Highlights From Virgil Trout's Sermons, Oct. 2007


HOME


WITHIN THE
SERMONS
TO SEE A
SCRIPTURE,
PLEASE
CLICK ON IT

TO RETURN
TO WHERE
YOU WERE,
CLICK ON:
Back To
Lesson


TO SEE
HIGHLIGHTS
FROM EACH
SERMON,
PLEASE
CLICK IT

Calisthenics


Trials


Materialism


Religions


Suffering


The End & Old Age























HOME
























HOME

HOW TO DEAL WITH MATERIALISM?

 LOOK TO JESUS FOR ANSWERS & STRENGTH
WHEN MONEY, POLITICS & SCIENCE ARE INVOLVED.
BY LOOKING TO JESUS WE NOT ONLY FIND THE ANSWERS,
BUT ALSO THE STRENGTH TO PUT THE ANSWERS INTO ACTION.

MATERIALISM INCLUDES:
MONEY, POLITICS, GOVERNMENT, TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE

MATERIAL THINGS
MONEY, POWER & SCIENCE
SATAN WANTS TO USE THESE AGAINST US.
OUR BUSY LIVES ARE GROUND CHOKED BY WEEDS,
BY THE CARES OF THIS WORLD. Matt. 13:22

THE LOVE OF MONEY
IS THE ROOT OF ALL KINDS OF EVIL. 1 Tim. 6:9-10

DOES THIS MEAN THAT THE MATERIAL WORLD IS EVIL?

NO! IT NOT EVIL,
IT IS GOOD. Genesis 1:31
WE ARE CREATED IN GOD'S IMAGE
TO BE ACTIVE, TO DO GOOD WORKS. Eph. 2:10
TO BE FULL OF JOY, ENJOY LIFE REJOICE ALWAYS 1 Thess. 5:16-18
TO BEAR FRUIT FOR CHRIST John 15:5
NOT TO BE JUST SPECTATORS

THERE IS A SACRED FOUNDATION TO YOUR WORK. 1 Cor. 10:31
YOUR WORK IS A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY.
CAN YOU IMAGINE JESUS
DOING A SLOPPY JOB
OR
BEING DISHONEST?

DEVELOP
GOOD CHARACTER
MAKE A HABIT OF HONESTY
TRY TO EARN PEOPLE'S RESPECT
WHATEVER YOU DO, DO IT WELL! Eccl. 9:10

THE RICH MUST NOT BE ARROGANT 1 Tim. 6:17-19
NOR PUT THEIR HOPE IN WORLDLY WEALTH,
BUT PUT THEIR HOPE IN GOD
WHO RICHLY PROVIDES US
WITH EVERYTHING FOR
OUR ENJOYMENT.

THE RICH MUST DO GOOD,
BE RICH IN GOOD DEEDS, AND
BE GENEROUS AND WILLING TO SHARE.
IF THEY DO THIS THEY WILL LAY UP TREASURE
FOR THEMSELVES IN HEAVEN AND A FIRM FOUNDATION
FOR THE COMING AGE, SO THAT THEY MAY TAKE HOLD OF LIFE,
OF THE LIFE THAT IS TRULY LIFE.

ATTITUDE IS THE KEY.
REMEMBER THE WIDOW'S MITE.
SHE GAVE MORE THAN ALL THE OTHERS.
REMEMBER, THIS IS MY FATHER'S WORLD, NOT SATAN'S.


HOW TO DEAL WITH THE POLITICAL WORLD?

 GOVERNMENT WAS CREATED BY GOD. Romans 13:1
IT IS GOD'S SERVANT TO DO GOOD
TO THOSE WHO DO GOOD
AND TO PUNISH THOSE
WHO DO WRONG.

WE SHOULD OBEY CIVIL GOVERNMENT. Titus 3:1-2
AND BE GOOD CITIZENS. 1 Peter 2:13-16

REMEMBER, THIS NATION WAS FOUNDED
ON CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES.

WE BELIEVE THAT GOD
IS SUPREME OVER THE STATE,
THAT GOD IS SUPREME OVER EVERYTHING.

IN SOME COUNTRIES
TEACHERS ARE REQUIRED
TO TEACH ALL OF THEIR STUDENTS
THAT THE STATE IS SUPREME OVER EVERYTHING.

WE MUST PRAY FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY!
THE PRESSURE OUR LEADERS ARE UNDER IS UNREAL.
CAN A CHRISTIAN SERVE IN GOVERNMENT OR IN POLITICS?
IF "GOOD" PEOPLE AVOID POLITICS, WHO WILL RUN THE COUNTRY?
GOOD PEOPLE MUST STAND UP AND RESIST EVIL Proverbs 25:26
IT IS POSSIBLE, BUT HARD TO BE A CHRISTIAN IN POLITICS
DANIEL SERVED UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT LEADERS
WITH GOD'S HELP ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.
Luke 1:34-37

WHATEVER FIELD WE CHOOSE TO FOLLOW WE MUST STRIVE
TO GIVE OUR EMPLOYER FAIR RETURN FOR OUR WAGES.
TO DO GOOD AND HONEST WORK.
YET AT THE SAME TIME IN WHATEVER FIELD WE CHOOSE,
IN POLITICS -------------- SEEK FIRST HIS KINGDOM.
IN BUSINESS ---------- SEEK FIRST HIS KINGDOM.
IN EDUCATION ----- SEEK FIRST HIS KINGDOM.
IN SCIENCE ---- SEEK FIRST HIS KINGDOM.
Matthew 6:33


HOW TO DEAL WITH SCIENCE?

 ACCORDING TO WEBSTER, SCIENCE IS
THE OBSERVATION, IDENTIFICATION, DESCRIPTION,
INVESTIGATION AND EXPLANATION OF NATURAL PHENOMENA.

THE SCIENCE OF BIOLOGY CAME FROM GOD,
ADAM NAMED THE ANIMALS.

THE PURPOSE OF THE BIBLE
WAS NOT TO BE A TECH. MANUAL.
IT TELLS US HOW WE CAN BE SAVED.
IT IS A LAMP TO GUIDE US THROUGH LIFE.
IT GIVES US WISDOM TO MAKE RIGHT DECISIONS.
IT TEACHES US TO WORK, LEARN, GROW AND SERVE.
IT IS PROFITABLE FOR DOCTRINE, REPROOF, CORRECTION,
AND INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS. 2 Tim. 3:16-17

THERE ARE SEVERAL KINDS OF LANGUAGE IN THE BIBLE

1) - - - - - - ORDINARY, COMMON VERNACULAR, WORDS THAT WE
ALL UNDERSTAND, SUCH AS "GOOD SAMARITAN".

2) - - - - - - - - - - - SCIENTIFIC - - - - - - - - HISTORY IS A SCIENCE.
THE BIBLE CONTAINS MUCH HISTORY DESCRIBING:
CITIES, POLITICAL STRUCTURES AND EVENTS.

3) - - - - - POETIC LANGUAGE IS LANGUAGE USING FANCIFUL DEPTICITIONS
OF REALITY TO EMBELLISH THE IDEA OR IDEAS BEING TAUGHT.
WE USE POETIC LANGUAGE TO DESCRIBE A BALL GAME:
THAT WAS A MONUMENTAL VICTORY,
WE GAVE THEM A WHIPPING.
IN POLITICS WE SAY:
THE CANDIDATE WON IN A "LANDSLIDE".

THE BIBLE USES FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE TOO
A SPECK OF SAWDUST OR A PLANK IN OUR EYE, Matt. 7:3-5
THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE EARTH. Rev. 20:7-8
WE KNOW THE EARTH ISN'T FLAT, IT DOESN'T HAVE LITERAL CORNERS,
BUT IT DOES HAVE FOUR DIRECTIONS, NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, AND WEST.
"THE WORLD IS FLAT" IS ACTUALLY A BOOK
DESCRIBING HOW THE INTERNET HAS LEVELED
THE PLAYING FIELD IN BUSINESS BY THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN

WHAT CAN THE BIBLE DO FOR SCIENCE?

THE BIBLE FORBIDS LYING AND REQUIRES PEOPLE TO TELL THE TRUTH.
SCIENTISTS HAVE BEEN KNOW TO FALSIFY OR EXAGGERATE DATA
OR TO IGNORE CONFLICTING DATA OR TO JUST PLAIN LIE
IN THE QUEST FOR GRANT MONEY OR FAME
OR TO JUSTIFY A POLITICAL AGENDA.

SCIENTISTS ARE HUMAN TOO AND CAN BECOME BLINDED BY PRIDE
THEY MAY SUCCUMB TO THE "NOT INVENTED HERE" FACTOR.
WE ALL ACCEPT IDEAS MORE READILY WHEN THEY COME
FROM SOMEONE WE LIKE, ESPECIALLY OURSELVES.
WE TEND TO QUESTION OR REJECT IDEAS
FROM THOSE WE DON'T LIKE.

ALSO THE BIBLE CAN HELP SCIENCE
BY QUESTIONING THE UNDERLYING AXIOMS OF SCIENCE.
AN AXIOM IS SOMETHING THAT WE ALL "KNOW" IS TRUE
THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY WAS DISCOVERED
BY GOING AGAINST AN AXIOM.

FINALLY, THE BIBLE TEACHES RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE.


CONCLUSION

WE ALL SHOULD LOOK TO JESUS
TO KEEP A PROPER FOCUS ON MONEY, POLITICS, AND SCIENCE.

HOW SHOULD WE TREAT OTHER PEOPLE?
LOVING OTHERS IS NOT AN OPTION, IT IS A COMMAND
BUSINESSES NEED TO PRACTICE LOVE AND DO GOOD TO ALL.
WE ALL NEED TO PRACTICE THE GOLDEN RULE.

THE BIBLE HELPS US SEE CLEARLY AND TO MAKE GOOD CHOICES
REMEMBERING THAT THE MATERIAL WORLD WE SEE IS TEMPORARY
AND THAT WE ARE ETERNAL BEINGS.

THE BIBLE HELPS US KNOW WHAT TO BELIEVE
AND WHY TO BELIEVE IT.

Scripture References

Matt. 13:22 The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. Back to Lesson

1 Tim. 6:9-10 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. Back to Lesson

Genesis 1:31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning--the sixth day. Back to Lesson

Eph. 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Back to Lesson

1 Thess. 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Back to Lesson

John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. Back to Lesson

1 Cor. 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Back to Lesson

Eccl. 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. Back to Lesson

1 Tim. 6:17-19 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. Back to Lesson

Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Back to Lesson

Titus 3:1-2 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. Back to Lesson

1 Peter 2:13-16 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Back to Lesson

Proverbs 25:26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked. Back to Lesson

Luke 1:34-37 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God." Back to Lesson

Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Back to Lesson

2 Tim. 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Back to Lesson

Matt. 7:3-5 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, `Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. Back to Lesson

Rev. 20:7-8 When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth--Gog and Magog--to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. Back to Lesson

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.