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Chuck Smith :: Sermon Notes for Acts 11:23

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"STICK TO THE LORD"
Intro: When the heavy persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, many of the believers were scattered, and some went as far as Cypress and Antioch sharing their faith. In Antioch, a great number of people believed in the Lord, and when the church in Jerusalem heard of it, they sent Barnabas to Antioch to check things out. "Purpose in your heart to abide in the Lord."
I. "PURPOSE IN YOUR HEART", A CHALLENGE TO THE DEEPEST COMMITMENT.
A. He knew this kind of commitment is necessary.
1. Living the Christian life is not easy.
a. Opposed to you is the world, the flesh, and the devil.
b. Barnabas had seen many who had begun to walk with Christ turn away under persecution.
B. Men of commitment cannot be stopped.
1. Job: "Though He slay me, I will still trust Him."
2. Daniel and his friends Hanaiah, Mishael, and Azariah purposed in their hearts not to defile themselves with the king's meat. Later, when threatened with execution in the burning fiery furnace. "We are not careful..."
3. When Apostles beaten because of their testimony they rejoiced counted worthy, prayed for greater boldness.
C. There are those whose commitment is very shallow.
1. They have decided to try Jesus.
a. Sort of on the free 30-day trial period. If not fully satisfied return for full refund.
b. They went through the sinner's prayer to get their friends off their backs.
c. Or it is a heavy emotional time.
2. Seed fallen on rocky soil when persecution arises it's a quick burnout.
II. CLEAVE UNTO THE LORD.
A. His is not the easy path.
1. There is a cross in this path.
2. Our Lord walked the path of the cross.
a. He told His followers, if you want to come after Me, deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me.
1. Dead to my flesh.
2. Dead to the world.
3. Satan offered Him a short cut.
a. "You want the kingdoms of this world?" Cross not necessary, bow down and worship me and you can have them right now. Immediate fulfillment.
b. He still offers the short cut promising immediate fulfillment.
B. His is not the popular path.
1. You'll always find yourself going against the current of the world.
a. The people whose value systems have been warped by the Norman Leers and the Hugh Hefners, the Watson, Dewey and Huxley crowd will consider you narrow, bigoted and ignorant.
C. His is the true path to life.
1. True life, not the sham of this world.
2. He offers the only real hope to man today.
D. The Greek word translated "cleave" can also be translated "abide" or "continue".
1. Purpose in your heart to...
a. Cleave unto the Lord.
b. Abide in the Lord.
c. Continue in the Lord.
Sermon Notes for Acts 11:19 ← Prior Section
Sermon Notes for Acts 11:23 Next Section →
Sermon Notes for John 1:1 ← Prior Book
Sermon Notes for Romans 1:16 Next Book →
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