Springville Road Community Church
"Knowing God... Making God Known"
 


Text: Revelation 3:7-13

Setting-the city of Philadelphia was located 28 miles southeast of Sardis.  It was located in an area that was noted for its agricultural products but afflicted with earthquakes. The city was devastated in A.D. 17, but rebuilt.  The city was named for a king of Pergamum, Attalus Philadelphus, who built it.   “Philadelphius” is similar to the Greek word Philadelphia, meaning “brotherly love,” which occurs several times in Scripture. (Romans 12:10; I Thes. 4:9; I Peter 1:22; II Peter 1:7)-Roy Zuck


I. A Breathtaking Description of the Lord Jesus (vs.7)
   A. He who is Holy-refers to the Lord alone who possesses absolute Holiness. In the New Testament, the title “Holy One” is used in describing the second person of the trinity, Jesus Christ. (Luke 1:35; John 6:69)
   B. He who is True-Truth is used alongside Holiness several times in Revelation, in reference to Jesus. (6:10; 15:3; 19:2,11)
  “The vacuum in a world of error and falsehood is truth.” Unknown Author
   C. He who has the key of David-keys in Scripture point to authority. (1:18; 20:1; Matthew 16:19)
   D. He who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens-this description emphasizes the omnipotence of the Lord. (Is. 46:9-11; Daniel 4:35)

II. Wonderful Works of the Lord Jesus (vs.8-9)
   A. He provided an open door. (vs.8) He tells us why in this case? Their faithfulness. Open doors in Scripture many times point to the gospel. (I Corinthians 16:8-9; Colossians 4:2-3)
   B. He promised a humbling experience. (vs.9) Amazingly the Lord Jesus promised that the very ones opposing the true gospel would be humbled before them. 

III. Awesome Promises from the Lord Jesus (vs.10-12)
   A. I will keep you from the hour of testing-a promise to the church that believers would be kept from the tribulation period.
   B. I am coming quickly-points to the imminency of the Lord’s return. (I Thes 4:13-18)
   C. I will make him a pillar in the temple/he will not go out from it anymore-promise of stability and security. 
   D. I will demonstrate that you are mine-name of My God, city and new name.  These promises allude to ownership, security and blessing. WOW!

Direct download: 04-29-2012-am.mp3
Category:sermons -- posted at: 10:30am CDT

Church History Lesson 4

This is lesson 4 in our study of Church History. The history of the church is filled with persecution and in this lesson Mr. Jan Langford explains the reasons why the church has been hated throughout its history.

Some of the Topics to be looked at in this multiweek study include the purpose, beginning and organization of the Church.  The beginnings of missions and the opposition to the church.  The growth of hierarchialism and denominationalism. The Protestant Reformation.

Direct download: Church_History_session04.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:00am CDT


Text: Revelation 3:1-6

Setting-Sardis was about 30 miles south of Thyatira.  Sardis was known for 3 things.  The first was being a fortified city.  Rock walls were around the city and rose up to as high as several hundred feet.  There was one exception, the south side of the city.  Secondly, the city was known for the temple Artemis, equaled to the size of the famous temple in Ephesus.  The third distinctive feature of Sardis was the necropolis.  You could see the “cemetery of a thousand hills” as far as 7 miles away. -  John Walvoord 

I. Identity (vs.1)
  A. The Identity of the Lord Jesus
      1. He (the Lord Jesus) is referred to as the “ He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars.”  The phrase “the seven Spirits of God” refers to the Holy Spirit in all His fullness.  Isaiah 11 describes the Holy Spirit as: the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, and knowledge.  As you go to the New Testament the gospel of John refers to Him as the Comforter and the One who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.    
      2. “He who has the messengers.”  These messengers were not only His representatives, but were held onto by the Lord Himself.
  
  B. The Identity of the Church-the church of Sardis had the name (reputation) of being alive.  However, the Lord Jesus reveals to them their true condition.


II. Instruction (vs.2-3)
     A. Wake up-is a command to reverse their attitude.
     B. Strengthen the things that remain-the word strengthen means to make stable.  While the church was in certainly a dire situation, it was not hopeless.
     C. Remember-the word means “to bring to mind” what had been given them.
     D. Keep (obey)-they were to hold on to the truth.
     E. Repent-they were to turn at once from whatever was causing them to become spiritually lethargic.  They needed to submit to the authority of Christ in their lives.


III. Incentive (vs.4-6) 
     A. People-described here as only a few.  These few were walking in obedience to Christ.
     B. Promises
        1. They will wear white robes.
        2. Their salvation is secure-names not to be erased.
        3. The Lord Jesus will confess them before His Father and the angels.

  

Direct download: 04-22-2012-am.mp3
Category:sermons -- posted at: 10:30am CDT

Church History Lesson 3

This is lesson 3 in our study of Church History. Your Instructor again this week is Mr. Jan Langford.

Some of the Topics to be looked at in this multiweek study include the purpose, beginning and organization of the Church.  The beginnings of missions and the opposition to the church.  The growth of hierarchialism and denominationalism. The Protestant Reformation.

Direct download: Church_History_session03.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:00am CDT

Listen to Keith Roberson as he speaks on how God has led him to work with SPEAR IM.  Keith also gives an update on SPEAR and their ministry.

Direct download: 04-15-2012-am.mp3
Category:Missions -- posted at: 10:30am CDT

Church History Lesson 2

Lession 2 in our study of Church History has been delayed due to technical difficulties.  We hope to be able to post lesson Two in the future.

Some of the Topics to be looked at in this multiweek study include the purpose, beginning and organization of the Church.  The beginnings of missions and the opposition to the church.  The growth of hierarchialism and denominationalism. The Protestant Reformation.

Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:00am CDT


Text: Romans 1:14-16

* Setting - Paul’s desire to be with the Christians in Rome does not overshadow his purpose in writing.  The letter to the church of Rome is devoted to the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Paul penned the doctrine of salvation for the benefit of the church in Rome.  We are benefactors of his writing.  His love for the Lord is expressed in numerous ways in the letter; however his language in verses 14-16 clearly point to his love for the gospel and his desire to proclaim it.  There was an unmistakable change in Paul’s life as a result of his relationship with the Lord.  He makes 3 profound statements:

I. I am Debtor (vs. 14)

    - the word obligated occurs in some translations.  Paul clearly reveals his responsibility to proclaim the “good news” to the entire human race.  The word translated “barbarians” literally refers to all other human beings from the viewpoint of the Greeks.  There was no partiality with the apostle Paul.  James 2 makes it clear that there is no room for partiality with Christians.

II. I am Ready (vs. 15)

    - the word eager means to be prepared or ready.  The King James Version reads, “so, as much as is in me is, I am ready to proclaim the gospel.

    - C. H. Spurgeon said in speaking of Paul’s eagerness, “The apostle was ready to go anywhere with the gospel, but he was not ready to preach another gospel; no one could make him ready to do that.  He was not ready to hide the gospel, he was not ready to tone it down, and he was not ready to condense it or extend it.  He was ready to proclaim it wherever the Lord gave him opportunity.”
                          
III. I am not Ashamed (vs. 16)

    - one of the most potent, penetrating statements in the New Testament.  Paul was not the least bit ashamed or embarrassed about the gospel.  In fact the Bible clearly points to the exact opposite.  He is so committed and unashamed that he refers to it as “his gospel.” (Romans 16:25; II Timothy 2:8)

    - Paul declared to Timothy, “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.”

Unknown Author- “being ashamed of the gospel only points to lack of personal relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Direct download: 04-08-2012-am.mp3
Category:sermons -- posted at: 10:30am CDT

Church History 1

This is the first lesson in a series on the history of the Church.  The class is taught by Mr. Jan Langford.

Some of the Topics to be looked at in this multiweek study include the purpose, beginning and organization of the Church.  The beginnings of missions and the opposition to the church.  The growth of hierarchialism and denominationalism. The Protestant Reformation.

Direct download: Church_History_session01.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:00am CDT


Text: Revelation 2:18-29

I. Identity of the Lord Jesus (vs.18)
      A. Eyes Like a Flame of Fire-nothing is hidden from Him.  All is revealed.
          “…there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” (Hebrews 4:13)
      B. Feet Like Burnished Bronze-points to the impending judgment of the Holy One.

II. Praise from the Lord Jesus (vs.19)
       A. Love-In contrast to the church of Ephesus, love for the Lord and others was happening in this church.
       B. Faith-the word speaks of being dependable, faithful, or reliable.
       C. Service-word has the idea of ministering to those in need.
       D. Perseverance-the word describes Christians being steadfast under pressure.
       E. Growth-they were maturing as evident by the phrase used at the end of verse 19.

III. Rebuke by the Lord Jesus (vs.20) - Tolerant not Protective

IV. Grace of the Lord Jesus (vs.21) - Opportunity Given to Turn
       
V. Extent of the Lord’s Judgment (vs.22-23)
       A. Leader-put on a bed (of sickness) is a phrase that most theologians believe refers to physical death and even hell. “In light of the fact she refused to repent, it is likely that the bed refers to death and ultimately hell.” -  MacArthur
       B. Participants -the phrase “great tribulation” speaks of being placed under extreme suffering.
       C. Children-either her actual children or those that were following her.  Either way there would be grave consequence.
       D. Christians-this judgment was so dramatic, it was intended to gain the attention of all the churches.

VI. Encouragement from the Lord Jesus (vs.24) - No other weight for you to bear

VII. Exhortation by the Lord Jesus (vs.25) - Hold fast-a phrase describing great difficulty

VIII. Promises from the Lord Jesus (26-28)
       A. Rule in the Kingdom-the Lord uses a shepherding term in describing the Christian’s role in the kingdom. (Psalm 2:7-9)
       B. Morning Star-most theologians believe this refers to the Lord Jesus Himself. (Rev. 22:16) “I am the root and descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

Direct download: 04-01-2012-am.mp3
Category:sermons -- posted at: 10:30am CDT