Synopsis: This message is designed to inform and encourage the believer as to some of the major tenants of the doctrine of the Gospel of Christ. Seeing that we must know what we believe to be true and believe what we know to be true about God’s will for us, it is therefore important that we know the truth.
Keep The Faith
Gtoctr/ss090207
We are told in the book of Acts beginning in chapter 2 and verse 42 that the people who were a part of the first church in
Acts 2: 42¶ And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
1. Doctrine (teachings/instructions --- our theology)
2. Fellowship (participation in common society of believers)
3. Breaking of Bread (either communion or intimate fellowship)
4. Prayers (both private and public is understood here)
Key Scriptures: 2 Timothy 4
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
This morning I want to focus on our doctrine so that we can both:
* Know what we believe to be true
* Believe what we know to be true
> despite the current circumstances we are faced with
> above the common fears and failings of man
> without regard to what we may think, feel or want
We must know what we believe to be true and believe what we know to be true about God and His Will for us.
Lets look at our
Text For Today: Romans 8 NKJV
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.
20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope;
21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.
23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?
25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
“The sufferings of this present time?” --- The tragedies of life …
This morning as we consider our doctrine we'll ask the question:
I. What Should We Do When A Tragedy Attacks Our Theology?
A. First We Must Know What We Believe To Be True --- Our Theology – Our Doctrine – Our Foundation Truths.
B. Here Are 12 Key Doctrinal Truths
1. God Loves The Whole World
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
2. It Is God’s Goodness That Leads People To Him
Romans 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
3. Good Things Come From God
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
4. God Does Not Tempt, Test Nor Try Us By Evil Means
James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
5. God’s Covenant & Mercy Can Last 1000 Generations
Deuteronomy 7:9 "Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.
6. God Is Faithful Even When People Are Not
2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, yet He abides faithful: He cannot deny Himself.
7. God Has A Plan For Your Future
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
8. God Is Not Willing To Lose One Person
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
9. Jesus Is Compassionate And Willing To Heal
Mark 1:40 Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, "If You are willing, You can make me clean."
41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."
10. God Wants To Prosper You
2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.
11. Abundant Life Is Available Through Jesus
John 10:10 "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
12. All Things Are Under Our Feet
Ephesians 1
22 And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the Church,
23 which is His Body, the fullness of Him Who fills everything in every way.
So my dear brothers and sisters …
C. Do Not Adjust Your Theology to Accommodate A Tragedy!
II. Hebrews 2 NKJV
8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet." For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him.
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.
A. God has put all things under our feet
B. Howbeit, We do not now see all things under our feet
C. But We See Jesus
D. Just wait and keep your doctrine straight!
III. Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.
A. Wait?
B. Yes wait … because “It Ain’t Over Yet!”
IV. What Do We Do While We Are Waiting?
A. Glad you asked!
2 Timothy 4
5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
1. Be Watchful
2. Endure Afflictions
3. Be Evangelistic
4. Fulfill Your Ministry
a. Fight the good fight
b. Finish the race
c. Keep the faith
B. What Happens After That?
1 Corinthians 15 NLT
24 After that the end will come, when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having put down all enemies of every kind.
25 For Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet.
26 And the last enemy to be destroyed is death.
27 For the Scriptures say, "God has given him authority over all things." (Of course, when it says "authority over all things," it does not include God himself, who gave Christ his authority.)
28 Then, when he has conquered all things, the Son will present himself to God, so that God, who gave his Son authority over all things, will be utterly supreme over everything everywhere.
So …
Keep The Faith!
