2010-07-11: Being An Exile Without Even Leaving Your House

Sermon: Being An Exile Without Even Leaving Your House
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Duration: 24:49
Size: 11.3 MB

New Life In The Same Old Place
“Being An Exile Without Even Leaving Your House”
1 Peter 1:1-2

  1. The Writer – Peter, an Apostle of Jesus Christ
    I think the emphasis here is not on Peter’s history, but rather, Peter’s authority.
    And in faith, we believe that they are in fact the very words of God.
  2. The Readers
    Well there are two words in that phrase that we need to nail down. They are the words “exiles” and “dispersion“.
    As those verses make clear, the recipients of 1 Peter were not predominantly Jewish. They were predominantly not Jewish.
  3. The Chosen
    You see there that Peter refers to them as “elect exiles”, or we could say “chosen exiles”.
    Verse 2 actually contains three phrases that all connect back to and qualify this very word, “elect”.

    1. Those Foreknown
      It is a clear and indisputable fact from Scripture that God knows everything and everyone that was, is, and will be.
    2. Those Sanctified
      Those who were once conformed, are now being transformed by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit within them.
    3. Those Cleansed
      Through the power of the Spirit, the Spirit that sets us apart, we are called to obey Jesus and not the wisdom of this world.
      But even when we fail to obey, even when we stumble, we rest in the fact that we have been chosen for sprinkling with his blood, the blood of Jesus Christ.
      And so if you are Christian, you have been called, you have been chosen by God, to follow Jesus through the forgiveness of the cross.
  4. Life as an Alien
    “Do you understand that, if you are a follower of Christ, you are an elect exile?
    How are we to live a new life in the same old place?
    First, elect exiles are called to live like home at the local level.
    You are no longer defined by your birth in this or that town or country. You are now defined by your birth from above.
    We must grow in and live out the customs of our kingdom, yes, at the local level.
    Second, elect exiles will constantly feel the “rub” of spiritual culture shock.
    Christian, the tension with this world will always be there because we are elect exiles.
    For those who are resident aliens in a new land, those who have not forgotten their home, there will be a friction that exists in this other place.
    Third, elect exiles must never forget why they are different.
    The reason we are different has less to do with where, and more to do with who.
    But our differences should come as a consequence of the goal of living for Jesus Christ, our true King.
    May we grow in that recognition of and experience of God’s favor as those who have been chosen by Him.

Next Week
“Your Take on Time”

I Peter 1:3-12

2010-07-04: Freedom In Christ

Sermon: Freedom In Christ
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Duration: 35:31
Size: 16.2 MB
Scripture: John 8:31-36

Videos shown here were used during the sermon.

Today as America we celebrate our 234th birthday.

Our founding fathers believed freedom was infinitely more desirable than slavery and bondage. Freedom was worth fighting for. Many Christians do not know this freedom because they are still leading a life of defeat rather than a life of abundance.

Freedom From Satan

Jesus Christ purchased our freedom with his death at the cross. You and I have the key to set free those who are in the bondage of sin.

Freedom From Sin

We have all missed the mark and are in need of the saving grace of God. We are no longer slaves. The power of sin is broken. We are no longer under sin’s control.

Freedom From Scars

Sin leaves scars. But salvation makes us a new person.

Freedom To Be Saintly

We can now shake off those bad habits and live up to our dreams and potentials. We are free to become all that the Lord wants us to be. Some of you made that declaration at conversion and some haven’t. I call you to sign the Christian’s declaration.

“Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have bound my life. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and set me free from Satan and sin. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

The Christian’s Declaration Of Independence

I am free from failure for “I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me.” Philippians 4:13

I am free from want for “my God shall supply all my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

I am free from fear for “God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

I am free from doubt for “God hath given to every man the measure of faith.” Romans 12:3

I am free from weakness, “for the Lord is the strength of my life.” Psalm 27:1 and “the people know their God shall be strong and do exploits.” Daniel 11:32

I am free from the power of Satan “for greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

I am free from defeat “for God always causeth me to triumph in Christ Jesus.” 2 Corinthians 2:14

I am free from ignorance, “for Christ Jesus is made unto me wisdom from God.” 1 Corinthians 1:30

I am free from sin “for the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth me from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

I am free from worry “for I am to cast my cares upon Him.” 1 Peter 5:7

I am free from bondage “for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17

I am free from condemnation, “for there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1

2010-06-27: Kinsmen Redeemer

Sermon: Kinsmen Redeemer
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Duration: 34:39
Size: 15.8 MB

Ruth: A Story of God’s Faithfulness
“Kinsmen Redeemer”

Ruth Chapter 4

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)

Introduction

The Velcro Effect” (God’s Faithfulness)
It Just Happened” (God’s Provision)
Amazing Love” (God’s Love)

Naomi had thoughts and feelings the days of redemption were beyond her.

I.  Old Testament Kinsman Redeemer

Ruth 4:1-6

Today we see from the book of Ruth a story of God’s Redemption.

II.  Christ Our Kinsman Redeemer

Ruth 4:6-8

In the Old Testament writings we have types and word pictures of the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Redeemer must be blood related … Christ became the incarnation that He might be the blood relative to redeem lost humanity.
John 1:14

Redeemer must be able … Christ was able.
1 Peter 1:18-19

Redeemer must be willing … Christ was willing.
Hebrews 9:12

Christ purchased our freedom through His blood as the payment to redeem us.
Ephesians 2:11-13
Ephesians 2:19
Titus 2:14
Galatians 3:13
Ephesians 1:7

III.  The Benefits of Redemption

A. Redemption restores life.

Ruth 4:6-8

When death seemed inevitable redemption restored life.

Psalm 23:3-4
Psalm 51:12
Revelation 5:9

B. Redemption gives witness.

Ruth 4:9-10

We are witnesses not only of each other, but the redeeming work of God.

Psalm 107:2
Acts 1:8

C. Redemption gives new life.

Ruth 4:13-15,16,22

The lives of the redeemed share in the new life offered.

The story of redemption continues each time a person confesses and believes in Jesus Christ.

In Him we find the fulfillment of God’s faithfulness, care, and love.

In Him salvation is fulfilled for a sinful and lost mankind.

In Him we find that Ruth’s story is our story as we have a redeemer who is faithful and true.

Matthew 1:5-6
Matthew 1:16
Luke 2:36-38
Ephesians 1:7

2010-06-13: Amazing Love

Sermon: Amazing Love
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Duration: 33:29
Size: 15.3 MB

Ruth: A Story of God’s Faithfulness
“Amazing Love”

Ruth Chapter 3

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-2 (NIV)

Introduction

What is love?

Today we have before us a picture of love. It is a picture of God’s love, God is the source and sum of true love.

To get a clearer understanding of love let us not glean among the tares of the world for our definition, but from the wheat itself of God’s love.

I.  Love Provides Security

Ruth 3:1-3

God is a great provider. If we will only look around us we can see His loving provisions.

In Christ God has provided each of us with His secure love. A love that we do not have to earn. A love that will keep us eternally secure.

Put on the love of Jesus Christ, for there you will find the greatest provision of security.

Ephesians 3:20
Colossians 3:12-14

II.  Love Submits and Obeys

Ruth 3:4-7

Submit and obey, these are words that conjure up horrible thoughts among many today.

What we fail to understand is that in the field of loving security it is not a burden to submit and obey.

Ruth knows that a place of blessing is found in submission.

John 14:15
III.  Love Gives and Receives

Ruth 3:8-17

When love is received it continues to give.

Ruth was willing to give her life that she might receive life.

Love always gives and love always receives and in turn it will always give again.

Acts 20:35
John 12:25

Conclusion

If there is one quality of the Christian life that ought to out weigh and out shine all the others it is our love.

God loves you and when you know that you find His provisions. When you know God loves you, you can submit to Him in obedience. And when you receive God’s love you can give God’s love.

1 Corinthians 13:1-2,4-8a

June 27th
“Kinsmen Redeemer”

Ruth Chapter 4

2010-06-06: It Just Happened

Sermon: It Just Happened
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Duration: 42:31
Size: 19.4 MB

Ruth: A Story of God’s Faithfulness
“It Just Happened”

Ruth Chapter 2

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

Introduction

As Christians is this what we believe life comes down to? An order of fate by an uncaring higher power who is struggling to gain control of the universe?

Proverbs 16:9

I.  God’s Providential Care Allows Us To Go On

Coincidence: Is a small miracle where God prefers to remain anonymous.

The challenge for us is to see that God is behind the scenes working for our best.

“The point is not that following Christ will exempt one from trouble or pain. What it does provide is the assurance of God’s … presence in the midst of the stormy tempests of life.”

2 Timothy 1:12
Romans 8:28
Genesis 28:15-16

II.  God’s Providential Care Allows Us To Care

Cynicism breeds carelessness. The cynics 2nd favorite line is, “I don’t care!” The first is “I don’t believe that!”

God’s providential care had been showered upon Boaz and now he was willing to allow God to use him to show care for another.

I believe Ruth loved God with a whole heart and that allowed her to return and care further for Naomi.

The very truth that He providentially cares for us should lead us deeper into a life of caring for one another.

III.  God’s Providential Care Allows Us To Humble Ourselves

Ruth knew that she would not be well received in this new land on account of her heritage but she was willing to risk a chance with God.

Keep in mind and heart that Ruth is modeling for us what we should be.

She is here in the scripture not for some nice story to tell, but her life is for our admonition.

James 4:10
1 Peter 5:6-7

Conclusion

He is working in…today’s events to provide for you. Don’t miss it!

“May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have given me comfort…” Ruth 2:13 (NIV)

Next Week
“Amazing Love”

Ruth Chapter 3

2010-05-30: The Velcro Effect

Sermon: The Velcro Effect
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Duration: 27:01
Size: 12.3 MB

Ruth: A Story of God’s Faithfulness
“The Velcro Effect”

Ruth Chapter 1

Introduction

The Velcro Effect describes the relationship between God’s faithfulness to us and our need for Him.

I.  God’s Faithfulness

The days of the judges are known as the Dark Ages in Hebrew history.

Two phrases characterize the days of the judges.

  • Did not drive out.
  • In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.

Whatever you do isn’t fine… because your sin affects all of us.

II.  Times of Famine

Israel was experiencing a famine of food, caused by faithlessness to the covenant relationship with God.

But God would prove Himself faithful to sustain and provide.

III.  Times of Deliverance

Why is it that we often trust in ourselves to handle life’s trails, rather than rely upon God?

The wonderful thing about God’s faithfulness is that He is faithful even when we are not!

IV.  The Choices Made

Orpah chose to return to her people and her gods.

Ruth had a resolve about her.

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16 (NIV)

What a great declaration of faith and faithfulness.

Will we resolve that no matter what, we are going with God?

Conclusion

God’s Word declaring His faithfulness to you.

Deuteronomy 7:9
1 Corinthians 1:9
1 Corinthians 10:13
2 Thessalonians 3:3
1 John 1:9

Be faithful this week and cling to the God of your salvation…

Next Week
“It Just Happened”

Ruth Chapter 2

2010-04-18: LLYWD

Sermon: LLYWD
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Duration: 32:23
Size: 14.8 MB

Romans 13:11-12 “This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.”

The truth is that we are all terminal.

Jesus not only came to give me eternal life in heaven, but He also came to give me abundant life here and now.

Ecclesiastes 8:8, John 10:10

1. Live with a sense of urgency.

Maybe the most dangerous word in the English language is the word someday.

Someday, I will __________.

Just as we must let God’s grace and mercy cover the past, we must let God’s care and providence cover our future.

Matthew 6:27-30, Psalm 118:24

2. Live with a sense of eternity.

As much as it is a mistake to take today for granted, it is an even bigger mistake to take eternity for granted.

You must personally receive the gift of salvation made possible by Jesus’ death on the cross.

Hebrews 9:27, II Corinthians 4:18

3. Live with a sense of priority.

When I live with a kind of a bi-focal vision, one eye on eternity and one eye on the gift of today, then I can really begin to prioritize my life and actions.

Take off… your frantic pace of life.

Put on… more time for relationships.

Living like you were dying is…
More about today, less about tomorrow
More about people, less about possessions
More about God’s priorities, less about my plans
More about the eternal, less about the temporal

Psalm 46:10

2010-03-28: Lasting Returns — Faithfulness

Lordship Living — God Provides

Sermon: Lasting Returns — Faithfulness
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Duration: 27:17
Size: 12.4 MB

What Good Is a Coat of Many Colors
If It Has a Stain on It?

The Book of Genesis closes with the remarkable story of the Old Testament character Joseph and his family. The life of Joseph has some strong parallels to the life of Jesus Christ. Both were gifted, both lived holy lives, both suffered, and both were responsible for the salvation of lives (although in Joseph’s case, it was physical salvation, rather than spiritual).

Among the many attributes Joseph possessed was that of longevity—endurance. He was true to his God, whether things were going well or not so well.

Endurance is a characteristic God wants to cultivate in each one of us. Today, let’s examine the life of Joseph and see if we can’t learn some of his secrets for Lordship Living.

Today’s Focus: God rewards those who are faithful to Him.

Food for Thought: I will put my time, talent, treasure, and touch to work for the Kingdom.

Lasting Returns

  1. When we model unfaithfulness, others are affected by our actions.
  2. When we model faithfulness, we influence others to be faithful!

Faithfulness Is a Choice

  1. It’s not always easy to follow through on our choices.
  2. Faithfulness is a choice, and it’s one we have to stick with if we are to please God.

Through Our Faithfulness, We Gain Lasting Returns

  1. The natural inclination of every one of us is to cling to the things we have.
  2. God wants us to be generous—with Him and with others.

Waldo Weaning’s Three Levels of Giving

  1. You have to (Law)
  2. You ought to (Obligation)
  3. You want to (Grace)

God Gives Us Gifts and Talents for a Reason

  1. God has given you gifts for a reason, and that reason is to bless others.
  2. In God’s eyes, all gifts are equal because they equally serve the Body—His Church.

How much do you own in that direction?

2010-03-21: How Am I Doing? — Trust

Lordship Living — God Provides

Sermon: How Am I Doing? — Trust
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Genesis 22:1-18
Duration: 28:36
Size: 13.0 MB

“What Would You Sacrifice?”

Have you ever sacrificed anything to help someone else? What did you give up? Did you miss it? Has anyone ever sacrificed anything to help you?

The Old Testament story of God’s command for Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac may cause us to wonder, “What was God thinking?” But the real issue wasn’t the survival of the boy, but rather the trust of Abraham—and whether he loved the Lord enough to obey Him—even when it involved the life of his precious child.

Today, let’s look at this amazing story and mine it for nuggets of truth to help us better understand how God works in this journey of Lordship Living.

How Am I Doing?

  1. If the story of Abraham and Isaac models any expectation God has for us, surely it is total reliance on God.

The God and Abraham Story

  1. Abraham passed God’s strange test of faith by living through the trial with a completely surrendered heart.
  2. Abraham’s total compliance to God proved his total reliance on God.

Clue Number One

  1. A surrendered heart is always ready to sacrifice regardless of the confusion.
  2. God was not after Isaac’s death; God was after Abraham’s life!

Clue Number Two

  1. A surrendered heart is always willing to worship regardless of the cost.
  2. Abraham was obliged both in duty and devotion, even with gratitude, to part with Isaac, because he was offering his beloved son to a trusted friend.

Clue Number Three

  1. A surrendered heart is always open to obedience regardless of the countermand.
  2. Abraham and his son traded their undeniable devastation for indescribable celebration.

Trust

  1. Partial obedience is perfect disobedience!
  2. Total reliance on God is total obedience to God!

God doesn’t want dead martyrs as much
as He desires living sacrifices.

Next week: Lasting Returns