THE LORD HIMSELF
Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, June 27, 1999, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia:
THE LORD HIMSELF
By Michael D. O’Neal…….Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church…….Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: John 4:1-6
Text: John 4:2
John 4:2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples)
Introduction: In our text we find that the Lord Jesus Christ delegated the task of baptizing to His disciples. Much of what the Lord did on earth He did through others. Much of what the Lord does TODAY on earth He does through others.
However, there are some things that the scripture says the Lord did HIMSELF.
I. THE LORD HIMSELF ARRIVED ON SCHEDULE
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.
Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
A. The Lord Himself considered our state
B. The Lord Himself cared for our souls
C. The Lord Himself came for our salvation
II. THE LORD HIMSELF ADAPTED TO OUR SHAPE
Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
A. This was the exhibition of heaven
B. This was the experience of humanity
C. This was an example of humility – V. 8
III. THE LORD HIMSELF ACCOMPLISHED OUR SALVATION
Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
A. The Lord Himself became our substitute
B. The Lord Himself bore our sins
C. The Lord Himself bled for our salvation
IV. THE LORD HIMSELF AROSE FROM THE SEPULCHRE
Luke 24:36-39 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
A. The sepulchre could not stop Him
B. The stone could not stop Him
C. The seal could not stop Him
D. The soldiers could not stop Him
E. The scoffers could not stop Him
F. Satan could not stop Him
V. THE LORD HIMSELF ACCEPTS SAINTS
Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
A. He calls us
B. He changes us
C. He claims us!
VI. THE LORD HIMSELF ASSISTS IN OUR SUFFERINGS
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
A. He assists us through His strength – Phil. 4:13
B. He assists us through His Spirit – Eph. 3:16
C. He assists us through His scriptures – Acts 20:32
VII. THE LORD HIMSELF APPROACHES IN THE SKY
1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
A. He will return personally
B. He will rescue us personally
C. He will receive us personally 1. The Bridegroom will receive His bride after a 2,000-year engagement period!