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:" 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 : “When I Think Of The Blessings Of Goodness Of Jesus And What He Has Done For Me, My Soul Cries Out Hallelujah Praise God For The Blessing Of Saving Me.” 

Sermon Notes By Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. For Sunday January 26, 2014

Ephesians 1:4-7 “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 riches of his grace; (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;”

Revelation 21:1-4 “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. (vs2) And I John saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (vs3) And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. (vs4) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

PREMISE

The Pulpit Commentary, Vol. 10, Pages 53-54, a comment on Ephesians 1:4. “ THE CHRISTIAN BLESSINGS ARE SPIRITUAL AND HEAVENLY.  1.They are spiritual. The word describes them as having to do with the substance as opposed to its qualities and attributes; it shows what they are in us. They are inward graces, not maternal possessions. We may receive temporal prosperity, and, if so, should ascribe it to the Source and Author of every good gift. But we may be denied it, and yet be none the less blessed of God. It is a mistake for any of us to look for specially Christian blessings in this category, or to be perplexed at not receiving them. The true Christian blessings are such things as peace and joy, light and love, purity and power. 2. They are heavenly. This word describes them objectively; it points to what they are in themselves and in relation to their Divine origin. Coming from God, they belong to “heavenly places.” They are such things as the forgiveness of sins, and the sympathy and fellowship of Christ, the very great happiness of the vision that is willing to grant or give to the pure in heart, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Because they are heavenly things they are not beyond our reach; for heaven is let down to earth now that the kingdom of heaven is in our midst, and we are lifted up to heaven when we have our treasures there, for there our heart is, for it is only the upward gaze that will discern true Christian blessings.” 

Subtopic: "Don't Fight The Feeling"

Sermon Notes By Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. for Sunday January 12, 2014

Text: Ezekiel 36:24-27 “For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. (vs25) Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. (vs26) A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. (vs27) And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.”

Romans 12:1-2 “I Beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (vs2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Ephesians 4:21-24 “If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: (vs22) That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; (vs23) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; (vs24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

PREMISE

The Pulpit Commentary, Vol.20, Pages 157-158 , a Comment on Ephesians 4:20-24 “Ye have not so learned Christ, if so be ye heard him,” ect. (ver.20) The whole tenor Of Christ’s teaching and influence is against these things. Only make sure that you have come under it. What they are. (1) “Put off the old man,” ect. Comprehensiveness of the word “man;” his tendency is to rottenness or corruption; the lusts of deceit which are connected with him are that which will cause great harm or damage and ruinous. (2) “Be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” Renewal begins within by the Holy Spirit rousing in you a desire for it, urging you to use the means towards it. Accept and improve these movements of the Spirit within you. (3) In this way, “put on the new man,” and especially encourage and seek to have developed these two features of creation--- righteousness and holiness. Righteousness, including integrity, honest, true, fair, open dealing; doing justly out and out, in every place and in every relation--- in the house, the market, the shop, among neighbors, among strangers, everywhere and at all times. Holiness of truth, including high reverence for God and all that is Divine, sympathy and congeniality of heart with God, cleanness of nature, purity, of soul, conformity to the image of Christ, who is the Image of the invisible God. No professing Christian can be exempted from this rule of life. Nor should any assume too readily that he is thoroughly conforming to it. “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”(1 Cor.10:12). Christianity in its practical relations is very searching and thorough. It demands a high standard of life and patience. But no wonder, if Christ be the Head, the Source of all vital power, and if there be a complete provision by which the needed power may be communicated to all members. Never let it be said to Christians, What do ye more than others?”

Subtopic: Holding On To God’s Unchanging Plan “(This Is The Plan)”

Sermon Notes By Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. for Sunday December 22, 2013

Text: Ephesians 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 good 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;”

2 Timothy 1:9-11 “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, (vs10) But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (vs11) Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gen’tiles.”

Acts 2:40-42 “And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward (difficult to manage, restrain or control; perverse; stubborn or willful)generation. (vs41) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (vs42) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

PREMISE

The Pulpit Commentary,Vol20, Page 33, a comment on Eph.1:4 “Holiness and perfection are the ends aimed at God’s electing love. It is because this is lost sight of that we have so much confusion on this subject. God could not elect any soul to a salvation without holiness; the idea has no meaning in the Divine mind. Men may desire to separate salvation from holiness, to carry their sins with them into the heavenly world; but such desires are vain, and under God’s government they can have no realization. The election is unto holiness. So long as a soul loves sin and hates holiness, he has no warrant to affirm election. He may subsequently turn from sin to God, and thus receive the evidence within him; but a soul that loves sin and hates holiness has no business dabbling with this doctrine of election. God saves no man except in the process he makes him holy. Hence we must remember “they were not chosen because they were viewed as holy, and therefore deserving to be distinguished as God’s favorites, on account of their obedience or personal purity, but that they should be holy.”

Subtopic: Lord Take Me Higher

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".  

Eph.3:16-19 " That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; (vs17) That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye being rooted and grounded in love, (vs18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breath, and length, and depth, and height;(vs19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God".

Heb.6:1-3 “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (vs2) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.” (vs3) And this will we do, if God permit.”

PREMISE

The Pulpit Commentary pages118-119 on Phi. 3:12-16 "The nearer we draw to Christ, the more we feel our own unworthiness. The light of Christ's holiness, manifested in the hearts of the saints, brings out into clearer light the exceeding sinfulness of sin. This very sense of imperfection urges the Christian to sustained effort. He is never satisfied  with himself, therefore he always presses onward. He does not dwell with complacency on his attainments, but forgets the progress which he has made; in view of the far greater height which remains to scale, he throws himself into the work with ever-increasing energy. The crown of righteousness is laid up for all who love the appearing of the Lord. God is calling us thither, calling us upward, to higher degrees of the spiritual life now, to the perfection of that life in heaven. The prize of that upward calling is the heavenly glory. It is the end for which the Christian lives, which makes life worth having, worth living".

Subtopic: " The Church: The Security and Salvation of the Soul"

Text Ephesians 2:19-22 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; (vs20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (vs21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (vs22) In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."

 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.21 ,Page 31, a Homily Comment on 2 Timothy 2:19. "THE COMFORT ADMIST ABOUNDING APOSTASY.

A. The Church Of God In Its Ever-During Stability. " Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth." 1. The church is very properly called a foundation, because it is placed in the world as the platform on which the whole future household of faith is to rest(Eph.2:20). Christ is the corner-stone of the foundation. 2. It stands firm from age to age on its unshaken foundation, notwithstanding all the efforts made to destroy it. It was to be the constant witness to the truth amidst all error and apostasy.

B. The Church Of God With Its Two-Fold Inscription. "Having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his; and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness." It was an ancient custom to engrave upon a building an inscription which told of its origin and purpose. The names of the apostles were  written in the foundations of the apocalyptic city of God (Rev.21:14). The Church has a seal with a double inscription, which displays the true character of the edifice. 1.One Inscription Is The Legend Of Comfort And Hope." The Lord knoweth them that are his." What a comfort there is in the thought of this individualizing knowledge! What a hope there is in the thought that the saints are God's "purchased possession"! 2. Another Inscription Is The Legend of Duty." Let every one that nameth the Name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness." There is no place for unrighteousness in the Church of God. Therefore believers must separate themselves from all evil."

Subtopic: " It's Time to Sober Up"

Text Titus:11-14: "For the grace of God that bringeth  salvation hath appeared to all men, (vs12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (vs13) Looking for that blessed hope, and glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (vs14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works".

St. Luke 21: 33-36 : "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. (vs34) And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting,( grossly excessively amount of something) and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.(vs35) For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.(vs36) Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man". 

Eph.5:15-21 "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,(vs16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (vs17)Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (vs18) And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (vs19)Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (vs20)Giving thanks alway for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; (vs21)Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God."


Premise

The Pulpit Commentary; Vol.22, Page 229, a comment on Eph.5:18-19 "1. THE NEED OF SOME STIMULUS FROM BEYOND OURSELVES. (vs17-18.) This is apparent from the fact that everyone needs excitement, as it is called, to keep him moving--- something to "interrupt our quiet and ordinary state of mind with some more lively feeling, which makes us live more consciously and in a manner quicker than we do in common." We all feel this. Now, this goes to show that we are not self-contained, no matter how much we desire to be so, but we need a helping hand from outside our own personalities. Withhold food, and we perish. Withhold all stimulus from us, and we go of necessity to pieces. The whole question comes to be, therefore, where we shall get our required stimulus.

2. THE STIMULUS OF WINE IS ATTENDED WITH DANGER.(vs18) This is an inspiration which come through sense. Now, all of us need a stimulus through our senses. Food is a stimulus. A well-digested meal makes life move faster and quicker than fasting would. But this effect caused by drinking wine inspires a "riot"(Revised Version)  which is inconsistent with that unity of the Church for which the gospel calls. We should abstain from such a dangerous stimulus as this, for its effect has been hostile to the unity of spirit. But we might extend the precaution here to all those excitements of a sensual nature which exhaust and retard the spirit. As A.T Roberson says "Wine is but a specimen of a class of stimulants. All that begins from without belongs to the same class. The stimulus may be afforded by almost any enjoyment of the senses. Drunkenness may come from anything wherein is excess--- from over-indulgence in society, in pleasure, in music, and in the delight of listening to someone who has skill in public speaking, nay, even from the excitement of sermons and religious meetings. The prophet tells us of those who are drunken , and not with wine, (Isa.29:9-10, Jer.23:9-10)." Commentator Arnold, in the same way, bases upon this passage warnings against excess of bodily exercise, excess of intellectual exercise, excess even in our hours of work, excess, in a word, so far as it operates against Christian sober-mindedness.