Subtopic: Walking The Talk

Sermon Notes by Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. For Sunday December 21, 2014

1 John 2:3-6 “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. (vs4) He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (vs5) But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. (vs6) He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore(for that reason, as a result of something, or consequently, implies that the conclusion is inevitable) if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

PREMISE

The Pulpit Commentary, Vol19, Page 135, a comment on 2 Corinthians 5:17---“ The believer has died with Christ. Christ is his Substitute , has borne his sins, has made complete satisfaction for his guilt. By faith he is so united to Christ that what Christ has done is imputed to him. He is thus new in relation to God. He was condemned; now he is justified. He is “risen with Christ”(Col.3:1). He has received the Spirit of Christ. Having been justified, he is now being sanctified. The likeness of the Redeemer is being wrought upon and in him by the Holy Ghost. There is thus a “new creation”. The old life was a life of sin, but the new life to which he has risen is a life of righteousness. The love of Christ constrains him (vs14) to live, not to himself, but to Christ.

This newness is manifested in the believer’s  (1) spirit; (2) speech; (3) character; (4) acts; (5) plans, purposes, desires, ect. There is no part of the believer’s life from which the newness should be absent. While not yet perfect, manifestly a great change has taken place: “Old things are passed away”.

Finally, all men in Christ become new creatures. A decided change takes place in the best as well as in the worst. All men may become new creatures in Christ. The vilest can be re-created equally with the moral. This newness is not to be waited for till we enter another world. It belongs to this sphere in which we now are. Unless we are new creatures in this world we shall not be new creatures in another. It is on earth that “new creatures” are especially needed”.

Subtopic: “The Anointing Makes The Difference”

Sermon Notes By Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. For Sunday November 23, 2014

Text: Isaiah 10:27 “And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.”

1 John 2:26-27 “These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. (vs27) But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.”

PREMISE

The Pulpit Commentary, Vol.22, Page 60; a comment on 1 John 2:27 ---THE OBLIGATION OF THIS BLESSING---“More fully stated this is the obligation which is inseparable from the possession of this anointing from the Holy One. The context clearly shows that the person spoken of in verses 27 and 28 is the Lord Jesus Christ. The exhortation to abide in him is based on the assurance that the anointing which they had received abode in them(ver.27). The “in him” must not be toned down to his doctrine, or his system, or anything of that kind. “In him” by the exercise of the faith of the heart, by the attachment of holy love, by intimate and reverent communion in him, and by participation in his life and spirit. Thus we are to abide in him(cf. St. John 15:4-7).Thus we can learn; first that the “illumination of the Holy Spirit is indispensable to a clear and correct apprehension of the great truths of Christianity.” Cudsworth says “words and syllables which are but dead things, cannot possibly convey the living notions of heavenly truths to us. The secret mysteries of a Divine life, of a new nature, of Christ formed in our hearts, they cannot be written or spoken; language and expressions cannot reach them; neither can they be ever truly understood, except the soul itself be kindled from within, and awakened into the life of them.”(cf.1 Corinthians 2:10-13).Second The “anointing from the Holy One”—the influence and presence of the Holy Spirit within us---is a preservative against seductions of error. Third and finally; the possession of this Divine preservative is not an encouragement to presumption, but a reason for perseverance, inasmuch as the anointing which they received of Christ abode in them, St John exhorts his readers to “abide in him”.

Subtopic: “ Striving To Stay Free”

Sermon Notes By Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. For Sunday July 1, 2014

Text: St John 8:31-32;36 “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; (vs32) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (vs36) If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

Galatians 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

PREMISE

The Pulpit Commentary,Vol.17, Pages 392-393, a comment on St. John 8:32 “ SPIRITUAL FREEDOM is (1) Freedom from sin. From its bondage, its control, its consequences, its guilt, and from sin itself. In the true disciple sin will ultimately be destroyed, not a vestige of it will be left behind. (2) Freedom from the Law. From its curse, penalties, terrors, its heavy and unbearable burdens. The known truth , or Christ, becomes the law of the disciples life, written on his heart. Its letter becomes dead, while its spirit is preserved. (3) Freedom from the evil rule of the flesh. From the lower passions and appetites, from the captivity of self-seeking. The soul is brought out from itself into Christ, to breathe the natural and pure air of spiritual life, love, holiness, self-sacrifice, and willingness. (4) This freedom is effected by the truth.         ( The manifestation of God’s Word In Christ Jesus) St. John 14:6; St. John 1:14 (a) The truth is the efficient means of spiritual freedom. It is based on and produced by the great facts of redemption. (b) The truth is the efficient incentive to spiritual freedom. The revelation of sin, in its enormity , debasing effects, and ultimate consequences, and revelation of God’s loving, costly, and self-sacrificing provisions for sinners, are calculated to inspire the captive soul to struggle for and accept the offered liberty. (c) The truth experimentally known brings the fact of spiritual freedom to the consciousness. No sooner the facts of redemption, such as justification, forgiveness, and reconciliation by faith, are experimentally known than the soul begins to realize in itself the blessings of spiritual freedom. Christ lives in the disciple’s consciousness, and he feels that he is the subject of the spiritual empire and a free-born citizen of the new Jerusalem.”

Subtopic: “ Hearing The Word Of The Lord”--- “Can You Hear Me Now”

Sermon Notes By Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. for Sunday June 29, 2014

Text :Isaiah 55:3 “Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.”

1 Thessalonians 2:13 “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”


PREMISE

The Pulpit Commentary,Vol.21, Page34 A Comment On 1 Thess.2:13---The Thessalonian  Reception Of The Truth. “The apostle had spoken of his own part in the work of grace; he now speaks of the manner in which his converts accepted. “Ye are my witnesses; now I am yours.” His immediate ground of thankfulness was that they had received , not man’s word, but God’s, and that the  Word was so thoroughly efficacious. “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received not the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God.” 

Subtopic: “Do Not Cross The Lines”

Sermon Notes By Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. for Sunday June 15, 2014

Text :Isaiah 35:8-10 “And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring( a traveler) men, though fools, shall not err therein. (vs9) No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: (vs10) And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

Jeremiah 6:16-17 “Thus saith the Lord, Stand in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. (vs17) Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.”

PREMISE

The Pulpit Commentary, Vol.10, Page 574, A Comment on Isaiah 35:8 “ THE HIGHWAY TO THE HEAVENLY CITY. In all his dealings with man God has been constructing a highway from bondage to spiritual freedom, from sin to holiness, from guilty selfishness to sacred service, from utter ruin to complete salvation, from earth to heaven. He was engaged in this beneficent, Divine procedure  when he spake to us through the patriarchs, when he instituted the Law, when he gave to us his prophets. And he completed this “way” when he “sent forth his Son.” Jesus Christ had so much to do with preparing for us the highway to the heavenly city that we speak of him, as indeed he spoke of himself, as actually being the (Way itself) St. John 14:6 . He, the Truth, is the Way by which we have a knowledge of God and of his will. He, the Mediator, is the Way by which we ourselves come into close spiritual contact with God himself. He, the Propitiation, is the Way by which we ascend to forgiveness and reconciliation. He, the Life, is the Way by which we rise into loving union with, and growing likeness to, and ultimate preparedness for, the Divine Father.”

Subtopic: " The Church: The Security And Salvation Of The Soul"

Sermon Notes by Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. for Sunday June 8, 2014

Text  Ephesians 4:11-16 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (vs12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (vs13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (vs14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (vs15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (vs16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

 2 Timothy 2:15-19 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.(vs16) But shun profane( not sacred, worldly)and vain babblings( to talk or speak foolishly): for they will increase unto more ungodliness.(vs17)And their word will eat as doth a canker:( anything that causes decay, rotting, or gradual eating away)of whom is Hy-me-nae'us and Phi-le'tus; (vs18) Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. (vs19) Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."

PREMISE

The Pulpit Commentary,Vol.20 ,Pages 195-196 , a comment on Ephesians 4;12-16 "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry." Spiritual perfection is the grand aim of all. 1.Perfection In Service. "For the work of the ministry." The twelfth verse teaches that a perfect ministry implies a perfect character. There is no perfect service where there is not a perfect character. A man must be good to do good. 2. Perfection In Unity. "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God."This may mean oneness or harmony of mind in relation to the doctrine and spirit of Christ, a common thought and sympathy in relation to the Son of God. 3. Perfection In Character."Unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Christ is the Standard of excellence, and perfection of character is conformity to him. His character is the measure. To be Christ-like is to perfect. 4. Perfection In Strength. "That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro, carried about with every wind of doctrine." (1) The strength of firmness. Possessing power enough to stand against all the winds and waves of religious opinions. There are some men at the mercy of every new doctrine. Their souls have no anchorage; they are not "rooted and grounded in the faith." (2) The strength of determination."By the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness." The ideas seem to be not influenced by the mere dependence on chance of a mixture of thought and feeling nor the craftiness of heretical teachers.(5)Perfection In Church Growth." Speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ." The two verses teach:(1) That church growth is an advancing assimilation to Christ."We may grow up into him in all things, which is the head even Christ." The true growth of the soul is progress towards a perfect conformity to Christ.(2) That Church growth requires the loving exhibition of truth. "Speaking the truth in love." There is a truth, a reality in the gospel, and the ministry of this truth in love is necessary to promote the true growth of the Church. (3) That Church growth is in every part dependent upon its vital connection with Christ. "From whom the whole body fitly joined together, "ect. (4) That Church growth requires the healthy action of all its members. "By that which every joint supplieth," ect.

Subtopic: The Attitude Of Patience: Going On To Perfection

Sermon Notes By Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. for Sunday June 1, 2014

Text:2 Corinthians 4:17-18 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (vs18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

 Romans 8:18 "For I reckon that the suffering of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us".

Hebrews 10:35-37 "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. (vs36) For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.(vs37) For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come and will not tarry".

1 Peter 5:10 "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while , make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you".

Premise

The Pulpit Commentary Vol.19 Pages 95-96 ;A Commentary on 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 - THE AFFLICTIONS OF CHRISTIANS. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” These words suggest a few thoughts concerning the afflictions of the Christian.

1. They Are Comparatively “Light” And “Momentary.” They are “light” (1) Compared with what they deserve. (2) Compared with what others have endured. (3) Compared with the blessedness that is to follow. They are momentary, “but for a moment.” Momentary compared (1) with the enjoyments of this life; compared (2) with the interminable blessedness of the future.

2.That Though Light and Momentary, They Work Out Glorious Results.-They issue in what? “A far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” What is the affliction to the glory? (1) The one is “light;” the other is weighty. Put all the afflictions of the whole Church against the everlasting glory of one Christly soul, and how light! (2) The one is momentary; the other is eternal. “Eternal weight of glory.” But the result is not only an eternal weight of glory, but “far more exceeding.” No expression could be stronger than this. 

Subtopic: “The Attitudes Of A Growing Saint: Do I Have The Right Attitude”

Sermon Notes by Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. For Sunday May 25,2014

Text: Phi. 3:7-15"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. (vs8) Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.(vs9) And be found in him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God  by faith:(vs10) That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (vs11) If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. (vs12) Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (vs13) Brethern I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (vs14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God  in Christ Jesus. (vs15) Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you".  

DEFINITIONS

Salvation means deliverance from sin, its penalty and effects.(2) perseveration from destruction, ruin, loss , or calamity.

Attitude  is a way of thinking, acting or feeling.

Philippians 2:5-8 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (vs6) Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: (vs7) But made of himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: (vs8) And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Subtopic:" It's A Blessing"

Sermon Notes By Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. For Sunday May 18, 2014

Text :Psalms 1:1-3 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. (vs2) But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (vs3) And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

Psa. 65:4 "Blessed is the man whom thou chooseth, and causeth to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.

Eph.1:3-7 " Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (vs4) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (vs5) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the pleasure of his will,(vs6)To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (vs7) In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;"

Psa.27:13-14 "I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.(vs14) Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say on the Lord.”

Premise

The Pulpit Commentary ,Vol.8, Pages7-8; A Comment On Psalm 1:1-6 --- THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE TRUE. “God is Love.” He must, therefore, seek the happiness of his creatures. Man is the highest of his earthly creatures, and his happiness must be of the highest kind, not only fit for him to receive, but worthy of God to bestow. Such is the happiness here depicted. It does not come anyhow, but in accordance with law. It does not depend on what a man has, but upon what he is. It is inward; not outward. It is of the spirit, not of the flesh. Happiness is blessedness--- the blessedness of the true in character.”

Subtopic: “ The Necessity Of Fulfilling Our Responsibility and Motivation To Love God”

Sermon Notes By Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. For Sunday May 11, 2014

Jeremiah 31:3 “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”

St. John 14:15 “If ye love me , keep my commandments.”

1 John 4:7-11 “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. (vs8) He the loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (vs9) In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. (vs10) Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation (means by which reconciliation of God and mankind is attained) for our sins. (vs11) Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”

Premise

The Pulpit Commentary Vol.11, Pages 16-17, a comment on Jeremiah 31:3 – I. THE EVERLASTING LOVE OF GOD “There is a wonder about the fact of the everlasting love of God, since there are so many things that might well be thought likely to limit and stay the love of God to such beings as we are. 1. Our Unworthiness---God is holy, and must delight only in holiness; he is great; and can create innumerable beings of far greater powers than ours. Why, then, should he love such imperfect creatures as men?---why love those who are corrupt and sinful?---Psalms 8:3-4  “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; (vs4) What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” 2.Our Indifference --- Human love looks for a return of love; but men have treated God’s love with neglect. Through the long ages during which God has been visiting his children with ceaseless lovingkindness they have been coldly turning aside to their own ways, deaf to the entreaties of an infinite condescension or      ( pleasantness to inferiors). 3.Our Unfaithfulness--- For love to remain unbroken it is expected that it should be honored by fidelity. Unfaithfulness is naturally regarded as a reason for withdrawing the privileges of affection. But God’s children have been untrue to him. They have forsaken his ways, abused his blessings, flung insult on his mercy. How, then, can he continue to love him? It is , indeed, a marvel that, through these long ages of the world’s wild wanderings, God should still follow his unworthy children with ceaseless love, never refusing to bless them, always entreating them to return to him. and it must be a marvel to us that, through all the years of our unworthy lives, he has shown the same long-suffering, forebearing mercy to each of us. It is wonderful that God should ever love such unworthy creatures as we are, but it is “passing strange” that he should not cease to love us after all our provocations of his wrath, that he should love us with “an everlasting love,” and should “have continued his loving-kindness unto” us.