Rockport Baptist Church

Because we are called to wage war against sin and error as good soldiers of Christ, we must stand firm in faith and a good conscience lest we make shipwreck of our faith as others have done. I. Faithful Soldiers Are Called to War v 18 II. Faithful Soldiers of Christ Must Stand Firm in Faith and a Good Conscience. v 19a III. Faithful Soldiers Must Be Warned: You Can Make Shipwreck of Your Faith vv 19b-20

The seventh and final message in our series on "Biblical Emotions" by Brian Borgman, "Emotions and Worship" Why do we sing?

The sixth message in our series on "Biblical Emotions" by Brian Borgman, "Battling Bitterness"

The fifth message in our conference on "Biblical Emotions" by Brian Borgman "The Emotional Life of Jesus."

The Fourth message in our series on "Biblical Emotions" by Brian Borgman. Emotions and Truth: Properly Handling the Emotions

The Third message in our conference on "Biblical Emotions" by Brian Borgman. Emotions and Truth: The Priority of Truth Over Experience

The second message in the series on "Biblical Emotions" by Brian Borgman Biblical Foundations for Understanding Our Emotions (Part 2)

The first message in the series "Biblical Emotions" -- Biblical Foundations for Understanding Our Emotions (Part 1)

Because the God who saves through Jesus Christ is an all-glorious, unchanging King, we who know Him ought to rejoice in Him as we give Him praise and honor forever and ever and ever. Amen I. All Good Theology Should Lead Us to Doxology vv 15-17 II. In Doxology We Praise God for Who is He as Our God v 17a (1) He is the King of the Ages (2) He is the Immortal, Immutable, Unchanging King (3) He is Invisible, above all that is (4) He Alone is God Alone III. In Doxology, We Give Him the Honor and Glory He is Due v 17b

Because you have been joined to Christ in his death and resurrection, you must now live with that in mind, believing God when He says that you're dead to sin and alive to Him in Christ. I. The Living Truth for the Christians is that You Are Truly Alive 'in Christ!' v 8 II. This New Life in Christ Is the Foundation Upon Which You Now Build Your Life! (vv 9-10)

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me" is a familiar childhood chant to many from the 80's. It's also wrong. Our words can do great evil – both to us and to others. This is dangerous ground regularly exploited by the enemy. Yet our God is greater and his plans for us are good. In this passage, the One who made our mouths reminds us of the tremendous power they hold and calls us to a faith-filled, love-fueled use of the tongue.

Because the Gospel saves sinners by grace through faith alone in Christ, it is a message we must believe and treasure and proclaim and rejoice in to the glory to God alone.

Perhaps Christ's greatest battle was in the garden of Gethsemane. Come to the garden, and wonder at His love. Weep over His suffering. Worship at His conquest.

To understand all that must take place, John must first understand something else: The Lamb who was slain is reigning with all authority and power, and He has already conquered by His death. He is worthy!

As James heads into a broader discussion of the power (and evil) exercised by our tongues in chap 3, he begins with a quick word cautioning us in our rush to be recognized and our hurry to be heard. We shouldn't push into a pulpit. Teaching others is serious business and should only be done by men who are called, conscientious, and contrite. While this has particular application to teachers, the principles extend to all of us. When we speak, we speak as those under authority, answerable to authority, and needing mercy from authority.

Because we have received such an amazing mercy in the salvation and calling of Christ, we ought to be filled with gratitude as we dedicate ourselves wholly to his service. I. Amazed by Christ's Gospel Calling v 12 II. Amazed By Christ's Mercy to Such Sinners v 13 III. Amazed by Christ's Overwhelming Grace v 14

Because the Law was given, not to manage sin in believers but to expose sin in unbelievers, we must declare it's truth in a way that keeps our focus on the gospel that saves and sanctifies those who believe. I. The Law is Good, If We Understand What It is For vv 7-8 II. We Must Understand Who the Law Is For and Who It's Not vv 9-10 III. The Whole of God's Word, Including the Law, Points us to the Gospel of the Glory of God v 11

The conversion of Manasseh, like New Testament Saul of Tarsus, stands as an example that God can save anyone and will hear and save those who repent and Call out to him.

Because it is the preaching of the Gospel that produces real change through the agency of Christ-like love implanted in the heart, we must beware of those who leave the gospel behind in their effort to gain a following as teachers who focus on anything other than the Gospel. I. The Gospel Alone Produces the Christ-like Love that Changes Lives! v 5 II. Beware of Those Who Have Left the Gospel Behind and Gotten Tangled Up in Other Things v 6 III. Beware of These Self-Appointed Teachers Who Have Much to Say, but Not much of Value! v 7

Because the Gospel alone is what changes lives and produces Christ-like love, we must be quick to reject all false teaching and pointless pursuits that would distract us from that focus. I. Don't Give in to False Teaching v 3 II. Don't Get Distracted by Myths and Speculation v 4a III. Keep Your Focus Firmly on the Gospel of Christ and the Love It Produces vv 4b