A DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE BY AN INDEPENDENT BAPTIST
Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, July 4, 1999, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia:
A DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE BY AN INDEPENDENT BAPTIST
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 18:1-7
Text: 2 Kings 18:5
2 Kings 18:5 He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.
Introduction: Our country declared its independence from England 223 years ago. I declared my independence from the Southern Baptist Convention 27 years ago, and I became an independent Baptist. As independent Baptists, we control the way our money goes to the mission field rather than put it in a corrupt Convention Cooperative Program and trust SBC officials to distribute it. However, as an independent Baptist, I want also to say that I am a DEPENDENT Baptist; I am wholly dependent upon the Lord! I am not leaning upon a Convention, an association, a fellowship, or friends.
As a matter of fact, I don’t even trust MYSELF. The older I get, the more I realize that I don’t have enough sense to do anything right. If I’m going to keep from making a mess, I’ve got to FULLY trust in the Lord:
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Today I issue a formal “DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE.” I will list four big areas of dependency this morning:
I. I AM DEPENDENT UPON GOD’S SALVATION
2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Salvation is true liberty!
A. Consider Christ and liberty 1. If HE sets you free, you’re free, indeed!
B. Consider the cost of liberty 1. Humiliation 2. Pain 3. Shedding of blood 4. Death
C. Consider the colors of liberty 1. Red – sin and the blood of Christ – Isa. 1:18 2. White – righteousness – Isa. 1:18 3. Blue – royalty – God’s salvation – Est. 8:15; Num. 4:6
II. I AM DEPENDENT UPON GOD’S SUPPLY
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
A. Through being free in giving tithes and offerings
B. Through being frugal in spending as a good steward
C. Through being faithful in working with my hands
III. I AM DEPENDENT UPON GOD’S STATUTES
Psalms 119:42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
A. For my beliefs
B. For my behavior
C. For my being – Luke 4:4
IV. I AM DEPENDENT UPON GOD’S STRENGTH
Isaiah 31:1 Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
A. To stand in God’s warfare 1. The giant, Goliath, was more than a match for David, but not for David’s God in whom David trusted.
B. To serve in God’s work 1. If you trust God for strength, He will enable you to get baptized after salvation 2. … to join the church 3. … to attend all the services 4. … to give tithes and offerings 5. … to be a participant and not just a spectator
C. To succeed in doing God’s will 1. You don’t have to quit 2. You don’t have to stay down
Let’s depend on the Lord! His SALVATION, His SUPPLY, His STATUTES, and His STRENGTH!!!