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Everything We Need In Christ

Danny Sinquefield — Sat, 19 May 2012 16:07:43 +0000

We live in a world of empty consumerism. Watch the ads and listen to the false promises in our media. The world promises glory and gold, but it is only fools gold and it never satisfies in the end. Everything in this life is a mirage – it appears to be within our grasp but it vanishes away taunting and teasing us with what we thought would make us happy. How many empty souls are languishing today because they have “forsaken God, the fountain of living water, and carved out broken cisterns that hold no water” (Jeremiah 2:13)!

Paul expounds the sufficiency of Jesus Christ as the sum of everything we need for life now and forever in Ephesians 3:14-21. He speaks of the love of Christ that passes knowledge – that is, it exceeds our capacity to fully comprehend. The dimensions of God’s great love are so vast and measureless – they stretch our most vivid imagination to fully grasp! How great is God’s love for us, indeed. In Jesus Christ, we have the perfect revelation of the Father. Jesus said that to see Him is to know the Heavenly Father. His manifest presence into our human experience stands alone as the single greatest love story ever told. God came into our world – what an incredible journey of humility, compassion, and sacrifice!

When we are dead in our sins, Jesus brings us to life by His power. When we are afraid, He is our friend who stands with us and for us at all times. When we are alone, He fills us with His presence bringing songs of joy in the night. When we are thirsty, He is the water of life. When we are hungry, He is the bread that always satisfies. When we are weary, He is our strength and our supply. Nothing in this life can ever separate us from His great love and nothing beyond this life can keep Him from rescuing us for eternity (Romans 8)!

Celebrating Mother’s Day

Danny Sinquefield — Mon, 07 May 2012 18:58:40 +0000

This coming Sunday, it will be my honor to preach from Mom’s Bible – a tribute to a special lady whose life still influences mine. I am the youngest of 5 siblings and it is known widely that I am a genuine Mama’s baby boy. I’m sure that Mom loved all her children – she simply loved me the most! Her name is Margaret, but everyone called her “Mimi” and the kids all called her Momma. She raised her five children under difficult circumstances and often with limited resources, but she always found a way to make life better for each of us. We always had plenty to eat and something special for birthdays and Christmas. She knew how to laugh and how to love. She whistled and sang old hymns as she did housework or hung clothes to dry on the line outside. Mom always worked extra jobs to help make ends meet – often putting in long, hard hours in diners or department stores.

As long as I can remember, Mom was always taking care of her children and helping out with her grandchildren. She was a joyful and pleasant woman who knew how to make people feel special. The one thing that motivated me the most was being careful to never disappoint Mom. She was always proud of our accomplishments and encouraged us to do our best. Her hugs and sweet smile were always the perfect touch on any situation. How I miss sitting in her lap and lettering her rock her baby boy – even when I was a grown man.

She left us too early. At age 62, she fell victim to Leukemia and we trusted her into the hands of the Lord. I would love to have her sit with us in worship at Faith and sing another song with her. She never met our baby son, Joey and only knew Jon and Josh briefly. I know she would love to rock our grandson Jeremiah and teach him the “Little Paper Boy” song. Wow, just thinking about that still makes me cry. I am forever grateful for this precious woman God gave to me as Mom. This Sunday, let’s take time to celebrate Mother’s Day in a way that is worthy.

The Beautiful Bride of Christ

Danny Sinquefield — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 17:54:13 +0000

I will never forget that moment. It was 31 years ago, but it is still a memory that causes my heart to race and my knees to weaken. At exactly 7:00 PM on a Saturday evening, April 4, 1981 – the organ chimed and the back doors of the church swung open. Time stood still. In super slow motion, the most beautiful bride to ever adorn a wedding gown entered the room and stole my heart forever. There is something elegant – almost electric about a bride. This image will serve as the title backdrop for our upcoming sermon series on Ephesians.

The imagery of the bride and groom related to believers in relationship with Jesus Christ helps us better understand the concepts of covenant and commitment. We have been selected and we are protected by the Lord Jesus Christ. Before the foundation of the world, we were adopted and accepted according to His eternal purpose. The “saints” of God in Christ Jesus are sealed by the Holy Spirit and we will obtain an inheritance from the Father. We are safe and secure in this relationship. It is “to the praise of His glory” that we have been chosen. In other words, with this privilege comes a great responsibility – to live as “treasures of transformation” demonstrating His grace in our lives and declaring it to others.

We are sharing an integrated study through the wonderful book of Ephesians over the next 11 Sundays. My preaching on Sunday mornings is being tracked and enlarged by the teaching of our Connection Classes (youth – adults). I believe the Lord will use this season in the life of our church family to stretch our understanding of the Gospel and challenge us to greater obedience in the days ahead. My prayer is that Christ will be exalted and lives will be transformed as a result. O, how he loves us!

Because He Lives…

Danny Sinquefield — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 00:22:39 +0000

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most significant event in human history. This “living proof” miracle is bolstered by overwhelming evidence both in the historical record and in the undeniable witness of the tranformed lives of His followers. Lee Strobel, in his book “A Case for Easter” presents the resurrection as both reasonable and logical. Using several rational arguments (failure to produce his body, the Roman guard, the cover up of the authorities, etc.) to convince modern day skeptics that Jesus of Nazareth – the first century Galilean Jew who was crucified publicly, was raised to life on the 3rd day.

Now, as we celebrate this beautiful Christian cornerstone of our faith, Easter provides hope and confidence to every believer as we face the future. Every time I stand at the graveside of a believer who has passed into eternity, I am reminded that we too shall live because He lives! This hope of resurrection is more than wishful thinking or fanciful use of the imagination. It is a truth founded upon the fact of Christ’s own victory over death and the grace. Because He lives, we really can face tomorrow.

There will be hundreds upon hundreds of guests visiting our Christian churches over this weekend and especially on Sunday. I am praying for my Bible preaching brothers to have a unique sense of God’s power as they share the message of hope to hurting and hungry people. What a privilege to have the opportunity to declare the “full gospel” (Christ crucified, buried, and risen) on this coming Lord’s Day! May the Holy Spirit empower every preacher with a fresh anointing to share clearly this message of life to the people God brings across our path.

Spring Revival – More Than a Date on the Calendar

Danny Sinquefield — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 03:02:07 +0000

The psalmist asked an anguished question of the Lord in Psalm 85:6 – “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” It was also a question of great anticipation. In every generation, there are people who honestly and humbly cry out for God. These are people who are broken over their sin and bankrupt in their own abilities. There has never been a better time to fall on our faces in repentance before a Holy God than right now.

Over the next few days, we will be preparing our hearts for an outpouring of God’s Spirit in revival. We have godly men ready to come and share the Word of God with us in power. I am asking our church family to make this Spring Revival more than another date on the calendar. Let us seek an authentic movement of God in our lives, our families, our church, and in our community. All is vain unless the Spirit of the Holy One comes down!

It is time to seek the Lord, declared the prophet Hosea (chapter 10:12). That is my prayer for Faith Baptist Church – that we would personally, individually, and collectively seek the Lord. I love this church family. We have so many good and healthy things to be thankful for. And yet, we have a glaring need for a sweeping, stirring spiritual renewal. Bring it, Lord – here in this circle where I am standing!

Greater Things: Getting Our Motives Right

Danny Sinquefield — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:57:18 +0000

The promise Jesus made to His 1st century followers regarding “Greater Things” must have been breath-taking (John 14:12). They had witnessed Him restoring sight to the blind and health to the lame. He multiplied food for the hungry crowds, calmed the angry seas, and even raised the dead to life. How could this ordinary group of men possibly do “greater things” than these? It is a good question that deserves a biblical response.

First, Jesus had the global mission of the church in view when He made this incredible assertion. The message of the gospel would literally be extended from Jerusalem to the far reaches of the Roman Empire in a relatively short period of time. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, a handful of ordinary people would change the face of history. The church – the beautiful Bride of Christ – would prove to be the indestructible force that would shape the world for God’s glory.

In our generation, the motivation behind our mission must be considered. Believers in America, especially, must be careful to get our motives right. The tendency for us to do what we do for lesser reasons is always a concern. There are personal motives, institutional motives, and denominational motives – but the only pure motives are biblical and missional in nature.

Paul clarified his motives for ministry and mission in II Corinthians 5:11-15 in responding to those who questioned his motives. His motivation for giving his life for the gospel was driven by 3 major themes: the fear of God, the love of God, and the glory of God. Anything that motivates us more than those 3 themes is an idol. The “why” question is always more important than the “what” question when it comes to serving the Lord Jesus.

Living in the Last Days

Danny Sinquefield — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:16:33 +0000

The media is making much of the ancient Mayan “Doomsday” Calendar that marks December 21st, 2012 as the “end of days” in human history. Others have made predictions, published books,preached dogmatic sermons, and have attempted to capitalize on the notion that somehow “they know” the code of when the sand runs out on this world. It is comforting for me to know that only God the Father knows. I’m good with that and I believe there is good reason why the early Christians anticipated the return of Christ as we do today. His return was not immediate, but it is imminent. God’s Word is clear that human history is moving toward the final season and not knowing the exact date is to our advantage. Can you imagine how much confusion and chaos there would be if we had the exact date nailed down. It’s bad enough when the Memphis weather men predict a little snow or ice – I can only imagine the panic that would ensue as the date approached.

I appreciate the reality that Jesus is coming soon and that is enough for me. It motivates me and it pushes me beyond my apathy to embrace His mission with a sense of urgency. As I preach on the theme of Christ’s impending return this Sunday, my prayer is that we as a church family would embrace this truth with a renewed sense of practical commitment. In the image of the New Testament, the church is the Bride of Christ. The Groom is coming at any time. There will be a trumpet and a shout announcing His return and our invitation to “Come Forth” – first to those from the grave followed by those of us who are living. What a day that shall be, when my Jesus I shall see – just to look upon His face; the One who saved me by His grace. When He takes me by the hand; and leads me to the promised land – what a day, glorious day, that will be!

Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus! And for now, there is work to do in His harvest fields. I’m looking forward to seeing you with your Bible in your hand this Sunday – all day long! It is a joy to serve as the pastor where people come hungry for God’s Word week after week. I don’t take that lightly. My heart beats faster as Sunday draws near.

Getting the Gospel Right

Danny Sinquefield — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:52:29 +0000

The young 1st century church @ Corinth was facing many obstacles as they advanced the Gospel. Confusion and competing ideas from Jewish tradition and pagan philosophies influenced by the Greek culture abounded. Besides that they struggled simply with the “newness” around this “Good News.” In reality, they faced many of the same issues we still wrestle with today. Paul provided a voice of clarity (inspired truth) that provides us with help and handles as we “get the Gospel right” in our generation.

In a very familiar text, II Corinthians 5:17-21, we find 3 major themes regarding the Core Conviction of God’s Solution to man’s sin. First, Paul speaks of the promise related to the Gospel. In verse 17, he celebrates the inclusive nature of the Gospel using the “if any man” language. This same beautiful promise is found in other NT passages – John 3:16; Romans 1:16; Romans 10:13, and II Peter 3:9 just to list a few. The promise is also relational in nature – captured in the beautiful words “In Christ.” The Gospel is not about religion or man’s good works, but about God’s work of redemption in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). Finally, Paul celebrates the transformational nature of the Gospel when he asserts that we become “a new creation” in Christ (Ephesians 2:1).

The Gospel masterpiece continues to be explained in this text as Paul displays the process and the privilege of God’s work in Christ. This coming Sunday morning, I will be proclaiming a clarifying and convictional message around this passage and this glorious theme. Whatever else we may miss in life, we must be sure to get the Gospel right!

The Heart of the Gospel

Danny Sinquefield — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:03:34 +0000

The Grand Story of God that begins for us in the book of Genesis is foundational to our understanding of the Gospel. As we open to chapter 3 this week, we will introduce the sweeping concepts of the fall of man, redemption, and God’s call to salvation. Here we find our place in God’s story as we identify with Adam’s sin and sense the earth shattering consequences of the devastating fall. Isolation, separation, and loss of intimacy with God are concepts that are far too common in our culture.

Fortunately, nothing that happened in the garden took God by surprise. His mercy summoned man even in his fallen state. God is all about confrontation and accountability. We see in this beautiful picture our own sin and shame. Religious efforts to mask and cover our brokeness can never replace God’s provision.

In an act of unbelievable grace, God covers the sin of Adam and Eve by a sacrifice. The coats of skin – the atoning and substitutionary provision of God is the only thing that works. How beautiful when we are able to connect the dots in God’s Grand Story in Genesis 3 with Romans 3 and 5; Galatians 4:4-5, and I Corinthians 15:22. What a Savior – what a Story! When we begin to see God’s plan of redemption from Genesis, we also discover our place and our purpose in this world.

The Crown of God’s Creation

Danny Sinquefield — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:49:58 +0000

In all of the vast universe, God considers human life the most valuable. We are created with the unique reflection of the Creator. Imago Dei is a beautiful designation that sets mankind alone as the visible representation of God on the earth. It is also a reminder of the eternal nature mankind shares with his Maker.
Sunday, January 22, is “Sanctity of Life” Sunday and our study of Core Convictions is perfectly suited to spotlight our church’s significant commitment to life. We will celebrate with several of our families in a beautiful “Parent & Baby Dedication” service – perfect for this special day.
We will pray for the protection of the unborn, for the care of the orphan, and for the rescue of the oppressed. We must set our hearts on what touches the heart of our Heavenly Father. The biblical “pro-life” worldview must always include not only the unborn, but also concern for the helpless and needy in all stages of life – the handicapped, the elderly, and the sick. This is pure religion and practical, biblical, Christian behavior that honors God.
It is easy to feel small in this great big world, but God knows our name. He shaped us in our mother’s womb and he put all the days of our life in His book. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. How great is the sum of His thoughts toward us! Like David, we look up into the heavens and ask, “what is man that you are mindful of him?” The answer is found in one beautiful verse: For God so love the world, He gave…” (John 3:16).