JUST THINKING....
September 14, 2003 AM
Sermon Outline
HEB 10:23-25
INTRO: This is not going to be a sermon of the sort I would usually preach on a Lords day. In fact, this may not be a sermon at all - it may be just thoughts, just reflections, just thinking. I have some things on my mind for which I humbly ask your patient attention. Please know that these are things which are deep concerns for the well being of each person who is part of this congregation of saints. These are things of which I have been thinking for some considerable time and which I would hope are concerns shared by many with me. So, I begin with this:
I. WHAT ABOUT BIBLE CLASS ATTENDANCE - SUNDAY MORNINGS?
A. Sunday is the only day I can sleep in
B. I already know all of that
C. I dont see an interesting subject
D. I just dont want to be bothered about attending Bible classes
E. So, I wonder ...
1. is the sleeping in just an excuse for not attending?
2. if you already know all of what might be taught, does your absence become an excuse for someone else, who may not know everything, to not attend?
3. if there is not an interesting subject, could your attendance in a class help make it interesting? be and encouragement to teachers and students?
4. I wonder what not wanting to be bothered says about our love for the Lord and His word? about our concern for others?
II. WHAT ABOUT SUNDAY MORNING ASSEMBLIES?
A. Well, I do come
B. Please promise me a seat in the rear so I can slip away before anyone notices
C. Why is it always so cold? so hot?
D. Why does the worship service always take so long?
E. I have so much to do this afternoon - an hour is all I can spare out of the day
F. So, I wonder ...
1. do we give much thought to why we have come?
2. does the back seat and slipping away mean you dont want to be involved - that people are offensive in some way? what does it mean, really?
3. have you given any thought to how many things have to be done by someone in order for us to assemble? does thinking about things like hot and cold mean we are not thinking about the songs, the prayers, the Lords death, the thoughts of the lesson, the reason for giving?
4. the length of the service? can you sit through a ball game? a concert? a play? a graduation? why can we not spend a few quiet, involved minutes in worship & praise?
5. do we tend to plan our Sundays with leftovers for the Lord?
III. WHAT ABOUT SUNDAY EVENING ASSEMBLIES?
A. Well, the Bible doesnt say I have to come more than once
B. I really need the afternoon and evening for ...
C. I just really dont see the need
D. So, I wonder ...
1. what does the Bible say about encouraging, etc. through assemblies?
2. have we turned the Lords day into our day? has this day become so secular that our many activities squeeze out spiritual interests, emphases?
3. are any of us such spiritual giants that we have no need of all the opportunities we can use to grow in Christ? does our not seeing the need to worship, study, praise, encourage reflect on a lack of true depth of devotion?
IV. AND WHAT ABOUT WEDNESDAY EVENING?
A. Im just too tired after a long day at work
B. Wednesday evening assemblies are just a man made tradition
C. Our children go to bed early
D. So, I wonder ...
1. I can appreciate weariness - but is there not some energizing value to a period of study, of fellowship, etc.?
2. midweek assemblies my be in the category of tradition - but are there traditions that are scriptural and beneficial?
3. I am sympathetic with parents - but I wonder if making the exception in order to meet with the saints, etc. wouldnt give emphasis to the faith and conviction of our young as they grow?
V. SOME PASSAGES WHICH KEEP COMING TO MY MIND ...
A. Mal 1:6 - ...where is mine honor...where is my fear
B. Mt 6:33- ...seek ye first the kingdom of God....
C. Lk 14:33 - ...that forsaketh not all that he hath...
D. Mk 8:34 - ...let him deny himself...
E. Mk 12:30 - ...with all thy heart...
CLOSE: You know, of course, that it is only from a heart of love for you that I would pose such questions. I ask, and fervently, that you take inventory ... that you dwell for a time on the passages I have mentioned. And let us grow more mature together.
Cecil A. Hutson
14 September 2003