you notice your neighbor’s house on fire, with him in it.
               a. There is a need to communicate truth to him.
               b. There are a number of things that you could talk about that would be truthful.
               c. But what kind of neighbor are you if you neglect to mention that their house is on fire?
       C. Love compels us to speak the necessary truths – even if we must do so bluntly.
           1. We are told to be “speaking the truth in love”
           2. Are we talking around the central spiritual issues?
           3. Let us consider how we are to speak truth to the world.
II.    It is easier to speak inoffensive truths
       A. We can easily rationalize away the need to speak frankly.
       B. As a result, we speak less directly to the central truth of the Gospel.
       C. But this isn’t the model we see in Jesus, or in His apostles.
           1. They spoke bluntly, plainly stating the condition people were in.
           2. They stated plainly what those in that condition needed to do.
III.   Jesus and the apostles spoke bluntly.
       A. Jesus told people what they needed to hear, not what they wanted to hear.
           1. To the crowd searching for physical food (John 6:25-27)
           2. To the Jewish leadership (Luke 11:37-54)
           3. To Nicodemus (John 3:1-5)
       B. Peter told the people what they needed to hear, even though it indicted them.
           1. At Pentecost, in trials (Acts 2:336-40; 4:10-12)
           2. To Simon (Acts 8:19-23)
       C. Paul told Peter what he needed to hear (Gal 2:14)
       D. What was their motivation?
           1. Were they fault-finding? Judgmental? Argumentative?
           2. No! They spoke out of love, true concern for those in danger.
IV. We too must be lovingly blunt in speaking the truth of the Bible message.
       A. There is a great need for us to speak the whole truth.
           1. We must not heal the woulds of people lightly (Jer. 6:14)
           2. We do no service to our God or our neighbor by softly speaking irrelevant facts.
           3. People who are lost without knowledge of the truth need to hear it. (Acts 20:27)
       B. We must consider what we say (Col. 4:5-6)
           1. We should not be rude, contentious
           2. Our approach needs to be contemplated wisely
           3. Our words need to be seasoned with salt.
       C. There is no guarantee that it will be well received
           1. Jesus’ direct, blunt message to the crowd was not well-received (John 6:41-42, 52, 60)
           2. When we speak His message, we either draw men or repel them.
           3. But revealing truth is the only way to bring about the repentance that leads to life.
V.    Conclusion
       A. ”Speaking the truth” implies active participation in the truth.
       B. Is your house on fire?