Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

450 Pages·2012·2.66 MB·English

by  Mark Copeland

Topical
Sermons

Miscellaneous Sermon Outlines

This material is from ExecutableOutlines.com, a web site containing sermon outlines
and Bible studies by Mark A. Copeland. Visit the web site to browse or download
additional material for church or personal use.

The outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel.
Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style.

To God Be The Glory!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2012
Mark A. Copeland
5Topical Sermons
Table Of Contents

5BX Spiritual Fitness Plan 5
After Baptism, What Then? 8
The Anatomy Of A Backslider 10
Angry Words! O Let Them Never 13
The Apostasy And Restoration 16
Apostolic Succession 19
Are You A Disciple Of Jesus? 23
Are You An Apatheist? 26
Are You Drifting? 28
Are You ‘High Maintenance’? 32
Are You Ready For Your Journey Into Eternity? 35
Are You The Pastor? 38
Attitudes Needed In Congregational Work 41
Back To The Basics! 45
Baptism: Salvation By Grace Through Faith 49
The Benefits Of A Small Church 53
Biblical Illiteracy 56
Blest Be The Tie 59
Capital Punishment 62
Cease From Anger, And Forsake Wrath 66
The Celebration Of Christmas 71
The Celebration Of Easter 75
Challenges For A Growing Congregation 80
Church Membership 83
The Clarion Voices Of God 85
Cohabitation Before Marriage 88
Commanded To Love 90
Congregational Evangelism 92
Congregational Singing 94
The Conversion Of Saul 96
Cremation Or Burial? 99
Daily Bible Reading (I) 102
Daily Bible Reading (II) 105
Dear Reverend 108
Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty 110
Disappointments New Christians Face 113
Divine Signposts 116
Emotion Vs. Emotionalism 119
Evangelism Made Easy 122
Evangelism Made Personal 125
Examples Worth Following 130
Faith In The Community 133
Faith In The Family 135
Faith In The Workplace 138
Follow-up: Definition & Importance 140
Follow-up: Factors Affecting Follow-up 142
Getting Ready To Grow 146

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God Hates Divorce! 149
God Loves Families! 152
God’s Great Book 154
The Gospel According To Isaiah 157
Gospel Meetings - Keys To A Successful Meeting 160
Gospel Meetings - Why Should We Attend Them? 163
Gospel Meetings - Why Some Succeed, Others Fail 165
Gospel Meetings - Now Our Meeting Is Over 168
The Gospel Of Christ 171
The Gospel Of The Grace Of God 174
Grace And The Christian 177
The Great Commission According To Matthew 180
The Great Commission According To Mark 182
The Great Commission According To Luke 185
The Greatest Need 187
Growing Old Gracefully 191
Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All 196
The High Cost Of A Free Gift 198
Honk! - Lessons From Geese 201
How Much Should I Give? 203
How Well Do You Listen? 207
I Am Coming, Lord! 211
Into All The World 213
Is Your Baptism Scriptural? 217
Jesus, My Lord 221
Jesus Our Shepherd 224
The Laying On Of Hands 226
Laying Up Treasure In Heaven 229
Let’s Make A Deal! 232
The Lord’s Supper 235
The Lostness Of The Lost 239
Love Your Enemies 241
Making Wise Choices 243
The Measure Of A Strong Christian 246
The Measure Of A Strong Church 249
Music In New Testament Worship (I) 252
Music In New Testament Worship (II) 255
The Nature Of Faith 259
The Need For Vision 262
A New Creation 265
The Old Testament And The Christian 268
The Parable Of The Lifesaving Station 273
The Passion Of The Christ 275
The Path To Salvation 278
Perspectives For Success In Evangelism 281
The Perverted Gospel - Its Message 287
The Perverted Gospel - Its Witness 290
The Power Of An Invitation 293
Prescription For Spiritual Health 295
Principles Of Church Growth 298
Private Devotions 301
The Problem Of Anxiety 303
The Problem Of Religious Division 306

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The Providence Of God 309
A Reason For Our Hope 312
Reflections On The Loss Of A Loved One 316
Resolutions For A New Millennium 319
Resolutions For The New Year 321
Responding To Materialism 324
The Sabbath Day 327
Same-Sex Marriage 332
Secrets Of The Abundant Life 335
Shall We Dance? 339
The Significance Of The Birth Of Jesus 343
The Significance Of The Resurrection Of Christ 345
The Single Christian 348
The Sovereign Rule Of God 351
Spirituality In Youth 354
Spiritual Well Being 356
Studying With JWs 359
Support Your Local Church! 365
Take Time To Be Holy 368
To Seek Or To Serve? 371
The Three Loves Of A Disciple 374
The Uniqueness Of The Bible 376
The Value Of Secret Prayer 381
The Virtue Of Punctuality 384
We Should Remember The Poor 387
What Can Kill A Church 390
What Does Jesus Require Of You? 393
What God Has Joined 396
What Is Evangelism? 399
What Is The Church Of Christ? 401
What It Takes To Be Interested In The Lord’s Work 407
What Mothers Deserve 409
What Shall I Wear? 411
What To Look For In A Church 414
What Visitors Have A Right To Expect 417
When Disasters Strike 421
When The Election Is Over 424
Who Killed Jesus? 427
Why Are You Waiting? 429
Why Attend Every Service? 433
Why Did Jesus Die On The Cross? 437
Why Did Jesus Suffer? 439
A Woman’s Contribution To The Local Congregation 443
Would We Have Believed Them? 446
WWJD - What Would Jesus Desire? 449
Your Personal Bible 452

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5BX Spiritual Fitness Plan

INTRODUCTION

1. In the late 1950s, there was an exercise program called 5BX (Five Basic Exercises)...
a. Developed for the Royal Canadian Air Force
b. Published as a booklet with 23 million copies sold in Canada
c. Consisted of five exercises to be done daily in 11 minutes

2. In this lesson, I would like to suggest a similar 5BX plan...
a. Designed for Christians, to aid their spiritual growth and development
b. Consisting of five spiritual exercises to be done daily (though not in 11 minutes!)

[I call it the 5BX Spiritual Fitness Plan. In the original 5BX plan, the first exercise involved
stretching. Our spiritual 5BX plan begins with a daily regimen that will stretch our souls...]

I. READ THE WORD OF GOD

A. THE WORD OF GOD...
1. The means by which we grow spiritually - 1Pe 2:2
2. Read the Psalmist’s valuation of the Word - Ps 19:7-10
3. It was by the Word of God that Jesus resisted the devil - Mt 4:4,7,10
4. It is by God’s Word in our hearts that we can resist sin - Ps 119:11
-- The Word of God is therefore foundational to our spiritual fitness

B. READING THE WORD...
1. Develop the habit of reading the Word daily
2. Start slow; perhaps with the NT, a chapter a day
3. Progress to reading the Bible through each year
4. Read devotionally, meditating on what you read
-- The Word of God will help you to grow in grace and knowledge

[In the original 5BX plan, the second exercise involved sit-ups to strengthen the midsection. Our
spiritual 5BX plan involves a spiritual exercise that will empower our souls...]

II. SPEND TIME IN PRAYER

A. THE POWER OF PRAYER...
1. There is forgiveness from God - Ac 8:22; 1Jn 1:7-10
2. There is peace from God - Php 4:6-7
3. There is strength from God - Ep 3:14-16,20
4. There is opportunity from God - Col 4:3
5. There is boldness from God - Ep 6:19-20
6. There is wisdom from God - Jm 1:5-8
7. There is healing from God - Jm 5:14-16
8. There is tranquility from God - 1Ti 2:1-4
-- Together with the Word, prayer is foundational to spiritual fitness

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B. PRAYING FERVENTLY...
1. As you read the Word of God, pray for wisdom
2. Pray daily for forgiveness, strength, opportunity, boldness
3. As needed, pray for peace, healing, tranquility
4. Continue earnestly in prayer, vigilant in with thanksgiving - Col 4:2
-- Consistent, fervent prayer will strengthen your relationship with God

[In the original 5BX plan, the third exercise involved back extension that increased flexibility. Our
spiritual 5BX plan involves a spiritual exercise that will enrich our souls...]

III. SING PRAISES

A. THE ROLE OF SINGING...
1. One purpose of singing is to praise God - Ac 16:25
2. It is a type of spiritual sacrifice that we offer to God - He 13:15
3. A way to be filled with grace and melody in our hearts - Col 3:16; Ep 5:19
4. A way to respond to the goodness of God - Jm 5:13
-- Singing praises is foundational to our spiritual well-being

B. SINGING PRAISES...
1. Make praising God in song a part of your daily devotional
2. Either by listening to hymns or singing them yourself
3. Sing while you drive, while you work, either quietly or aloud
4. Make melody in your heart, sing with grace in your heart
-- Singing enriches our souls and fortifies our relationship with God

[The fourth exercise in the original 5BX plan was pushups to strengthen the upper body. Our spiritual
5BX plan involves a spiritual activity that strengthens our relationship with God and other Christians...]

IV. FELLOWSHIP WITH BRETHREN

A. THE IMPORTANCE OF FELLOWSHIP...
1. The church is the body of Christ which is built up when each part does its share - Ep 4:15-16
2. Our assembling is designed to stir one another to love and good works - He 10:24-25
3. Our fellowship is a source of comfort and edification - 1Th 5:11
4. A way to avoid becoming hardened by the deceitfulness of sin - He 3:12-14
-- Frequent fellowship is crucial to remaining faithful and steadfast

B. EXPERIENCING FELLOWSHIP...
1. Assemble together with Christians every opportunity you can
2. Take advantage of the assemblies offered by the local congregation
3. Not just one time on Sunday, but every time the door is open
4. Look for ways to be with Christians daily - by phone, Bible studies, social activities
-- Fellowship with other Christians strengthens one’s faith in God and Christ

[The fifth and final exercise in the original 5BX was running in place or walking to increase
endurance. Our spiritual 5BX plan includes spiritual activity that produces endurance as well...]

V. DO GOOD WORKS

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A. THE ROLE OF GOOD WORKS...
1. We are not saved by good works - Ep 2:8-9; Tit 3:4-5
2. But we are created in Christ for good works, to glorify God - Ep 2:10; Mt 5:16
3. Thus we are to be fruitful in every good work - Col 1:10
4. We are not to grow weary in doing good - 1Co 15:58; Ga 6:9-10
-- Good works are essential if we are going reap spiritual benefits

B. DOING GOOD WORKS...
1. Share the gospel with the lost
2. Minister to brethren and to the lost in need, whether physical or spiritual
3. Utilize your resources (time, money, talents) to help the poor or sick
4. Each day try to do something that blesses another person
-- Good works, done systematically, builds spiritual endurance

CONCLUSION

1. We have seen that the 5BX Spiritual Fitness Plan contains these five elements...
a. Read The Word Of God
b. Spend Time In Prayer
c. Sing Praises
d. Fellowship With Brethren
e. Do Good Works

2. Engaged in daily, I believe they go a long way to developing strong Christians...
a. But please note that these are “basic” exercises
b. I am not suggesting they are everything a Christian needs to do
c. However, they will establish a good foundation of spiritual fitness

Perhaps you might find this “plan” helpful as you seek to carry out the admonition given by Paul to the
young man Timothy...

“...exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness
is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to
come.” - 1Ti 4:7-8

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After Baptism, What Then?

INTRODUCTION

1. Wonderful blessings come to those who respond to the gospel of Christ in baptism...
a. They receive remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit - Ac 2:38-39
b. They experience a washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit - Ti 3:5-7

2. Indeed, by God’s grace they are “saved”...
a. Saved from their past sins - cf. Mk 16:16
b. With sins washed away by the blood of Jesus - Ac 22:16; Ep 1:7
c. Becoming heirs according to hope of eternal life - Ti 3:7

3. Yet in another sense, they are still to be “saved”...
a. They must make their call and election sure - 2Pe 1:10
b. They must be careful to save themselves - cf. 1 Ti 4:16
c. They must remain faithful to receive the crown of life - Re 2:10

[What is one to do after baptism that will ensure remaining faithful to the Lord? There are some...]

I. THINGS TO REMEMBER

A. YOU ARE A NEW CREATURE...
1. By virtue of being in Christ - 2 Co 5:17
2. Having been raised with Christ to walk in newness of life - Ro 6:3-4
-- God has given you new potential for living!

B. YOU ARE A BABE IN CHRIST...
1. We begin our new life as “babes in Christ” - 1 Co 3:1
2. We start with spiritual “milk” - 1 Co 3:2
-- God allows you time to grow! - cf. He 5:12-14

C. YOU ARE IN A CRITICAL PERIOD...
1. As a babe, you can be easily “tossed about” - cf. Ep 4:14
2. Satan often strikes hardest at the beginning of our service - e.g., Mt 4:1-11
-- Satan would love to see you fail! - cf. 1Pe 5:8

D. YOU FACE THE POSSIBILITY OF FALLING...
1. If you allow yourself to hardened by the deceit of sin - He 3:12-14
2. Especially when you think you are strong - 1 Co 10:12
-- God can be trusted to help us through temptations - cf. 1 Co 10:13; 1 Jn 2:1-2

E. YOU ARE TO BE A GOOD EXAMPLE...
1. An example of those who believe - 1 Ti 4:12
2. An example in both deed and word - Ti 2:7
-- Others should be able to look to you as to how to live for Christ - cf. Ph 3:17

[Remembering such things will certainly help keep one strong in the faith. Also helpful are...]

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II. THINGS TO DO

A. PUT GOD FIRST...
1. Love Him with all your being - Mt 22:37
2. Seek first His kingdom and righteousness - Mt 6:33
-- This will ensure that you do all that is necessary to remain faithful!

B. STUDY THE WORD OF GOD...
1. Long for the Word, like an infant longs for milk - 1Pe 2:2
2. Emulate the Bereans in their attitude - Ac 17:11
-- Receive the Word with meekness, and it will save you! - cf. Jm 1:21

C. BE FERVENT IN PRAYER...
1. Jesus has made it possible to approach God’s throne - He 4:14-16
2. Wonderful blessings come through prayer - Ph 4:6-7
-- Be devoted to prayer, with an attitude of thanksgiving - cf. Co 4:2

D. BE DILIGENT IN ASSEMBLING...
1. We are not to forsake our assembling together - He 10:24-25
2. It is a time for fellowship, prayer, and on the first day of the week, the Lord’s Supper - Ac
2:42; 20:7; 1 Co 11:23-26
-- Neglecting the assemblies is a symptom of spiritual stagnation!

E. HELP SAVE OTHERS...
1. The Lord wants His disciples to make more disciples - Mt 28:19-20
2. Those diligent in saving others are more likely to save themselves - cf. 1 Co 9:19-27
-- Lose your enthusiasm for saving souls, and you may lose your own!

CONCLUSION

1. While not meant to be exhaustive, these are just a few...
a. Things to remember
b. Things to do
-- That may be helpful for someone recently baptized

2. But not just for new Christians; for any Christian...
a. Who has left their “first love” - Re 2:4
b. For they should “repent and do the first works” - Re 2:5
-- These are some of the “first works” that one needs to do

Are you in need of doing the “first works”...? Perhaps you even need to obey the “first steps” of the
gospel of Christ... - cf. Mk 16:16; Ac 2:38; 22:16

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The Anatomy Of A Backslider

INTRODUCTION

1. In 2Pe 2:20-22, we read of the real possibility and serious consequences of backsliding

2. It is interesting that we find this passage coming from the inspired pen of Peter...
a. For if anyone knew “firsthand” the reality and dangers of backsliding, it was Peter!
b. As he discovered the night he denied Jesus!

3. The process of backsliding is a gradual one, often overtaking a person by surprise; and lest we fall
from our own steadfastness...
a. We shall carefully examine the process that led to Peter’s denial of Christ
b. Followed by noticing how Peter’s own words in his epistles are designed to prevent the same
from happening to us!

I. THE ANATOMY OF A BACKSLIDER

A. PRIDE - Mk 14:27-31
1. In a boastful manner, Peter claims he will not fall away or deny Christ!
2. In doing so, Peter takes the first step in backsliding: “pride”! - cf. Pro 16:18
3. Why is this the “first” step?
a. Because the first step in entering the kingdom is humility - Mt 18:3-4
b. So if we lose “humility”, we take that first step backward
4. Paul’s advice to the Corinthians is very apropos in this regard - cf. 1 Co 10:11

B. LAZINESS - Mk 14:32-42
1. Told to keep watch, Peter kept falling asleep
2. It was therefore lack of diligent preparation which caused him to be caught off guard for
what was to follow
3. The same thing can happen to us!
a. Without diligence, we too can be found unprepared - cf. Lk 21:34-36
b. More often than not, it is a “gradual drifting” that catches us off guard - cf. He 2:1-3
c. But when proud of ourselves, we become lazy, and that easily leads to the next step...

C. COWARDICE - Mk 14:54
1. Note that it says “...Peter followed Him at a distance”
2. Now that Jesus had become unpopular...
a. Peter stays far enough away so as not to be identified with Him
b. Peter was unprepared for the challenge of facing ridicule and persecution
3. Without diligent preparation, we too can become guilty of cowardice!
a. Ashamed to be seen carrying a Bible
b. Ashamed to be seen giving thanks
c. Ashamed to be seen with other Christians
d. Perhaps even ashamed to let others know that we are Christians!
4. And yet, Jesus has made it clear what He thinks of “cowardice” - cf. Mk 8:38; Re 21:8
5. When we are ashamed of Christ, it is natural for to fall into the next step of backsliding...

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