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In our society today, we love a good cover up. A mystery seems to grab our attention, no matter how flaky it might be. However, the cover up described in the gospel accounts of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is still alive and well today! Consider the follow sermon outline on the subject!

Title: “The Cover Up!”

Text: Matthew 28:11-15

(Matthew 28:11-15) “Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.”  (KJV)

Introduction:

•    The phrase “cover up” drums up images of the Kennedy Assignation, the question of whether or not we landed on the moon, the Watergate Scandal and many other issues in the political world.
•    Our text reveals to us the events that transpired stemming from the Romans guards reporting to their superiors in the early hours of the Resurrection Morning!
•    We must remind ourselves that the Romans put the guards there to show that the disciples would be caught trying to steal the body. They sealed the tomb – could have been done in many ways – they set a sufficient number of guards there are to prevent any one stealing the body.

(Matthew 27:66) “So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”  (KJV)

•    They did everything in their own power to be sure that the resurrection would not be faked; believing themselves that it was not going to happen.
•    In their effort to thwart and prevent a resurrection, they, in fact, proved, without a shadow of a doubt, that the resurrection took place as Christ said it would.
•    Now these guards fells as dead men when the angels showed up.
•    The body was gone!
•    They reported back and in order to keep from exposing the truth of the resurrection, the leaders & chief priests decided to construct a massive cover up.
•    These Romans should have been executed for loosing their prisoner. They were only bribed and sent away spreading the rumor that the disciples stole the body.

Transition:

•    This brings me to my point for tonight: This cover up is really an unveiling of the truth.

Proposition: There are four things I want to point out tonight about this cover up that we should ponder!

I.    This Cover Up Serves To Remind Us Of The Fact That Some People Will Not Believe!

A.    The more men have the light from the sun, the more wicked men are blinded.

B.    Some look for a reason not to believe the truth!

C.    The law of God prescribes what we need to know and those who turn away from that are in the land of judgment!

(Proverbs 28:9) “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.”  (KJV)

II.    This Cover Up Serves To Remind Us Of The Truth Of The Resurrection!

A.    The very notion of this cover up proves to me that there was a resurrection!

B.    This fabrication, promoted by the religious establishment, points to the truth about that morning, as was recorded in our text!

C.    We should embrace Truth and flee error! Do not even entertain it in your mind!

III.    This Cover Up Serves To Remind Us Of The Reality That People Can Be Bribed To Spread Falsehoods!

A.    People can be bought as most any price.

B.    Is not it a sad picture we have in our text: soldiers – supposed to be truthful – men who could have been used of God in a dynamic way to spread the truth, but were damned to a Devil’s Hell!

C.    Though lies are spread, God vindicates the truth and the righteous!

(Proverbs 21:30) “There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.”  (KJV)

IV.    This Cover Up Serves To Remind Us Of The Ever Broadening Need Of Spreading The Truth About Christ and His Resurrection!

A.    This cover up ought to invigorate your understanding of the need to preach the gospel!

B.    Each day that goes by people believe a different variation of this lie started by Satan and birthed by these soldiers!

C.    Will you spread the good news of Jesus Christ: His death, burial and His glorious resurrection!

Conclusion:

To The Sinner:

•    Repent and believe the gospel! Do not continue to believe the lies from Satan!

To The Christian:

•    This cover up should not discourage you, but serve to fuel your passion to spread the gospel!

Jesus Our Lord: 24 Portraits of Christ Throughout Scripture By John Phillips / Kregel Publications What does “lordship” involve? What does it mean for us? In this companion volume to The View from Mount Calvary John Phillips discusses how biblical events, stories, and prophecies illuminate Jesus’ sovereignty over the world and how it influences our daily lives. Phillips shows how we are never far from encountering the lordship of Christ, no matter where we are in our biblical reading. John Phillips taught in the Moody Evening School and on the Moody Broadcasting radio network. He is the author of numerous books, including a multivolume expository commentary series. He and his wife, Betty, live in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

This sermon outline helps us see how we ought to be carrying out our service for Jesus Christ. It also shows us how we can be better able to do the work of God. Brother John Moxley’s book entitled The Tabernacle In The Wilderness was invaluable and cited in part of this outline. Just putting this message together was a walk through the life of a Levite! May it help each servant of God to pay the strictest attention to their calling in life!

Title: “Pastor, How Can I Be Better Able For God’s Work?”

Text: I Chronicles 9:13 Read from verse 10

(1 Chronicles 9:10-13) “And of the priests; Jedaiah, and Jehoiarib, and Jachin, And Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God; And Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasiai the son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer; And their brethren, heads of the house of their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very able men for the work of the service of the house of God.”  (KJV)

Introduction:

•    We find, in the genealogies and records of God’s people, a description of the aptitude of certain individuals that God wants us to remember.
•    These priests were men that evidently were fit for the work of God in such a way that God wanted all to know about it.
•    God wanted mankind to see this example so much that the Holy Ghost had them penned in the pages of our Bibles!
•    1, 760 men were ABLE FOR THE WORK OF THE SERVICE OF THE HOUSE OF GOD!
•    The Bible plainly declares that we who are “in Christ”, men, women, and children that are saved, are PRIESTS unto God!

(Revelation 1:6) “And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (KJV)

(Revelation 5:10) “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (KJV)

(Revelation 20:6) “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”  (KJV)

•    We have an example to live up to here in our text. I know that Christ is our pattern for living, but we have human examples here. My point is that if they can have this testimony, then we can too!
•    We all want God to say to us when we see Him, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”!
•    If you are like me, then we want to please God and do what we can to serve Him adequately!
•    What can we learn from these Godly men? What was it about them that would cause them to be exceptional in their conduct of service!

Notes derived from John Moxley’s book entitled The Tabernacle In The Wilderness

Proposition: There are three things that pervaded their life that I believe moved them to serve God in a marvelous way!

I.    Notice They Knew About Their Calling FROM God!

     A.    Pedigree

          i.    Born into service – Numbers 17:1-8 (We are born into service through our Salvation experience!)
          ii.    God ordained that the descendents of Levi would be apart of the spiritual leadership of Israel!

     B.    Longevity of Calling

          i.    They served God in different ways, but unless an age was prescribed, they serve as long as they were able to do the work as they were right with God!

     C.    We are called to salvation in Christ, then we are called to serve him in many fronts; for example:

          i.    As a disciple
          ii.    As an Ambassador
          iii.    As a servant
          iv.    As a soldier
          v.    As a co-laborer
          vi.    As a vessel
          vii.    As a priest

     D.    We must get a hold of the truth that God has called each of us into an arena of service for Christ!

          i.    What a privilege!
          ii.    What an honor!
          iii.    What an opportunity!

     E.    I believe that because these particular men referred to in our text knew they were called of God, that this moved them to “go the extra mile” for God!

II.    Notice They Knew About Their Calling UNTO God!

     A.    It is important to distinguish priests from the High Priest.

          i.    High Priest – go between, intercessor
          ii.    Priest – Levite – They help maintain the place of worship and helped the High Priest, by their acts of service!

               1.    If they did not do their jobs, then the High Priest would be limited!

     B.     “Since we are priests of God and of Christ, we have access into the presence of God. The priests who were appointed for the service of the Tabernacle could come into the presence of God only one time each year. How wonderful for us that we may come at any time.” – Moxley page 51

(Hebrews 4:15-16) “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”  (KJV)

     C.    “The priests who were appointed for the service of the tabernacle had specific jobs. We also have specified jobs in the church. All of the Levites did not offer sacrifices. Some Levites were shepherds, tent repairers, farmers, wood cutters, kitchen workers, etc. Some were appointed as maintenance men and laborers in the construction of the Tabernacle. Moses was the overseer, Bezaleel, Aholiab were under him, and others worked to construct the Tabernacle.” – Moxley page 51

     D.    “Some of us must be content to be unnoticed in God’s work. We must be workers together in building the church of which Christ is the head. While the pastor has the most visible role, some will have to teach, some will sing, some will keep the nursery, some will help keep the church grounds maintained, etc., and ALL are to win lost men to Christ. Numbers 1-4 gives information about the different services to be performed.” – Moxley page 51

     E.    With all of this stated, we must realize that these men new their calling required work in many areas, and they were glad to do what God has chosen them to do!

III.    Notice They Knew About Their Calling FOR God!

     A.    The Levites, among their peers, were somewhat a spectacle.

     B.    Their clothing set them apart from everyone else in the entire world; not just Israel.

     C.    They actions that were seen from close and from afar were a testimony of God!

     D.    They were leaders in many ways to their fellow man. Their functions in the day to day worship of Israel to the Most Holy One were very special and these men of whom we are referring to in text knew this all too much. It caused them to go for God!

     E.    Remember that God set a cloud over the Tabernacle by day and a pillar of fire by night. The Levites followed this guidance and when the Levites acted everyone else followed suit throughout the camp!

     F.    “One of the primary duties of the Levites was moving the Tabernacle. The tabernacle was designed in such a way that it could be taken down and moved whenever God led them to do so. God led them by a cloud in the day time and a pillar of fire in the night. As long as the cloud remained on the Tabernacle during the day and the fire remained on the Tabernacle at night, the children of Israel remained where they were – – whether it was for two days, a month, or a year. When the cloud was taken up, they knew it was time to pack up and move. By this, they always knew God was leading them and that He had not forsaken them.
Each family of the Levites – The Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites – had specific jobs to do in the moving of the Tabernacle from one location to another:

          i.    Kohathites:

               1.    They carried the instruments and furnishings of the sanctuary of the tabernacle (the ark, table, candlestick, altars, etc.) when Israel moved forward – after they were covered and prepared by Aaron and his sons.

(Numbers 4:5-6) “And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering vail, and cover the ark of testimony with it: And shall put thereon the covering of badgers’ skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof.”  (KJV)

                See Numbers 4:1-15

          ii.    Gershonites:

               1.    They carried the curtains of the tabernacle, the first covering, the covering of badgers’ skins, the hanging of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, the hangings of the court, and the hanging for the door of the court. Ithamar, Aaron’s son, was in charge of the Gershonites. See Numbers 4:21-28.

          iii.    Merarites:

               1.    They carried the boards of the Tabernacle, the bars, the pillars and sockets. They also carried the pillars of the court, the sockets, pins and cords of the court. The sons of Merari were also in Ithama’s charge. See Numbers 4:29-36″ – Moxley pages 142-143

     G.    When they moved everyone followed and moved as well.

     H.    This speaks to us that we are to Call others for God! Their actions spoke to others for God as well as the people seeing the cloud and fire signs.

     I.    These individuals were very aware that they communicated truths to other for God and they conducted themselves accordingly!

Conclusion:

•    To make a long story short, we need to realize that God said these men we “VERY ABLE” to do the work of God.
•    I hope you can see why I think God said this about them.
•    I hope that you will strive to let God work in your life so you can be “VERY ABLE” AS WELL!

To The Sinner:

•    Be saved!

To The Christian:

•    Learn from these people’s examples and be better able to serve God!

John Phillips’ Sermon Outline Pack, 2 Volumes 100 Old & 100 New Testament Sermon Outlines By Kregel Publications Whether you’re preaching from the Old Testament or the New, clear, concise outlines are the cornerstone to well-developed messages. Now you can glean insights from one of today’s most popular Bible teachers with this collection of 200 summaries. Whether short and pithy or longer and detailed, they’ll all help you deliver powerful, life-changing sermons. 112 pages each, two softcovers from Kregel.

This sermon outline serves to remind us, possibly to reassure us, that God has made a way for man to touch Heaven through prayer! My heart was stirred once again as I read this message!!! May God fan the cooling embers in your soul to a vibrant flame!
 

Title: “The Implications Of A Torn Veil!”

Text: Matthew 27:50-51

(Matthew 27:50-51)  “Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;”  (KJV)

Consider also: Mark 15:37-38, Luke 23:44-46

Introduction:

•    As quoted by Pentecost, Shepard says that the veil in Herod’s Temple was a hands breath in thickness, and that it was 60 feet tall and 30 feet wide!
•    As quoted by Pentecost, Edersheim states that the veil was actually made up of 72 squares sewn together. It was enormously heavy. It was exaggerated that it took 300 priests to carry one square.
•    It suffices to say that this veil was large, thick, and hard to maneuver. This tear could not have been initiated by a human being. The earthquake did not tear it nor did anything fall onto it by result of the earthquake.
•    God Himself tore the veil from top to bottom!
•    When we read about this event after the death of Christ we ask ourselves a couple of questions!
•    What is the significance of this dividing of the veil? Why did God tear it? What are the implications of this event?
•    This message will dwell on two implications of this torn veil!

Transition:

•    1st Implication – God wanted all to know that anyone can come to Him by coming through His Son as typified by the veil itself! (The veil was torn – Jesus was crucified)

(Hebrews 10:19-25) “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”  (KJV)

(John 10:9) “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”  (KJV)

•    This first implication speaks of salvation initially and the maintenance of fellowship!
•    2nd Implication – God wanted all who are saved to know that they do not need any other priest than Jesus Himself to be their mediator and prayer partner!

(1 Timothy 2:5) “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;”  (KJV)

(Hebrews 4:14-16) “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”  (KJV)

•    This second implication speaks of mediation and prayer! We can pray directly to God the Father through the merits of Jesus Christ the Son by the enablement of God the Holy Ghost!

Proposition: There are three things that we should consider this evening in view of the fact that the veil is torn!

I.    In View Of The Torn Veil, We Should Take Advantage Of Every Opportunity To Enter God’s Presence!

A.    We should camp out around the throne of God daily!

B.    We should make up the hedge and stand in the gap of Holy Intercession!

C.    We should beat a pathway to God before trials come, during the tempest, and when we see the rainbow after the storm clouds drop their rain!

D.    We should be faithful to pray each day in our lives!


II.    In View Of The Torn Veil, We Should Count It A Privilege To Pray Seeing It Cost Jesus So Much!

A.    Our appreciation of Jesus’ sacrifice is seen in how much we attend the throne of God in prayer!

B.    Jesus was torn that we might be made whole!

C.    God Himself has bid us to His side in fellowship and prayer, but we act as if there is a veil still hanging between us and God!

D.    What a blessing to be able to pray!

III.    In View Of The Torn Veil, We Should Be Telling All We Can About Its Implications!

A.    If we had just heard about free apples at the supermarket, we would get on the phone and tell everybody about it! Yet we have the opportunity to have our needs met, have our souls blessed, and be used of God Almighty, and we do not tell a soul about it!

B.    Everybody we know and meet should hear about the torn veil, the gospel of Christ, and the wonderful opportunity to go to Heaven when we die!

C.    Illustration – A king came across some subjects one day and he began to speak with them. They thought it a wonderful act on his part to speak with them knowing their poverty. The king told them that they should make a request and the one which he liked the most he would grant!
They thought about it and one said that since he was in poverty that he would like have a little bit of land to have a vegetable garden for his family. The other was silent for a while and finally said that he would like to have half the kingdom! The first subject scoffed at the second but the king rebuked him. He stated that he was a man of his word and he actually liked the request and he gave that person half the kingdom and all of the servants and such that he needed to govern that half!

D.    It is amazing to me the few that WILL ask for their needs to be met, but fewer still will be bold enough to ask God for MORE!

E.    How big is your God? Are you publishing what God can do?
 
Conclusion:

To The Sinner:

•    Repent and believe the gospel!
•    Jesus is the only way to Heaven!

To The Christian:

•    Are you going to take more advantage of this opportunity we have to come before the throne of God?