September 19 Sermons

Text: John 1:6-8; 19-23: Audio Link here

Theme: Picking a preacher

Date: September 19 2010 AM

Location: FBC Almyra

1. These verses are like John the Apostle's endorsement of John the Baptist

   1. Almost like he's recommending to a pastor search committee

   2. He's giving reasons why John the Baptist is worth listening to

2. However, realize this:

   1. John only presents JTB in a minor way compared to the Lord Jesus Christ

   2. The first step in picking a preacher:

      1. KNOW the Basics of the Gospel yourself\

      2. Worlds of trouble can be avoided if we, as individuals, will:

         1. Eliminate our own Biblical Illiteracy

         2. Work to help eliminate Biblical Illiteracy in our churches

         3. Note that the world doesn't need this: the world needs the Gospel, not a comprehensive systematic theology.

      3. If we as listeners do not understand the Gospel, we will struggle greatly to find preachers and teachers

3. So, what makes JTB an eligible preacher?

   1. It is not that he:

      1. Was a successful businessman

      2. Had an eminently suitable wife

      3. Was highly educated

      4. Had a great face to look at

   2. It was that he:

      1. Knew who he was not: v. 19: freely confessed, “NOT THE CHRIST:

      2. Knew who he was not: Great prophets: Elijah, the Prophet

      3. Knew who he was: only a single voice, testifying to the Light

4. Practicality for us:

   1. John the Baptist isn't preaching much these days

   2. However, there are many ways we are exposed to preachers these days:

      1. In person: church and events

      2. In media: TV and Radio

      3. In print: books and magazines

      4. Internet: blogs and podcasts

   3. Are we being diligent to make certain our influences are more focused on Christ than on themselves?

   4. Do we understand the Gospel for ourselves?

      1. That we were in darkness but....

      2. Christ came to be the light?

      3. That the price for our sin was paid

      4. In His sacrifice for us

Well, Sunday night, there is no outline.  Sorry about that.  However, the Audio Link is here.  Of course, dear reader/listener, you could outline it and put it in the comments, for the sake of others if you wanted to.

Yeah, if y'all have time for that type of thing, some week I'll post the audio, you can listen and write your own outline, then I'll post mine and we'll see if you and I agree!  That would be interesting, to say the least.

Doug

Thanks for taking the time to read! Doug Hibbard