Grace Covenant Church of Vista
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    • Sermons 2019 (Click for Teasers) >
      • THINK BEFORE YOU FIGHT Ephesians 6:17 Pastor Dennis Bone 2-17-19 >
        • February 17, 2019 Notes
      • FAITH: GOD’S SHIELD AROUND US Ephesians 6:16 >
        • February 10, 2019 Notes
      • THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR FIGHTING Ephesians 6:15 >
        • February 3, 2019 Notes
      • DRESS FOR SUCCESS Ephesians 6:13-19 >
        • January 27, 2019 Notes
      • The Mystery of our Religion 1 Timothy 3:14-16
      • ARE YOU READY TO RUMBLE? Ephesians 6:10-12 >
        • January 13, 2019 Notes
      • THE WAR AGAINST THE TAPESTRY OF GRACE Selected Verses >
        • January 6, 2019 Notes
    • Sermons 2018 (Click for Teasers) >
      • THE TAPESTRY OF GRACE: POST ADVENT Titus 2:11-14 >
        • December 30, 2018 Notes
      • Christmas Eve Message 12/24/2018
      • THE TAPESTRY OF GRACE: ANGEL’S PEACE Selected Verses >
        • December 23, 2018 Notes
      • THE TAPESTRY OF GRACE: SHEPHERDS’ JOY Luke 2:8-17 >
        • December 16, 2018 Notes
      • THE TAPESTRY OF GRACE: BETHLEHEM’S FAITH Selected Verses >
        • December 9, 2018 Notes
      • THE TAPESTRY OF GRACE: PROPHECY’S HOPE Selected Verses >
        • December 2, 2018 Notes
      • A Proper Perspective on Thanksgiving Eph 5:19,20; 1 Thess 5:18
      • THE PATH TO MATURITY AND GLORY 2 Peter 3:14-18 >
        • November 18, 2018 Notes
      • GOD’S PERSPECTIVE ON JUDGMENT 2 Peter 3:8-13 Pastor Dennis Bone 11-11-18 >
        • November 11, 2018 Notes
      • PROMISES, PROMISES 2 Peter 3:1-8 >
        • November 4, 2018 Notes
      • The Images of False Teachers 2 Peter 2:10-22 >
        • October 28, 2018 Notes
      • SPIRITUAL TERRORISM 2 Peter 2:1-10 >
        • October 21, 2018 Notes
      • REMEMBER, REMEMBER, REMEMBER! 2 Peter 1:12-21 >
        • October 14, 2018 Notes
      • THE FRUIT OF ELECTION 2 Peter 1:5-11
      • THE POWER OF FAITH 2 Peter 1:3-9 >
        • September 30, 2018 Notes
      • OUR PRECIOUS FAITH 2 PETER 1:1, 2 >
        • September 16, 2018 Notes
      • The Staying Power of God's Grace 1 Peter 5:12-14 >
        • September 2, 2018 Notes
      • Do Not Feed the Lion 1 Peter 5:8-11 >
        • August 26, 2018 Notes
      • Humility Breeds Accountability 1 Peter 5:5-9 >
        • August 19, 2018 Notes
      • Accountability Partners 1 Peter 5:1-7 >
        • August 12, 2018 Notes
      • THE BEGINNING AND END OF JUDGEMENT 1 Peter 4:12-19 >
        • August 5, 2018 Notes
      • WHAT ARE WE SUFFERING FOR? 1 Peter 4:12-19
      • Live With The End In Mind 1 Peter 4:7-11 >
        • July 22, 2018 Notes
      • Living In the Light of the Gospel 1 Peter 4:1-6 >
        • July 15, 2018 Notes
      • The Victory of Christ 1 Peter 3:18-22 >
        • July 8, 2018 Notes
      • Sharing Our Hope In Christ 1 Peter 3:13-17 >
        • July 1, 2018 Notes
      • The Motive For Christ-like Character 1 Peter 3:10-12 >
        • June 24, 2018 Notes
      • Christ-Like Character on Display 1 Peter 3:8-12 >
        • June 17, 2018 Notes
      • The Beautiful Principle of Submission 1 Peter 3:1-7 >
        • June 10, 2018 Notes
      • The Cost of Christ-Like Service 1 Peter 2:18-25 >
        • June 3, 2018 Notes
      • Submission in Service to God 1 Peter 2:13-17 >
        • May 27, 2018 Notes
      • Our Identity 1 Peter 2:9-12 >
        • May 20, 2018 Notes
      • God's Building Project 1 Peter 2:1-8 >
        • May 13, 2018 Notes
      • Trials & Troubles: friend or foe James 1:1-4
      • Living In Holy Fear 1 Peter 1:17-25 >
        • April 22, 2018 Notes
      • Hope: Promised, Practiced and Perfected 1 Peter 1:10-16 >
        • April 15, 2018 Notes
      • Living In The Hope Of The Resurrection 1 Peter 1:3-9 >
        • April 8, 2018 Notes
      • There is No Plan B 1 Corinthians 15:17-28 >
        • April 1, 2018 Notes
      • The Procession of the King Psalm 24:1-10 >
        • March 25, 2018 Notes
      • Confronting Little "gods" Acts 17:16-34 >
        • March 18, 2018 Notes
      • As for Me, I will call upon the Lord. Principal scripture Psalm 55:22
      • Turned Of or Turned On Acts 17:1-15 >
        • March 4, 2018 Notes
      • Concessions Without Compromise Acts 15:19-35 >
        • February 25, 2018 Notes
      • The Dilemma of Grace Acts 15:1-18 >
        • February 18, 2018 Notes
      • The Model of God's Church at Work Acts 14:21-28 >
        • February 11, 2018 Notes
      • Election Is For Gentiles Too! Acts 13:38-52 >
        • February 4, 2018 Notes
      • The Spirit-Led Church Acts 13:1-12 >
        • January 28, 2018 Notes
      • What God's Church Should Look Like Acts 11:19-30 >
        • January 21, 2018 Notes
      • God Will Carry Us Through 2018 and Beyond Isaiah 46
      • Victory in Christ Psalm 98:1-9 >
        • January 7, 2018 Notes
    • Sermons 2017 (Click for Teasers) >
      • Yes! It's All Good!!! Psalm 73
      • What Love Is This? Psalm 89:1-4; 19-37 >
        • December 24, 2017 Notes
      • Advent: The Light of Joy Psalm 126:1-6 >
        • December 17, 2017 Notes
      • Christmas Story Psalm 85 and Matt. 1:18-25
      • Advent: The Light of Hope Psalm 80:1-7 >
        • December 3, 2027 Notes
      • Thanksgiving: By Faith Alone Selected Scripture Verses >
        • November 26, 2017 Notes
      • To God Be the Glory Alone Selected Scripture Verses >
        • November 19, 2017 Notes
      • Christ Alone 1 Timothy 2:5-6 >
        • November 12, 2017 Notes
      • Justification: The Way God Forgives the Guilty Romans 3:21-26 >
        • November 5, 2017 Notes
      • Sola Scriptura - the rallying cry Selected Scripture Verses
      • Confronting Hypocrisy in the Church Galatians 2:1-16 >
        • October 22, 2017 Notes
      • Grace Trumps Race Acts 10:1-23 >
        • October 15, 2017 Notes
      • God's Amazing Transition Plan Acts 9:10-31 >
        • October 8, 2017 Notes
      • God's Strategic Conversion Acts 9:1-9 >
        • October 1, 2017 Notes
      • The Process of Evangelism Acts 8:26-40 >
        • September 24, 2017 Notes
      • Philip: The First Evangelist Acts 8:1-25 >
        • September 17, 2017 Notes
      • Stephen: The First Dead Martyr Acts 7:1-60 >
        • September 10, 2017 Notes
      • Stephen: God's Servant Leader Acts 6:8-7:53 >
        • September 3, 2017 Notes
      • Pride the Greatest Sin and Humility the Greatest Healer Selected Scripture Verses
      • Wednesday Meeting, No Pie
      • The Model for Servant Leadership Acts 6:1-7 >
        • August 13, 2017 Notes
      • Man Proposes But God Disposes Proverbs 16:1-9 >
        • August 6, 2017 Notes
      • Truth or Consequences Acts 4:32-5:11 >
        • July 30, 2017 Notes
      • The Witness of Prayer Acts 4:23-37 >
        • July 23, 2017 Notes
      • The Irrationality of Unbelief Acts 4:1-14 >
        • July 16, 2017 Notes
      • The Healing Power of Jesus Acts 3:1-11 >
        • July 9, 2017 Notes
      • June 18, 2017 Notes
      • The Marks of Christ's Church Acts 2:42-47 >
        • July 2, 2017 Notes
      • No Other Option Acts 2:34-41 >
        • June 25, 2017 Notes
      • Jesus: The Resurrected and Exalted King Acts 2:24-33
      • The Message of Pentecost Acts 2:14-24 >
        • June 11, 2017 Notes
      • What A Feast Acts 2:1-13 >
        • June 4, 2017 Notes
      • The Work and Words of the Spirit John 16:5-15 >
        • May 28, 2017 Notes
      • Our Love/Hate Relationship John 15:18-27 >
        • May 21, 2017 Notes
      • Rooted In Christ's Love John 15,:9-17 >
        • May 14, 2017 Notes
      • The Purpose Driven Spirit John 15:1-8 >
        • May 7, 2017 Notes
      • The Spirit of Promise John 14:23-31 >
        • April 30, 2017 Notes
      • The Spirit of Truth John 14:15-24 >
        • April 23, 2017 Notes
      • Song That the Angels Can't Sing 1 Peter 1:3,4:10-12 >
        • April 16, 2017 Notes
      • Jesus' March to the Cross John 12:12-19 >
        • April 9, 2017 Notes
      • THE IMPACT OF WORSHIPPING JESUS JOHN 12:1-11 >
        • April 2, 2017 Notes
      • The Reactions to Jesus John 11:45-57 >
        • March 26, 2017 Notes
      • The Compassionate Power of Jesus John 11:28-44 >
        • March 19, 2017 Notes
      • What kind of Retaliation is Best??? Matthew 5:28-42
      • The Focus of Faith John 11:17-27 >
        • March 5, 2017 Notes
      • The Hope of God's Glory John 11:1-16 >
        • February 26, 2017 Notes
      • Soli Deo Gloria: The Glory of God Alone >
        • February 19, 2017 Notes
      • Solus Christos: Through Christ Alone Selected Scripture Verses >
        • February 12, 2017 Notes
      • Sola Gratia: By Grace Alone Selected Scripture Verses >
        • February 5, 2017 Notes
      • Sola Fidi: By Faith Alone Selected Scripture Verses >
        • January 29, 2017 Notes
      • Sola Scriptura: Why It Matters Selected Scripture Verses >
        • January 22, 2017 Notes
      • Doing What is Good Titus 3:8-15 >
        • January 15, 2017 Notes
      • The Quest for Wisdom Proverbs 4:5-9 >
        • January 8, 2017 Notes
      • REDEEM YOUR TIME Ephesians 5:15-21 >
        • January 1, 2017 Notes
    • Sermons 2016 (Click for Teasers) >
      • THE GLORY OF THE INCARNATION Galatians 4:4-7
      • THE ANGEL’S SONG OF PEACE Luke 2:8-14
      • Good News of Great Joy Luke 2:10 >
        • December 11, 2016 Notes
      • Do We Have Joseph's Faith?
      • A Panoramic View of Hope Romans 15:4-6;13 >
        • November 27, 2016 Notes
      • Who You Say We Are 1 John 3:1-3 >
        • November 20, 2016 Notes
      • Living Water John 4:1-42
      • Spiritual Oxygen in a Political Cesspool Titus 3:1-8 >
        • November 6, 2016 Notes
      • The Fruit of Justifying Faith Romans 5:1-11 >
        • October 30, 2016 Notes
      • Waiting for the Son Titus 2:11-15 >
        • October 23, 2016 Notes
      • Applying Sound Doctrine: Discipleship Titus 2:1-10 >
        • October 16, 2016 Notes
      • The Beauty of the Church Titus 2:1-10 >
        • October 9, 2016 Notes
      • Zero Tolerance: The Way of Sanctification Titus 1:9-2:1 >
        • October 2, 2016 Notes
      • BE FOR TRUTH AND AGAINST FALSEHOOD TITUS 1:5-16 >
        • September 25, 2016 Notes
      • The Way of Faith Titus 1:1-4 >
        • September 18, 2016 Notes
      • September 11, 2016 Notes
      • Remember What is Always Important 2 Timothy 4:9-22
      • Finishing Well 2 Timothy 4:5-8 >
        • September 4, 2016 Notes
      • THE PREACHING OF GOD’S WORD 2 Timothy 4:1-5 >
        • August 28, 2016 Notes
      • The Work of God's Word 2 Timothy 3:14-17 >
        • August 21, 2016 Notes
      • THE LOVE OF GOD’S WORD 2 Timothy 3:10-17 >
        • August 14, 2016 Notes
      • How long must the faithful live by sight? Habakkuk 2:4
      • RIVAL ATTRACTIONS 2 Timothy 3:6-17
      • Confronting Reality 2 Timothy 3:1-17 >
        • July 24, 2016 Notes
      • The Useful Christian 2 Timothy 2:20-26 >
        • July 17, 2016 Notes
      • Should I Stay or Should I Go Selected Scripture Verses
      • Resurrection Perspective 2 Timothy 2:10-19 >
        • July 3, 2015 Notes
      • Our Strong Stand for the Gospel 2 Timothy 2:1-10 >
        • June 26, 2016 Notes
      • Our Confidence in the Gospel 2 Timothy 1:13-18 >
        • June 19, 2016 Notes
      • Our Courage From the Gospel 2 Timothy 1:8-12 >
        • June 12, 2016 Notes
      • Use What God Gives You 2 Timothy 1:1-7 >
        • June 2, 2016 Notes
      • The Way of Godliness 1 Timothy 6:1-10 >
        • May 8, 2016 Notes
      • Be Good Stewards 1 Timothy 6:17-21 >
        • The Courage of Our Confession 1 Timothy 6:11-16 >
          • May 22, 2016 Notes
        • May 29, 2016 Notes
      • The Fight of Faith 1 Timothy 6:6-11 >
        • May 15, 2016 Notes
      • The Accountability to and of Elders 1 Timothy 5:17-25 >
        • May 1, 2016 Notes
      • Principles of Mercy Ministry - Part. 2 1 Timothy 5:1-8 >
        • April 24, 2016 Notes
      • Principles of Mercy Ministry 1 Timothy 5:1-8 >
        • Know Your Mission; Keep the Faith 1 Timothy 1:18-20 >
          • January 31, 2016 Notes
        • April 17, 2016 Notes
      • Spiritual Diligence 1 Timothy 4:9-16 >
        • April 10, 2016 Notes
      • THE EXERCISE OF TRUTH 1 Timothy 4:1-8 >
        • April 3, 2016, Notes
      • The Glory of the Cross Selected Scripture Verses >
        • March 27, 2016 Notes
      • The Triumphant Entry
      • The Conduct and Confession of the Church 1 Timothy 3:14-16 >
        • March 13, 2016 Notes
      • Qualifications for Leaders in God's Church 1 Timothy 3:1-13 >
        • March 6, 2016 Notes
      • Qualifications for Leaders in God's Church 1 Timothy 3:1-7 >
        • February 28, 2016 Notes
      • The Principle of Authority and Submissions 1 Timothy 2:11-15 >
        • February 21, 2016 Notes
      • The Worship Service: Regulative or Relative? 1 Timothy 2:7-15 >
        • February 14, 2016 Notes
      • The Worship of Prayer 1 Timothy 2:1-8 >
        • February 7, 2016 Notes
      • Know Yourself 1 Timothy 1:8-17 >
        • January 24, 2016 Notes
      • Contend For the Faith 1 Timothy 1:3-11 >
        • January 17, 2016 Notes
      • SPIRITUAL LEGACY 1 Timothy 1:1-2 >
        • January 10, 2016 Notes
      • God's Church: Old Truths for a New Year Selected Scripture Verses >
        • Audio - God's Church: Old Truths for a New Year
        • January 3, 2016 Notes
    • Sermons 2015 (Click for Teasers) >
      • For Christmas God wants…you! Selected Scripture Verses
      • PROMISES KEPT: LOVE 1 Corinthians 13:13
      • PROMISES KEPT: JOY Matthew 1:21 >
        • December 13, 2015 Notes
      • PROMISES KEPT: FAITH Romans 10:13-17 >
        • December 6, 2015 Notes
      • PROMISES KEPT: HOPE Selected Scripture Verses >
        • November 29, 2015 Notes
      • Change: Proactive or Reactive? Selected Scripture Verses >
        • November 22, 2015 Notes
      • REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS! Psalm 33 >
        • November 15, 2015 Notes
      • THE JOY OF FORGIVENESS Psalm 32 >
        • November 8, 2015 Notes
      • THE “C’S” OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE 2 Cor. 5:17 >
        • November 1, 2015 Notes
      • SOLA FIDE: BY FAITH ALONE Romans 1:16-17 >
        • October 25, 2015 Notes
      • OUR GOD REIGNS Psalm 24 >
        • October 18, 2015 Notes
      • THE GLORY OF GOD REVEALED Psalm 19 >
        • October 11, 2015 Notes
      • A LIFE OF FAITHFULNESS Psalm 16 >
        • October 4, 2015 Notes
      • RIGHTEOUS CHARACTER: A LIFE OF INTEGRITY Psalm 15 >
        • September 27, 2015 Notes
      • PERSUASIVE SANCTIFICATION 2 Timothy 2:20-26 >
        • September 20, 2015 Notes
      • WHAT CAN THE RIGHTEOUS DO? Psalm 11 >
        • September 13, 2015 Notes
      • A PRAYER FOR DIRECTION Psalm 5 >
        • September 6, 2015 Notes
      • THE RIGHTEOUS ONE: LIVING IN CHRIST Psalm 1 >
        • August 30, 2015 Notes
      • GOD’S FOREIGN POLICY Psalm 2 >
        • August 23, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN LIFE EVERLASTING Selected Scripture Verses >
        • August 16, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY Selected Scripture Verses >
        • August 9, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS Selected Scripture Verses >
        • August 2, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN THE COMMUNION OF THE SAINTS Selected Scripture Verses >
        • July 26, 2015 Notes
      • THE COMMUNION OF THE SAINTS Selected Scripture Verses >
        • July 19, 2015 Notes
      • Does God watch the 5 o’clock news? Habakkuk 1:1-11
      • Still Trusting Selected Scripture Verses
      • I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH Selected Scripture Verses >
        • June 28, 2915 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT Selected Scripture Verses >
        • June 21, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: HE WILL COME TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD Selected Scripture Verses >
        • June 14, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN AND SITS AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD Selected Scripture Verses >
        • June 7, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD Selected Scripture Verses >
        • May 31, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: FIGHTING FOR OUR FREEDOM Selected Scripture Verses >
        • May 24, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: SUFFERED UNDER PONTIUS PILATE; CRUCIFIED, DIED AND WAS BURIED Selected Scripture Verses >
        • May 17, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT; BORN OF THE VIRGIN MARY Selected Scripture Verses >
        • May 10, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: GOD’S SON AND OUR LORD Romans 1:1-6 >
        • May 3, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN GOD: THE MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH Selected Scripture Verses >
        • April 26, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN GOD: THE FATHER ALMIGHTY Selected Scripture Verses >
        • April 19. 2015 Notes
      • WE BELIEVE AND WE KNOW: THE APOSTLES CREED Selected Scripture Verses >
        • April 12, 2015 Notes
      • THE PUPROSE AND GLORY OF THE RESURRECTION Hebrews 13:20-21 >
        • April 5, 2015 Notes
      • THE ANGER OF PALM SUNDAY Matthew 21:1-13 >
        • March 29, 2015 Notes
      • THE BOOK OF HEBREWS REVISITED >
        • March 22, 2015 Notes
      • THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE Hebrews 13:15-19 >
        • March 8, 2015 Notes
      • OUR UNCHANGEABLE SAVIOR Hebrews 13:7-14 >
        • March 1, 2015 Notes
      • THE PRACTICE OF TRUE WORSHIP Hebrews 13:1-6 >
        • February 22, 2015 Notes
      • THE WAY OF TRUE WORSHIP Hebrews 12:22-29 >
        • February 15, 2015 Notes
      • THE TALE OF TWO MOUNTAINS Hebrews 12:18-24 >
        • February 8, 2015 Notes
      • OUR RESPONSIBILITY IN THE RACE Hebrews 12:12-17 >
        • February 1, 2015 Notes
      • THE JOURNEY OF FAITH HEBREWS 12:1-11 >
        • January 25, 2015 Notes
      • Tolerance or is it Intolerance: the word(s) for our age
      • THE DISCIPLINE OF FAITH Hebrews 11:39-12:3 >
        • January 11, 2015 Notes
      • THE DIVINE CONTENTMENT OF GODLY ACTION Phil 4:11-14 >
        • January 4, 2015 Notes
    • Sermons 2014 (Click for Teasers) >
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: GOD’S GOSPEL Romans 1:1-6; 16-17 >
        • December 28, 2014 Notes
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: CHRIST Selected Scripture Verses
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: ANGELS Selected Scripture Verses >
        • December 21, 2014 Notes
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: SHEPHERDS Luke 2:8-20 >
        • December 14, 2014 Notes
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: BETHLEHEM Selected Verses >
        • December 7, 2014 Notes
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: PROPHECY Luke 2:25-35 >
        • November 30, 2014 Notes
      • FAITH TAKES A VISION Hebrews 11:32-39 >
        • November 23, 2014 Notes
      • THE CHOICES OF FAITH - Hebrews 11:17-31 >
        • November 16, 2014 Notes
      • THE UNCERTAIN CERTAINTY OF FAITH Hebrews 11:8-19 >
        • November 9, 2014 Notes
      • FAITH THAT PLEASES GOD Hebrews 11:1-7 >
        • November 2, 2014 Notes
      • DON’T STOP BELIEVING Hebrews 10:32-39 >
        • October 26, 2014 Notes
      • APPROACHING JUDGMENT Hebrews 10:25-31 >
        • October 19, 2014 Notes
      • “HOW TO” LIVE HOLY Hebrews 10:19-25 >
        • October 12, 2014 Notes
      • THE NEED FOR FORGIVENESS Hebrews 10:11-18 >
        • October 5, 2014 Notes
      • THE BODY OF CHRIST Hebrews 10:1-10 >
        • September 28, 2014 Notes
      • NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS Hebrews 9:15-28 >
        • September 21, 2014 Notes
      • THE REAL THING Hebrews 9:1-14 >
        • September 14, 2014 Notes
      • GOD’S COMMITMENT TO SAVE SINNERS Hebrews 8:1-13 >
        • September 7, 2014 Notes
      • Me and My Pain Selected Scripture Verses
      • ACCESS TO GOD Hebrews 7:20-8:6 >
        • August 24, 2014 Notes
      • THE PERFECT PRIEST MAKES US PERFECT Hebrews 7;11-22 >
        • August 17, 2014 Notes
      • THE NEW PRIESTHOOD Hebrews 7:1-11 >
        • August 10, 2014 Notes
      • THE CERTAINTY OF GOD'S PROMISE - Hebrews 6:13-20 >
        • August 3, 2014 Notes
      • DON’T STAY A BABY Hebrews 5:11-6:12 >
        • July 27, 2014 Notes
      • THE WAY TO ASSURANCE Hebrews 5:11 - 6:3 >
        • July 20, 2014 Notes
      • OUR EFFECTIVE HIGH PRIEST Hebrews 5:1-10 >
        • July 13, 2014 Notes
      • THE CONFIDENCE OF TRUE COMPASSION Hebrews 4:14-16 >
        • July 6,2014 Notes
      • OBEY GOD’S WORD Hebrews 4:12-16 >
        • June 29, 2014 Notes
      • RESTING IN CHRIST Hebrews 4:1-11 >
        • June 22, 2014 Notes
      • THE UNREST OF UNBELIEF Hebrews 3:7-19 >
        • June 15, 2014 Notes
      • OUR FAITHFUL AND PERFECT SERVANT Hebrews 3:1-6 >
        • June 8, 2014 Notes
      • JESUS STANDS FOR US AND WITH US Hebrews 2:14-18 >
        • June 1, 2014 Notes
      • THE PERFECT PERFECTS THE IMPERFECT Hebrews 2;10-18 >
        • May 25, 2014 Notes
      • THE DESTINY OF REDEMPTION - HEBREWS 2:5-9 >
        • May 18, 2014 Notes
      • LISTEN TO THE SON - Hebrews 1:10-2:4 >
        • May 11, 2014 Notes
      • JESUS: BEGOTTEN, NOT CREATED - Hebrews 1:1-9 >
        • May 4, 2014 Notes
      • THE SUPERIORITY OF CHRIST - Hebrews 1:1-4
      • HE IS RISEN - Matthew 28:1-20
      • Jesus Washes the Disciples's Feet - John 13:1-15
      • THE PURSUIT OF GREATNESS - Matthew 20:17-28
      • THE EQUALITY OF GOD’S GRACE - Matthew 20:1-15
      • Childlike Humility - Matthew 18:1-14
      • Job : A Man for our Times and all Times - Selected Verses from Job
      • A Hard but Happy Chain of Events - Romans 5:3-5
      • The Divine Confession - Matthew 17:1-13
      • The Reason for Discipleship - Matthew 16:13-28
      • The Blessed Confession - Matthew 16:13-20
      • The Food of Faith - John 6:22-29
      • Our Divine Focus - Matthew 14:22-33
      • Kingdom Patience - Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
      • A Sure Comfort - Psalm 91
      • Purpose Driven Parables - Matthew 13:10-17
      • Relevant Resolutions -- Philippians 3:12-14
    • Sermons 2013 (Click for Teasers) >
      • Our Savior Speaks At Advent - Hebrews 10:5-10
      • The Praise of Advent - Luke Chapter 2
      • The Peace of Advent - Micah 5:2-5
      • The Proclamation of Advent - Isaiah 12:1-6
      • The Preparation for Advent - Malachi 3:1-4
      • The Promise of Advent - Jeremiah 33:14 – 16
      • Jesus: The Servant Who Saves - Matthew 12:15-21
      • Kingdom Authority - Matthew 8:23-27
      • Jesus: Lord of the Sabbath - Matthew 12:1-14
      • Resting in the Truth - Matthew 11:28-30
      • Rest for the Repentant - Matthew 11:20-30
      • Standing Upon Grace Romans 5:1-2
      • Prospecting For Sinners - Matthew 9:1-13
      • It’s easier to Covet than be Content - Selected Scripture Verses
      • Moved by Compassion - Matthew 9:35-38
      • Feasting Not Fasting - Matthew 9:14-17
      • Testimony to God's Grace - 1 Timothy 1:12-17
      • The Case for Following Jesus - Mathew 8:14-22
      • Two Foundations - Matthew 7:21-29
      • The Danger of Deception - Matthew 7:15-23
      • Jesus' Call to Enter the Kingdom - Mathew 7:13-14
      • Influence or Influenced? - Matthew 5:13-16
      • The Golden Rule - Matthew 7:12
      • Persistent Prayer - Matthew 7:7-12
      • Right and Wrong Judgmens - Matthew 7:1-6
      • Freedom From Worry - Matthew 6:25-34
      • Choices of the Heart - Matthew 6:19-24
      • Biblical Fasting - Matthew 6:16-18
      • The Responsibility of Forgiveness - Matthew 6:12,14,15
      • The Priorities of Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13
      • The Priorities of Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13
      • The Content of Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13
      • The Approach to Prayer - Matthew 6:5-8
      • Bad Actors - Matthew 6:1-4
      • The Power and Shame of Divine Love - Matthew 5:38-48
      • Speak Truth - Matthew 5:33-37
      • Murdering Marriage - Matthew 5:27-32
      • The Indictment and Restitution of Anger - Matthew 5:21-26
      • Affirming God's Standards - - Matthew 5:17-20
      • The Happyness Quotient - Matthew 5:3-12
      • When Glory Meets Our Suffering - Isaiah 53:10-12
      • The Conundrum of Palm Sunday - Matthew 5:10-12
      • The Call and Challenge of Peacemaking - Matthew 5:9-10
      • Matter of the Heart - Matthew 5:8
      • The Way of Mercy - Matthew 5:7
      • The Pursuit of the Kingdom - Matthew 5:6
      • The Choice is Ours - Philippians 4:1-9
      • Be Meek, not Weak - Matthew 5:5
      • Kingdom Esteem - Matthew 5:3-5
      • A Sermon For the Ages - Matthew 5:1 - 7:29
      • Experiencing God's Kingdom - Matthew 4:12-25
      • You Said Yes, I Said No - Matthew 4:1-11
      • Salvation Through Sorrow - Matthew 2:13-16
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Speak Truth - Matthew 5:33-37

Pastor Dennis Bone

5/12/13

SPEAK TRUTH 5-12-13

Back in the 60’s my parents watched the TV show “To Tell the Truth.” Some of you may remember it. A panel of four celebrities would try to guess which one of the three contestants were actually telling the truth about their occupation. It was a kind of “fun” and entertaining show, but it’s not all that fun or entertaining when two out of three people in your government or family or church is not telling you the truth, especially when the show never ends and you don’t know who the liars are.

In our culture today, this TV show “To Tell the Truth” had become a microcosm of life. The truth is scarce and everyone is suspect, thus we are more and more cynical about what politicians, lawyers, salespeople and even religious leaders say. People shade the truth; exaggerate facts or leave them out; they tell half-truths, white lies; betray confidence and then make excuses for it. Daniel Webster said, “There is nothing more powerful than the truth, yet often nothing as strange.” This quote is certainly appropriate today.

In our passage for this morning, from Matthew chapter 5, Jesus addresses this subject of telling the truth. He calls us as His disciples to speak truth – “Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no.’” In other words, say what you mean and mean what you say. Be clear, straightforward and honest in your speech and with your communication towards God and towards other people. Listen to what Jesus says in Matthew 5:33-37:

Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.” But I tell you, Do not swear at all; either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your “yes” be “yes” and your “no” be “no;” anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Jesus confronts a religious system where speaking truth was rare because the religious leaders developed a system that gave you a pass or an excuse for not keeping your promises and breaking commitments, thus minimizing and in some cases, eliminating the need to speak the truth at all. It reminds me a lot of our justice system today: everyone swears on the Bible, while the lawyers look for every loophole possible to get around telling the truth.

As we consider this passage this morning I want to look at three main points: first, the principles of the Mosaic law – what the Old Testament taught about oaths in relation to the truth; second, the perversion of the rabbinic tradition – that is the system developed and put in place by the Jewish leaders; and third, the perspective of Jesus’ teaching – the truth about telling the truth that Jesus affirms. As I have pointed out throughout our study of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is correcting the improper interpretation and application of the law and affirming and confirming its proper meaning and how His disciples should view it and live it.

First, the principles of the Mosaic Law – verse 33 – “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’” This statement is based upon Old Testament law. Oaths were part of the Old Testament and they are based upon the standards of truth laid out in the Scripture. There were two clear Old Testament standards: 1) the ninth commandment. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” – which includes anyone. God’s commandment sets the standard for truth. This standard applied to legal proceedings, as well as to everyday life. Telling the truth was the standard for all relationships. God’s people were to have true worship and honest communication with God and they were to have true fellowship and honest communication with each other.

We read in Proverbs 25:18: “Like a club or sword or sharp arrow is the person who gives false witness against his neighbor.” As we know, the standard of the ninth commandment is not limited to a formal or legal setting, but applies to any setting; which leads to the second Old Testament standard: the pure heart. Like the issue of murder, adultery and divorce, speech is an issue of the heart. The Pharisees inability to look at or consider the issues of the heart, and one’s spiritual condition before God, led them to twist the law in order to meet their own needs and in essence make a new standard of truth.

They did this through the common practice of oath taking. In the Old Testament an oath conveyed the idea of binding something or strengthening it, and the way to do this was to invoke God to attest to the validity of your word. In marriage we promise “before God” to keep our vow or oath of marriage. In court we swear to tell the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help me God. These are oaths that call God to witness the truth of our statement and at the same time invoke a curse from God if we are not telling the truth or don’t keep our oath. If we have a standard of truth, which is to not lie or bear false witness, then what is the reason for confirming the truth? Shouldn’t we just tell the truth in all situations?

Oaths were used to clarify one’s commitment so that there would be no doubt to the other person or parties involved; and as a way to resolve conflict or disputes. God explains the reason for an oath when He made one, as recorded in Hebrews 6:16-18, regarding the covenant. It says, “Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, He confirmed it with an oath.” It’s impossible for God to lie, but He accommodates Himself to a human mode or way – as He often does in Scripture – in order to provide an affirmation of truth for our sake.

Sinful people need affirmation and confirmation because they need confidence in the truth. Oaths convey the importance of trust. Psalm 132:11 says: “The Lord swore an oath to David, a sure oath that He will not revoke.” In the same way God instructed His people to only make oaths in His name, indicating the serious nature of what they were saying; it also points out the fact that oaths convey the consequences of breaking trust. Oaths were not to be entered into lightly, and we hear many warnings in the Old Testament about rash and unnecessary oaths. When you took an oath your were not only confirming you were telling the truth and affirming your promise, but you were taking on the punishment or judgment for not following through on what you said.

This is why Solomon said to not be quick with your mouth or hasty in your heart when it comes to oaths. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And it’s this perversion of the rabbinic tradition – a tradition that was based initially upon a proper view of oaths – which Jesus speaks against in this passage. The religious leaders had turned oaths into a system that circumvented the law. Swearing became common place, not as a way to affirm truth but as a way to lie and avoid the consequences. They knew that oaths were to be made to the Lord or in the name of the Lord, so if we avoided this and made them to other things – of course religious things, like heaven and the temple – this would lessen their responsibility to keep them.

The kind of swearing that Jesus is talking about is not cursing, but it’s frivolous and evasive speech that pretends to be serious about telling the truth. Jesus points out a missing ingredient and a missing emphasis in the Pharisee’s teaching. The missing ingredient was that the people were never told or taught when oaths were proper, thus it became common place and used in everyday conversation, but indiscriminately and wrongly. They were swearing by everything for no good reason.

This is why Jesus says these words in verses 34-36: “But I tell you, ‘Do not swear at all; either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.’” Jesus’ point is: If you don’t know what you are doing, then don’t make an oath at all. This was exactly what Solomon was teaching in Ecclesiastes. He knew the seriousness of oath taking, as did Jesus, and its seriousness had been removed by the religious leaders, thus the procedure of oaths ruined.

It was ruined because of the intentional loophole created by the Pharisees and religious leaders. The words might sound good; they may give the appearance of truth for it would be cloaked in religious language or terms, but when you didn’t follow through on what you said you would do, or when what you said wasn’t true at all, it was no big deal because you didn’t swear in the Lord’s name. Thus it was evasive because they avoided the Old Testament emphasis on swearing unto the Lord. If you swore to the Lord you had to do it; it had to be true; but if you swore by anything else you were off the hook so to speak. It was like swearing you will do it with your fingers crossed behind your back. There is no intention of doing it but you want it to sound like there is.

It was pretentious and deceptive, which is why Jesus speaks against it. This was simply a way to avoid speaking the truth, but like with the other issues of the law it was even worse. They were using the law to justify falsehood and lying, yet clothed it in religious terms and language. They were hypocrites as Jesus says later in Matthew 23: “Woe to you teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are blind guides.” Once again, in this passage, at a different time, Jesus rebukes this same evasive and frivolous swearing as examples of leading people astray.

Their intent was to restrict the extent of the law by making a distinction between the sacred and the secular. Jesus is telling them and us that you can’t just tell the truth in certain situations or occasions, as if God is more concerned with certain words in certain places at certain times. God is concerned about truth and us speaking truth at all times and in all places. You can’t limit God’s oversight on speech. There is not one kind of language in the church and another at work or in the world. God hears all words, not just those spoken in His name or made in an oath.

So as we understand the meaning of the passage we need to see third the perspective of Jesus’ teaching. His conclusion in verse 37 is: “Simply let your “yes” be “yes” and your “no” be “no;” anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” He is not forbidding swearing or oath taking, but Jesus’ emphasis, as opposed to the Pharisees, is on proper and positive communication. Simply, speak truth to all people in all situations. This does not eliminate the reasons for confirming the truth through an oath or vow, which I talked about earlier. We should still recognize the appropriateness of oaths for solemn occasions. God made oaths, Jesus took an oath at His trial and Paul made an oath over his concern for the Jewish people. There are solemn occasions in life where we formally confirm truth because of the seriousness of trust, but oaths and vows are not designed for every day live.

Jesus points out the inappropriateness of oaths for everyday conversation. If you have to walk around making sure everyone you deal with knows you are telling the truth, by taking a vow or swearing, then you should be suspect. Jesus’ perspective is that all speech is under God and that all promises should be kept, because speaking the truth is a reflection of the God of truth who speaks truth to us. Honest speech is the basis for trust and healthy relationships with God and with others.

The issue and problem that Jesus is pointing out in this passage, and in this sermon, is the one of our heart. The condition of the heart governs the condition of the tongue. If we don’t address the heart and the inward sin that causes us to lie and shade or spin the truth, then we will be like Pharisees who look for ways to justify and excuse our speech, even as we often seek to excuse our anger and our lust. In order to speak truth, the answer is not to just try harder to keep the law, nor is it to look for loopholes in the law, rather it is to look to Jesus who kept the law perfectly for us; and gives us the grace and ability to change, and as His disciples speak truth.

As Christians we are to be true witnesses not false witnesses; we are speak truth to our neighbor in all situations and circumstances in order to be witnesses to Christ and for Christ in this world. Jesus Himself is the truth, thus He calls us as His disciples to speak truth, because He calls us to speak for Him.

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