What You Can Count On In 2020

On the brink of 2020 I want you to know that many things might go wrong within the next few months, but there are some things you can count on — things that will never change regardless of what happens in this world. 

You can count on Jesus — "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." Heb 13:8

—He will still have a Name that is above every name. Phil. 2:9-11. 

—He will still be the Bread of Life, John 6:35’ —  

—the Light of the world, John 8:12; 

—the Good Shepherd, John 10:11; 

—the Resurrection and the Life, John 11:25; 

—the Way, the Truth and the Life, John 14:6; 

—the True Vine, John 15:1. 

He will still be all He ever was. He will still be the precious Lamb of God, Rev. 13:8. He will still be Jesus, an amazing God. 

“I still serve an amazing God, — He's been with me every mile my weary feet have trod; — He still cares, He still hears; — He's still mending broken hearts and drying tears; — This old world is bound to change, — But I'm glad I know the One who always stays the same, — And my song will ever be, — Amazing God, You're still amazing me. 

“The God who parted waters still makes a way today, — He's always brought me through the troubled seas. — The One who fed the thousands, whose words could calm the tempest — He's my Bread of Life, and He's my Peace.” 

          Sue C. Smith, Lee Black, and Janice L. Crow

Ideas for this unprofitable blog a taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

Trust And Obey

The problem with new year resolutions is that they tend to be forgotten within a few days, or weeks at the most. 

This coming New Year believers need to yield ourselves to our Lord and King until we are brought under His absolute Lordship and leadership. 

The Apostle Paul tells the Thessalonians how the Lord intends for every child of God to live his and her life. It’s simple. Trust and obey.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 

[15] See that none render evil for evil unto any man ; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 

[16] Rejoice evermore. 

[17] Pray without ceasing. 

[18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

“When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, — What a glory He sheds on our way. — While we do His good will, — He abides with us still, — And with all who will trust and obey.

“Trust and obey, —  for there’s no other way — To be happy in Jesus, —  but to trust and obey.

“But we never can prove — the delights of His love — Until all on the altar we lay; — For the favor He shows, — for the joy He bestows — Are for them who will trust and obey.”

     Rev. J. H. Sammis 

Ideas for this unprofitable blog a taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

A Decade Dwindles

As 2019 dwindles a decade, I’m prone to make my annual review of it’s good and bad. 

Counting the  good Lord’s many blessings on my family and my church family, I can say the year was good, even though my cancer returned and I lost my sister. 

But Jesus has walked me through every treatment and wobbly step of this ugly disease, revealing His tender love and care and blessings at every turn.

The only New Year’s Resolution I make is to read at least one chapter from the Bible each day, beginning in Genesis. I need this. It’s refreshing, ever inspiring and gives me strength for the day.

My favorite Bible verse tells it all.

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.

As I face a new decade, I don’t know about tomorrow, but I know who holds my hand. 

“I don't know about tomorrow; — I just live from day to day. — I don't borrow from its sunshine — For its skies may turn to grey. — I don't worry o'er the future, — For I know what Jesus said. — And today I'll walk beside Him, — For He knows what is ahead.

“Many things about tomorrow — I don't seem to understand, — But I know who holds tomorrow — And I know who holds my hand.”

     Ira Stanphill

Ideas for this unprofitable blog a taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

The Grace Of God Is Sufficient

Many things in life will fail us. Friendships will blossom and then die. 

Health can be an elusive thing. Riches and wealth will often remain just beyond the reach of our finger tips. 

Those we love will pass from the scene leaving a void in our hearts, hard to be filled. 

But there is one thing every child of God possesses. It will never fail, never end, never run out, never run dry, and will never be insufficient. 

It’s the grace of God. The Lord gave it to the Apostle Paul when he asked that a thorn be removed. 

2 Corinthians 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

The road may be long and dreary, the days filled with difficulties and struggles, but rest assured that there will be grace sufficient for every need and every trial. 

That is the promise of God and that is the hope of the saints.

“When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near. — When my life is almost gone. — Hear my cry, hear my call — Hold my hand lest I fall. — Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.

“Precious Lord, take my hand — Lead me on, let me stand — I am tired, —I am weak, I am worn. — Through the storm, through the night — Lead me on to the light. — Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home

        Thomas A. Dorsey

Ideas for this unprofitable blog a taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

My Sheep Know My Voice

Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

To know that the Lord is my Shepherd is a constant comfort.

He knows when I’m weak and gives me strength. He knows my name along with the names of all His other sheep, and we know His voice.

Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

In the darkest of times we can know that the Lord is in the shadow — thrice cancer for me — and should I traipse beyond the shadow of death, He will be there too.

My church sings “My Sheep Know My Voice” often. Not found in our song books, the sheet music stands alone beside them in the holder on the back of the pew.  

“My sheep know My voice, and the path that I take, — They follow wherever I go; — My sheep know My voice and come at my call, — But a stranger's voice do they not know.

“My sheep know My voice, and day by day, — They abide in the fold and go not astray, — They love Me because I have made them my choice, — And they follow My call, For My sheep know My voice.

“My sheep know My voice, and the pastures of green, — Where I lead them so often to feed; — My sheep know My voice and the cool sparkling stream, — Where beside its still waters I lead.

“My sheep know My voice, and the valley of death, — Through which I shall lead them some day; — But no danger nor harm can touch one of them, —For I will be with them alway.”

         Herbert Baffum 1905

Ideas for this unprofitable blog a taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

Looking Forward With Delight

Titus 2:13-14 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.

According to the Bible, when Jesus returns, all the redeemed will experience a great body change. 

That’s an event we should all be looking forward to with delight, 1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thes. 4:13-18; 2 Cor. 5:1-8; 1 John 3:1-3. 

Thank God for that day when we will be like Him in all His glory. 

Abraham set the right example for us. He was looking for a better city. I am too. 

John was privileged to see that city, Rev. 21:1-2. One of these days I'll get to see her too n all her glory and splendor, John 14:1-3; Rev. 21-22. 

“John said the city was just four square. — Walk in Jerusalem just like John. — And he declared he'd meet me there. — Walk in Jerusalem just like John. 

“I want to be ready, — I want to be ready, — I want to be ready — To walk in Jerusalem just like John “

African-American Spiritual

Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

Glory To The Lamb

Luke 2:11,13-14 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.  .  .  .   And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

How appropriate that the very men who raised lambs for the temple sacrifices were the first to meet the Lamb of God, Who would be the ultimate sacrifice, once and for all.

As the Angels see God step off the throne and go to earth, a baby born of a virgin in human flesh, their song reaches new heights. If they can praise Jesus for what they see Him do, we should praise Him for what He has done in our hearts and lives.

Psalm 40:2-3 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.  And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord .

Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

Christmas

For most people Christmas is a wonderful time of the year.

For others Christmas is a time of loneliness and sorrow, as they deal with the heartbreak of missing those who are no longer here. Some are alone.

For many it’s a time of overindulgence in rich foods, overspending on gifts, and overcoming the problems associate with the season. 

Christmas is a time of celebration for the church. 

It doesn’t matter that Jesus was probably born some other time of the year or whether it was spring, summer, fall, or winter. 

What matters is that God loved the world so much that He sent His precious Son  that sinners might be saved from their sins, from the wrath of God, and from the fires of Hell.

That’s why the Bible says, “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near,” Isa. 55:6.

If you know Jesus, thank Him for coming so that you can finally understand what Christmas is all about. Tell others about Him. . 

“Go tell it on the mountain, — Over the hills and everywhere, — Go tell it on the mountain, — That Jesus Christ is born.

         John W. Work

Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

I’m Glad I Know Who Jesus Is

Those miserable shepherds didn’t deserve to be the first to hear of Christ's birth, but it was God's grace that reached out to them in their need.

I didn’t deserve to be saved, but God in His great, matchless, marvelous, unspeakable grace reached out to me in the midst of my sins and called me to come to Him.

I’m glad I know who Jesus is.

Revelation 19:16. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

“In a little town of Bethlehem so many years ago, — They told Him there was no room in the inn. — But they had no way of knowing Who they had turned away — The Lamb of God Who would take away their sin.

“I'm glad I know Who Jesus is. — I'm glad I know Who Jesus is. — He's more than just a story; — He is the King of Glory. — I'm glad I know Who Jesus is.

“So many people still today don't know who Jesus is — They've never felt His peace within their souls. — But I want my life to show them how His love can set them free. — He's the only One Who can cleanse and make them whole.

“He's the Alpha and Omega, —. the Beginning and the End; — He's Counsellor, Deliverer to me. — He's the Everlasting Father; — He is the King of Glory, — I'm glad I know Who Jesus is.”

     Geron Davis 

Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

The Greatest Story EverTold

Luke 1:34-35 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 

[35] And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

When the angel appears to Mary, she is amazed and startled, but is prepared to respond to the will of the Lord in faith. 

Luke 1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

By sending Jesus into this world through the womb of a virgin, God was able to give His Son a human body and a human nature, and He would be born without sin. 

Imagine the faith required for Mary to bear the shame and burden of being the vessel through which God would send His Son into the world.

Jesus lived without sin and died without sin -- a perfect sacrifice for fallen man, 2 Cor. 5:21.  

He satisfied God forever through the offering of His Own body on the cross, Heb. 9:11-14; Heb. 10:10-14.

1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

“A woman and an angel, a promise and a song.— A word to grand for any mind to hold. — A tax law and a journey, a stable and some straw. — These tell the greatest story ever told.

“Oh sing glory in the highest, he is come our great Messiah. — Come bow before this awesome mystery. — Mighty God and fragile baby, here a lowly manger holds. — And it's still the greatest story ever told.”

     Gloria Gaither

Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

Mary, Did You Know?

"Mary had a little lamb. — Its fleece was white as snow. — And everywhere that Mary went. — That lamb was sure to go."

It never dawned on our childish minds that the Bible told the same story. Mary did indeed have a baby, a sacrificial lamb for the sins of humanity. 

Luke 1:30-32 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 

[31] And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 

[32] He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

Mary's little Lamb came into this world for one purpose —  to  be a sacrificial Lamb, John 18:37, though He did walk on water, heal sick folks, and  open blind eyes. 

Jesus came to die for the sins of humanity. Luke tells us that His mission in this world was "to seek and to save that which was lost", Luke 19:10. 

Three days after Jesus died on the cross, He came forth alive from the tomb, Matt. 28:1-6, and, He is still alive today. Heb. 7:25.

Mark Lowry wrote a beautiful song asking Mary if she knew the glory of her baby. I believe Mark knew she knew. 

“Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water? — Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters? — Did you know that your Baby Boy has come to make you new? — This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

“Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man? — Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand? — Did you know that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod? — When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God? Mary did you know. Ooo Ooo Ooo.

“The blind will see. — The deaf will hear. — The dead will live again. — The lame will leap. — The dumb will speak — The praises of The Lamb.

“Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation? — Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations? — Did you know that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb? — The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.”

Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

Joy To The World

Most folks are concerned about giving the perfect gift at Christmas. 

Only God can do that and that’s just what He did when He sent Jesus into this world.  He gave Jesus to be life for our dead souls and light to our darkened hearts.  

John 1:1, 4,14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

[4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

[14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

God not only sent us a little bit of eternity, He sent us the very heart of heaven.  The power of Christmas is God in the manger.

The Light that has shone brightly from eternity past — that gleamed in Bethlehem’s manger,— that shone for 33 years while Jesus walked this earth, — that flickered briefly at Calvary but blazed forth at the entrance to an empty tomb.

That light will continue to light the path toward eternity for all those who desire to follow Jesus.

“Joy to the World, the Lord is come — Let earth receive her King; — Let every heart prepare Him room, — And Heaven and nature sing, — And Heaven and nature sing, — And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.”

      Isaac Watts

Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

What’s In A Name

If the name is Jesus, everything is in that name.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

His name is the source of our salvation, the hope of our hearts.  

His name can break sin’s bondage and cool the fevered brow.  

His name can lift the greatest burdens and comfort the broken heart.  

His name unlocks the door of heaven and closes the gates of Hell.  His name saves the vilest sinner; redeems the blackest soul and secures the precious saints.  

His name is a name worth knowing because it speaks of a Savior worth loving. His name is Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

“Jesus, Jesus, Jesus — there’s just something about that name. — Master, Savior, Jesus! — Like the fragrance after the rain. — Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! — Let all Heaven and earth proclaim.  — Kings and Kingdoms will all pass away, — but there’s something about that Name!”
    Gloria Gaither and William J. Gaither

Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

No Ordinary Baby

It’s Christmas time! 

We need to remember that the reason we celebrate is because of a little infant born into this world 2,000 years ago. 

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

This Christ-child came to do more than provide simple salvation. He came to allow us access into the very presence of Almighty God.

That infant was no ordinary baby. 

As Savior, He is worthy of our worship. 

As Christ, He is worthy of our dependence. 

As Lord, He is worthy of our obedience. 

As Jesus, He is worthy of all we can give Him. 

Have you given Jesus your all this Christmas?

“Away in a manger no crib for a bed — The little lord jesus laid down his sweet head — The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay — The little lord jesus asleep on the hay.”    

     Source Unknown, stanza 1

   

Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

Silent Night, Holy Night

The Majesty and Glory of the Christmas Story speaks with clarity about the power and purpose of God. 

The fact that God stepped out of eternity into time is mind-boggling. 

The shepherds, lowly and undeserving, received the announcement first anyway.

The angels were amazed that the Creator was born in the image of the creature. 

The pagan wise men traveled far and came to know Jesus. 

The manger reminds us that Jesus laid aside certain attributes of His deity that He might become a man and die for sinners. 

As the angels proclaim the true glory of Christmas, It will always be about the Baby born in Bethlehem. 

Luke 2:11,13-14 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. . . . . [13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ [14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

‘Silent night, holy night — All is calm, all is bright — Round yon Virgin Mother and Child — Holy Infant so tender and mild — Sleep in heavenly peace — Sleep in heavenly peace.”

   Franz Grubber

    

Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

Come And Worship

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. . . . . 13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, . . . . . [14]. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

The message of this birth is about a Saviour. He is the One Who would give His life for the sins of His people. 

He is the One Who robed His deity in humanity and came into this world to die on the cross, Phil. 2:5-8. 

He is the “Anointed One —  the Messiah.” He is the One promised from the beginning, Gen. 3:15. 

He is the One the Jews anticipated every time they offered a sacrifice and kept a feast. 

This little baby was the One Who spoke the universe into existence, the One Who formed man out of the dust of the earth and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. John 1:1-2,14.

He is the One Who controls the paths of the planets and the galaxies. 

He is the Lord of all, yet, He lies in Bethlehem in the person of a helpless baby. 

What grace! What love! What glory! To think that Almighty God would humble Himself to come into this world as a helpless child, so that we might be saved!

“Angels, from the realms of glory, — Wing your flight o'er all the earth; — Ye, who sang creation's story, — Now proclaim Messiah's birth: — Come and worship, — Come and worship — Worship Christ, the new-born King.”

       James Montgomery

Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

I Wonder Why

When Gabriel tells Mary that she will be the mother of Jesus, her life is immediately turned upside down. 

Luke 1:34-35 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 

To Mary’s mind this is a dilemma. Thankfully, the angel has the answer to her question.

[35] And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Mary is about to be part of the greatest miracle the world has ever known — the virgin birth. The angel declares the awesome power of God and offers hope and comfort for her.

Mary is given the greatest honor ever afforded to woman, but at the same time it carries with it a tremendous social stigma.

As we hear about the virgin birth and think about God sending His Son into this world to die for sinners, we might wonder why God would go to all that trouble?  Why would He allow His Son to die for lost people? 

The answer is clear. Because He loves us.  John 3:16.

“I wonder as I wander out under the sky, —. How Jesus, the Saviour, did come for to die. —. For poor, ornery people like you and like I —. I wonder as I wander Out under the sky.”

    Appalachian Carol 

Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

Come And See Jesus

In John chapter 4 we are told of a woman who met Jesus at a well one day. After speaking with Him, she ran into the city and invited the men of that place to come and see a man. 

John 4:29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

All of her life she had been looking for Mr. Wonderful and she had finally found Him!  He is wonderful and here’s why —

He is a Physician Who never loses a case.

He is a Captain Who never loses battle. 

He is a Teacher Who perfectly teaches every student. 

He is a Preacher Who always preaches the right message.

He is a Musician Who always plays the right note.

He is an Artist Who never misses a stroke.

He is a Savior Who completely saves all who come to Him.

He is a Master Who always leads in the right direction

He is a Friend Who sticks closer than a brother.

He is a Counselor Who always give the right advice.

Jesus is so far beyond our level of comprehension that we can never figure Him out, yet He can be known by a little child. He is Wonderful!

May we never forget that He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. That’s why we celebrate His birth. 

“O come, all ye faithful, — Joyful and triumphant, — O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. — Come and behold Him, — Born the King of Angels; — O come, let us adore Him, — O come, let us adore Him, — O come, let us adore Him, — Christ the Lord.”   

   John  F. Wade

Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.