Godly Sorrow
by Pat McIntosh
We often hear someone say, “I am sorry.” However, at times we wonder if they are truly sorry for what they have done or sorry that they have been caught. The proper kind of sorrow, in this case, is that sorrow manifested for what has been done and the resulting problems.
A common trait among all mankind is that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). Thus, all are in need of forgiveness of those sins. But, how is that forgiveness realized? The easy answer is “salvation by grace.” That is true, but there are various aspects of that needing to be addressed in the world today.
Salvation is both an intellectual and an emotional enterprise. God has, through the Bible, revealed His will in an intelligible fashion. Man was created with the ability to receive information, process it and then ascertain truth. That revealed truth reveals God’s will and indicates, through many biblical examples, the dire situation of man who rejects His revealed will. Sin is a violation of God’s law, as is seen in all three dispensations: Patriarchal, Mosaic and Christian.
For any sin to be forgiven, one must first “mourn” that sin. We must manifest godly sorrow for what has been done, humbly approaching God, on His terms,” to have that sin forgiven. When godly sorrow is manifested through acknowledgement of sin and an obedient response to His will, forgiveness is granted through His mercy and grace. When that sin is removed, we relish the peace and comfort that comes through the forgiveness of sins.
May we be those who mourn for sin. May that drive us to take the necessary steps to deal with that sin. God wants to comfort us. But, that comfort comes on His terms.
Sunday A.M. Sermon – The Beatitudes (3): Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
Introduction – Psa. 55:6-8, 16, 22
- What does it mean to mourn?
- Mourning for What? – Matt. 4:17; 2 Cor. 7:10; Isa. 59:1-2
- Mourning Over Sin – Isa. 53:3-4; Lk. 19:41-44; Matt. 23:37; Rom. 7:24; Titus 2:2
- Where is the Comfort? – Isa. 61:1-3; Lk. 4:16-21; 2 Cor. 12:9-10; Psa. 51:1-7; Matt. 11:28
Sunday P.M. Sermon – “A Good Church” (Rev. 3:14-22)
Beatitudes: Introduction
The Beatitudes
by Pat McIntosh
Of the many “faces” that Jesus wore in His ministry, one which greatly impacted society was as
a Master Teacher. The Sermon on the Mount is still considered one of the classic sermons and
dealt with a host of different topics. The practical nature of that sermon is still matter of great
blessing for mankind today.
One portion of the Sermon on the Mount is known as the Beatitudes (Matt. 5:1-12). This sermon
is just practical and applicable today as it was almost 2000 years ago. The reason that is the case
is that man really hasn’t changed that much. Many of those professing to be “religious” in Jesus’
day really had a superficial faith. There was no real depth to it as they basically held to the
traditions of the Pharisees. Jesus exposed that shallow faith by indicating what it would really
take for one to be “blessed by God.”
We must avoid the same hazards today. There is a tendency in many congregations for members
to struggle with a shallow faith. Much of this can be attributed to simply not knowing how to dig
into God’s word and develop a stronger faith. A study of the Beatitudes will go far in helping us
to understand what it takes for us to be “blessed or favored by God.” That will be our goal
through this series. We will see that the things demanded for us are things that we must all
practice. They discuss character traits we must all have if want to be blessed in this fashion.
The price has been paid and path has been determined for us to inherit eternal life. However, we
must step out in faith and be the Christians He would have us to be.
Sunday A.M. Sermon – The Beatitudes: Introduction (Matt. 5:1-12)
- Historical Context – Matt. 4:23-25, 17
- General Observations – Eccl. 12:13-14
- Specific Observations – Psa. 1:1-2; 32:1-2; 41:1; 65:4; 106:3; 119:1-2; Prov. 8:32-34;
2 Tim. 4:6-8; Phil. 4:4
Sunday P.M. Devo – Thoughts on Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13; Phil. 4:6-7)
Prophecies of the Resurrection
He is Risen!
by Pat McIntosh
There is not a single truth or event more critical and foundational to our faith than the fact of an empty tomb (1 Cor. 15:17). If the tomb was empty, Jesus defeated death. If the tomb was empty, His righteousness is fully vindicated. If the tomb was empty, our hope of salvation and the promise of our own resurrection is well-founded.
If, on the other hand, Jesus remained in the grave or any of the many “empty tomb theories” are valid, some sad concepts are true. He did not rise from the dead. Satan won the “conflict of the ages” (Gen. 3:15). Jesus is not the Son of God. The Bible is not inspired. Christianity is based on one of the greatest hoaxes ever put over on man.
As it relates to our faith and the foundation for it, there is simply no room for compromise or neutrality. If we, as Christians, need to be certain of anything, we need to be confident of the fact that our Lord defeated death and was resurrected to God’s right hand.
I thank God today that we can confidently say that God raised Jesus from the dead. The inspired word makes the claim and numerous pieces of evidence, both internal and external, support that claim. It is true that the gospel message is based squarely on an empty grave. Some would see that as nonsensical. In reality, it is the truth that serves as the basis for the “good news” and the foundation for the faith that will take us from this world to eternity. May we walk through this life with confidence knowing that, if Jesus’ grave was empty, the same will be true for those found faithful.
Sunday A.M. Sermon – The Resurrection of Christ
Introduction – 1 Cor. 15:17; Psa. 16:8-11
- The Confidence of Christ – Jno. 10:17-18; Heb. 12:1-2
- The Importance of the Resurrection – Jno. 2:19; Matt. 16:21; 17:23; 20:19; Acts 2:25-27; 1 Cor. 15:14-19; Rom. 6:3-5
- Additional Evidence –
- “Alternatives” – Matt. 28:11-15; Mk. 16:12-14
Sunday P.M. Sermon – What Should Our Attitude Be Toward Error? (2 Jno. 7-11)
Prophecies of the Cross
The Cross
by Pat McIntosh
The peace and tranquility of the Garden of Eden was shattered by the most devastating and tragic event in the history of mankind. A single law had been given to the couple dwelling there –
Don’t eat of the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Yet, Satan tempted Eve
to do that very thing, who enticed Adam to do the same. The result of this act was that sin was
introduced into the world.
The forgiveness of sin requires a perfect sacrifice. The author of the book of Hebrews indicated
that “it was not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin” (Heb. 10:4). Who
offered that perfect sacrifice? What was involved and when was it determined that such should
be done?
This is a matter of prophecy and its fulfillment. One of the greatest proofs of inspiration is
predictive prophecy. Men were inspired to “make predictions.” Other inspired men were used to
pen the words showing the fulfillment of those prophecies. One of the greatest of these
prophecies involved Christ and the Cross. We are told in Scripture that Christ was in the mind
before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4). In other words God, in His omnipotence, knew
what would be needed to save the souls of man. There are numerous passages in the Old
Testament that predict something about Christ and the Cross. These include Psalm 22 and Isaiah
53, both of which read as if they were written at the foot of the cross.
The blood shed on the cross provides the sacrifice needed for our forgiveness. The cross and the
resurrection of Christ provide strength and are foundational for our faith. May we be those who
study these passages, drinking deeply from God has provided for our faith.
Sunday A.M Sermon – Prophecies of the Cross
Introduction – Eph. 1:3-14; Gal. 5:4; 2 Pet. 1:16-21
- The Gloom Surrounding the Great Event – Psa. 22:1-21; 2 Cor. 5:21; Matt. 27:39-44; Jno.
19:23-24 - Glory, Victory and Blessing Through Him – Psa. 22:22-31; Rev. 12:7-10; Rom. 15:4
Sunday P.M. Sermon – God is Love (1 Jno. 4:1-8)