Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, April 11, 2004, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia. .
The full text version of this sermon is available in booklet form here or it can be read for free online at here
WHAT I GOT OUT OF THE PASSION
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Acts 1:1-11
Text: Acts 1:3
Acts 1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
Introduction: I want to talk to you about what I got out of The Passion.
The Passion had a greater impact on me than any movie I’ve ever seen!
You say, “Brother O’Neal, did you actually go see the movie?” Of course not! I quit going to movies over 30 years ago! I still believe fundamentalist Dr. John R. Rice was right when he preached back then that God’s people had no business going to the movies!
When I talk to you about what I got out of “the passion,” I’m not talking about a Hollywood film but a historical fact! I’m not talk about Mel Gibson’s vision of what happened but my God’s version of what happened! I’m not talking about the movie at the cinema but the Man on the cross! I’m talking about “the passion” of Acts 1:3!
Right after Gibson’s movie came out someone asked me, “Did you see the movie?” I replied, “No, I read the Book!”
A guy in the gym where I work out with one of our church school kids said, “You’re a preacher, aren’t you? You would like it!” I answered, “For me to go see a Mel Gibson movie on the sufferings of Jesus Christ would be like buying a workout video on pumping iron made by Pee Wee Herman!”
Some so-called independent, fundamental pastors bought movie tickets for their people! I read where one even took his members to the movie at church time! As a Bible-believing fundamental, independent Baptist pastor, why would I want to send my Baptist people to a Hollywood movie theater to watch a Hollywood movie directed by a lost, hell-bound, Roman Catholic, Mary-worshipping Hollywood movie star?
When a Roman Catholic can make a movie about the crucifixion that is praised by the world, the Roman Catholic Church, AND independent Baptists, you can know a few things about the situation:
1. The devil is behind it.
2. It’s an abomination to God, for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
3. The Great Whore at Rome is still as sly and seductive as she has ever been.
4. Some independent Baptists have no more spiritual discernment than do lost Roman Catholics!
Let me tell you what I got out of the REAL passion – the suffering and sacrifice of our Savior on the cross:
I. FROM THE PASSION I GOT A PERCEPTION OF SIN
Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
A. Sin brings death
B. Sin brings darkness
C. Sin brings desertion – “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
II. FROM THE PASSION I GOT POSSESSION OF SALVATION
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
John 3:14-16 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
A. I realized my lost condition
B. I recognized the Lamb of God
C. I relied on the Lord and His sacrifice for me
D. I received life from above!
III. FROM THE PASSION I GOT A PROMISE OF PARADISE
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Paradise, for the thief and for me,
A. Was an infallible proclamation – “Verily I say unto thee”
B. Was an immediate relocation – “TODAY thou shalt be with me”
C. Was an improved situation – “with me in paradise”
According to 2 Corinthians 12:4; Philippians1:23-25; and 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 we have the same promise! Glory!
IV. FROM THE PASSION I GOT A PURPOSE FOR LIVING
Romans 12:1 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.
I live now …
A. To thank Him for His mercy
B. To take my cross – “a living sacrifice”
C. To be transformed by His word in His will – Romans 12:2
V. FROM THE PASSION I GOT A PASSION FOR SOULS
2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
2 Corinthians 5:18-20 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
A. He came to earth to rescue sinners
B. He commissioned me to rescue sinners, representing Him
VI. FROM THE PASSION I GOT A PATTERN FOR SUFFERING
1 Peter 2:21-23 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
A. Silently
B. Submissively
C. Seeing better things ahead – Hebrews 12:2
VII. FROM THE PASSION I GOT A PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS
Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
I think that the thief saw:
A. A resurrection
B. A return
C. A reign! – He saw the Savior on the cross coming back as a Sovereign with a crown!
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Michael D. O’Neal (Proverbs 11:30), Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church |