Sermon: The foremost condemnation (2 Thess 1:6-7,9)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Condemnation (2 Thess 1:6-7,9)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2013

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

When charged with wrongdoing, quick thinking can sometimes figure a way out.

The owner of a small New York sandwich deli was being questioned by an IRS agent about his tax return. He had reported a net profit of $80,000 for the year. "Why don't you people leave me alone?" the deli owner said. "I work like a dog, everyone in my family helps out, the place is only closed three days a year. And you want to know how I made $80,000?" "It's not your income that bothers us," the agent said. "It's these travel deductions. You listed six trips to Florida for you and your wife." "Oh, that," the owner said. "It is a legitimate business expense...because we also deliver."

When charged with wrongdoing, quick thinking can sometimes figure a way out. Such a tactic, however, will not help those who face The Foremost Condemnation.

Paul's first letter to the congregation at Thessalonica may be his earliest epistle (51), offering a glimpse at what challenges the church faced only a few years after Jesus' ascension, including resistance to the gospel message¹ and uncertainty about Jesus' return.² Paul discusses the expectation of that return and its implications for believers, both those who have died and those who remain alive. Paul wrote his second letter to the congregation a few months later (52), again addressing persecution of the believers as well as speculation about the return of Jesus. Paul wants to encourage his readers that the opposition they face will not go unanswered and that Jesus, when he does come, will provide a reckoning and will redress their suffering. In fact, his advent will trigger...

Sermon: The foremost confrontation (Rev 19:19-21)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Confrontation (Rev 19:19-21)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2013

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

We all have to make decisions in life, some decisions more difficult than other decisions.

Four friends went deer hunting and paired off in twos for the day. That night, one of the hunters returned alone, staggering under the weight of an impressive eight-point buck. "Where's Henry?" the others asked. "Henry had a stroke or something. He's a couple of miles back along the trail," his partner replied. "You left Henry lying out there and carried the deer back?" they asked, stunned. "It was a tough call," the successful hunter said, "but I figured...no one's gonna steal Henry!"

We all have to make decisions in life, some more difficult than others. One decision that should not be difficult is what side we will be on in The Foremost Confrontation.

The book of Revelation opens with seven messages to seven churches, then describes a series of divine judgments that will take place against the wicked. This will enrage the opposition, which will gather all its forces in a last ditch effort to gain supremacy. That effort will fail, and it will lead to...

Sermon: The foremost congregation (Rev 7:9-12)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Congregation (Rev 7:9-12)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2013

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

People are naturally curious about the future, both the immediate future and the ultimate future. What will they be doing down the road?

Bob and Doug were not only best friends, they were the biggest of baseball fans. They spent much of their time discussing baseball history, checking the scores, and went to as many games as possible every season. They promised each other that whoever died first would come back and reveal if there was baseball in heaven. One night Bob passed away in his sleep. A few nights later, his pal Doug woke up to the sound of Bob's voice from the beyond. "Is that you Bob?" Doug asked. "Of course it's me," Bob replied. "I can't believe it!" exclaimed Doug. "Tell me, is there baseball in heaven?" "Doug," his friend answered, "I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first?" "Tell me the good news first," Doug replied. "Well Doug, the good news is, you bet there's baseball in heaven.... The bad news is...you're pitching tomorrow."

People are naturally curious about the future. What will they be doing down the road? While the immediate future may be unclear, the ultimate future is not. One day, you will be part of The Foremost Congregation that John describes in his Revelation.

Sermon: The foremost conflagration (2 Pet 3:10-11)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Conflagration (2 Pet 3:10-11)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2013

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

One of the many challenges we face these days is how to deal with a changing world.

A shipwrecked sailor spent several years on a deserted island. Then one morning he was thrilled to see a ship offshore and a smaller vessel pulling out toward him. When the smaller boat grounded on the beach, the officer in charge handed the marooned sailor a bundle of newspapers and told him, "With the captain's compliments. He said to read through these and let us know...if you still want to be rescued."

One of the many challenges we face these days is how to deal with a changing world. At times we might prefer avoiding the challenge altogether. While avoidance might be possible in some situations, it will not be possible when God unleashes The Foremost Conflagration.

We noted last week that in Peter's second epistle, the apostle addresses doubts some people are raising about "the day of the Lord," when God will wrap up His program. Given the delay since Jesus' departure, perhaps the divine plan has changed.¹ Peter assures his readers that the plan is still on track and that any perceived delay is not a problem with God's program but with man's perception, because the Lord's view of time is very different.

Sermon: The foremost consideration (2 Pet 3:9,13)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Consideration (2 Pet 3:9,13)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2013

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

Patience is an important virtue, but it is sometimes difficult to practice, unless what you are looking for is worth the wait.

A prisoner in jail received a letter from his wife: "I want to plant some corn in the back garden, and I'm anxious to get started. The mere prospect of fresh corn makes my mouth water. Would next week be too soon to start?" Her husband, suspecting that the prison guards might be reading the mail, wrote back: "Dear Wife, whatever you do, don't touch the back garden! That is where I buried the money from that last bank heist." A few days later, he received another letter from his wife: "You wouldn't believe what happened. Some law enforcement officers came with shovels and dug up the whole back garden." Her husband replied: "Dear Wife...now is the best time to plant the corn!"

Patience is an important virtue, but it is sometimes difficult to practice, unless your priorities are clear, as God's are in exercising The Foremost Consideration.

As time passed since the period of Jesus' ministry, and as the mission he entrusted to the apostles reached farther into the Roman Empire, some people were beginning to wonder at the delay in the completion of God's program.¹ A few were even raising serious doubts that He would complete it.

2 Pet 3:4 They...say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation."

In response, Peter reminds his readers that God operates on a different timetable, a difference these skeptics intentionally ignore.

Sermon: The foremost configuration (1 Pet 1:2)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Configuration (1 Pet 1:2)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2013

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

Three is a simple number,¹ a number we associate with simple concepts and simple calculations... usually.

Three elderly men are visiting the doctor for a memory test. The doctor says to the first man, "What is three times three?" "274," the man answers. Turning to the second man, the doctor asks, "What is three times three?" "Tuesday," the man answers. Turning to the third man, the doctor asks, "What is three times three?" "Nine", the man answers. "Good," says the doctor. "How did you get that"? "Simple," the third man says.... "I subtracted 274 from Tuesday."

Three is a simple number, a number we associate with simple concepts and simple calculations...usually. Another use of three also involves a simple calculation but not a simple concept, that is The Foremost Configuration in its description of God.²

Sermon: The foremost conformation (Phil 3:21)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Conformation (Phil 3:21)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

When we enter a new stage in life, such as a new place to live or a new job, we may have certain expectations of how things are or should be, expectations that require some adjustment.

A social worker had recently transferred from the big city to the mountains and was touring her new territory. She came upon the tiniest cabin she had ever seen. Intrigued, she knocked on the door. "Is anybody home?" she asked. A child's voice answered, "Yep." "Is your father there?" "Pa? Nope, he left before Ma came in." "Well, is your mother there?" "Nope, Ma left just before I got here." "Are you never together as a family?" she asked. "Sure we are, but not here.... This is the outhouse!"

When we enter a new stage in life, we may have certain expectations that require adjustment. There is a stage of life we will all enter one day, The Foremost Conformation, and it is best to review whatever expectations you may have sooner rather than later.

On Paul's final trip to Jerusalem, after his third missionary journey, he encountered such opposition that he decided to take his case up the political ladder from the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem to the emperor in Rome. Critics, including those sympathetic to Paul's mission, may have thought that the apostle should keep a low profile and conduct his mission of spreading the gospel under the radar of imperial scrutiny. Apparently he felt differently,¹ opting for a more public stance. Taking advantage of his Roman citizenship,² he said to Festus, the procurator in Judea...³

Sermon: The foremost contention (1 Cor 2:9)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Contention (1 Cor 2:9)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

Whenever opinionated people get together, there is potential for argument, and the challenge is deciding whether or not the disagreement is worth the debate, especially when the future may hold something quite different.

Three hunters were walking through the woods when they came upon a set of tracks. The first man said, "These are deer tracks." The second man said, "No, these are elk tracks." The third man said, "You're both wrong; these are moose tracks." The three men were still arguing...when the train hit them.

Whether in the woods or in the church, the challenge is deciding whether or not the disagreement is worth the debate, especially when the future may hold something quite different. That is Paul's concern as he tries to focus his readers' attention on their future as God presents it in The Foremost Contention.

Paul opens his first letter to the Corinthian church, as he does others, with an expression of gratitude for what God has done among the believers there.¹

1 Cor.1:4 I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.

The apostle commends and encourages his readers, reminding them how they have benefited.

1 Cor 1:5 For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge.... 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.

Sermon: The foremost contradiction (Rom 5:7-8)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Contradiction (Rom 5:7-8)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

Sometimes, you have to make a substitution, and usually it is not particularly consequential.

• The restaurant does not have the one item you were craving, and you have to choose a different entre.
• The road to your destination is blocked by construction, and you have to find a different route.
• The shirt you were going to wear has a spot on it, and you have to select a different garment.

A Wisconsin couple decided to take their winter vacation in Florida, and they planned to stay at the same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier. Because of different responsibilities, it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules. So, the husband left Wisconsin and flew to Florida first. His wife would fly down the next day. When the husband checked into the hotel, he noticed a computer in the room, so he decided to send a brief email to his wife, but he accidentally substituted one letter for another in her e-mail address and sent the note without realizing his error.

Meanwhile.....somewhere in Texas, a widow had just returned home from her husband's funeral. He was a minister of many years who was called home to glory. The woman decided to check her e-mail, expecting condolences from relatives and friends. After reading the first message, though, she fainted. The widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother revived but flustered and pointing to a message on the computer screen which read:

To my loving wife,
I've arrived. I know you're surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now, and you're allowed to send e-mails.... Everything has been prepared for your arrival...tomorrow.... P.S. It sure is hot down here!

Sometimes, you have to make a substitution, and usually it is not particularly consequential...although it may be. One time, God made a substitution, and it was very consequential. It was also both unlikely and unexpected, certainly undeserved, and may even have seemed to be The Foremost Contradiction.

Sermon: The foremost continuation (Matt 25:46)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Continuation (Matt 25:46)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

It is generally wise to plan ahead. That may not be possible, though, in every situation.

An insurance agent was teaching his wife to drive when the brakes suddenly failed on a steep, downhill grade. "I can't stop!" she shouted. "What should I do?" "Brace yourself," her husband replied... "and try to hit something cheap."

Planning ahead may not be possible in every situation, especially when events are suddenly moving rapidly to an unpleasant end. If there is time, however, and that unpleasant end is in sight, it may be critical to make a decision sooner rather than later. That is certainly the case with The Foremost Continuation.

Matthew organizes his gospel by alternating between sections of what Jesus did and what he said, between narrative and discourse. In the narrative sections, Matthew relates (among other things) some of the more significant events in Jesus' life, especially his many miracles. In the discourse sections, Matthew records a few of Jesus' extended periods of instruction to his disciples, such as the Sermon on the Mount. As Jesus earthly ministry draws to a close, he gives one more extended discourse to his disciples, this one on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the temple in Jerusalem. That view of God's house prompts the disciples to ask about God's plan for the future

Matt 24:3b "Tell us," they said, "...what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"

Sermon: The foremost confiscation (Matt 13:12)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Confiscation (Matt 13:12)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

When something goes missing, if it is important, it can cause some anxiety, especially if it is taken from us.

As Joe left the meeting and walked toward the parking lot, he hunted for his keys. They were not in his pockets. A return to the meeting room revealed nothing. Then it dawned on him; he must have left them in the car. He headed for the parking lot again, remembering how his wife would often scold him for leaving the keys in the ignition. His usual response was, "The ignition is the best place not to lose them." "Some day," she would reply, "that car will be stolen." Reaching the parking lot, Joe came to a terrifying realization. Her prediction had come to pass. The parking lot was empty. He immediately called the police, gave a description of the stolen vehicle, and confessed that he had left his keys in the ignition. Joe waited a bit, then made the most difficult call. "Honey," he stammered—Joe always called her "Honey" at times like these—"I left my keys in the car, and it's been stolen." There was a period of silence. Then he heard her voice. "Oh, Joseph!" She always called him "Joseph" at times like these. "I dropped you off!" ...Now it was Joe's turn to be silent. Embarrassed, he said, "Well, would you please come and get me." "I will," she replied... "as soon as I convince this policeman I have not stolen your car."

When something goes missing, it can cause some anxiety. Jesus describes something far more important than a vehicle as we continue to answer the question of our series What Is Foremost? This morning we will consider The Foremost Confiscation.

One of the most common rhetorical devices Jesus used in his preaching and teaching was the parable, and the gospels record over forty of them. While the majority of parables appear in only one of the gospels, six parables made a significant enough impression that all three synoptic writers—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—recorded them.¹ One of those six, "The Different Soils," Jesus tells to a large group that has gathered to hear him, now well into his public ministry.

Sermon: The foremost constellation (Matt 2:1-2)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Constellation (Matt 2:1-2)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

Of the many lessons children need to learn, one of the most important is expressing gratitude for what others do.

After Christmas, the children were not always faithful in discharging their thank-you note responsibilities. As a result their grandmother rarely received acknowledgment of the generous checks she gave them. One year, however, things were different. "The children came over in person to thank me," she told a friend triumphantly. "How wonderful!" her friend exclaimed. "What do you think caused the change in behavior?" "Oh, that's easy," the grandmother replied. "This year I didn't sign the checks."

Of the many lessons children need to learn, one of the most important is expressing gratitude for what others do. Thankfully, when God gave His son to pay for our sin, He did not wait to sign the check. He even provided another kind of sign.

Part of the infancy narratives of Jesus is the brief account of a visit by distant travelers. It is an unusual event that raises the question: What interest would a group of affluent gentiles have in a Jewish family of modest means?

Sermon: The foremost conception (Matt 1:20-21)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Conception (Matt 1:20-21)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

Some things you hear are difficult to believe, no matter how long you ponder them.

On a trip to Italy, the tour group stood inside St. Peter's Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. The guide explained, "This church is so large that no man on earth could hit a baseball from one end to the other, not Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron or even Mark McGuire." The group stared in silence at the beautiful marble sculptures, intricate paintings, and glorious mosaics all around the enormous building. Then one tour member asked... "You mean, they actually let them hit baseballs in here?"

Some things you hear are difficult to believe. Some people might find that to be so for The Foremost Conception.

Matthew's task in his gospel is to establish the case for Jesus' being the messiah, and he begins by detailing the rabbi's impressive pedigree, tracing his genealogy back countless generations, a thousand years to David, then two thousand years to Abraham. After that, Matthew takes a completely different tack, indicating that Jesus has another, even more impressive pedigree, that derives from...

Sermon: The foremost construction (Ezek 37:7,10)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Construction (Ezek 37:7,10)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

When Linda and I first began our monthly visits to Snow Hill, the most direct route crossed a small bridge. At some point, the county decided to renovate the bridge and closed it to traffic, which required us to take a longer and less direct route. Every month we looked to see if the "Road Closed" sign was still up. After three years, that sign was a permanent a fixture.... Some construction projects seem to take forever. Perhaps we should have done what another driver did.

The off-ramp of a freeway in Long Beach, CA, has been torn up for years. Eventually, someone put up a handmade sign reading, "Scientists tell us that the sun will burn out in one and a half billion years. It's sad that this contractor...will have to finish working in the dark."

God also has a building project in mind, but once started, He will not stop until it is complete. Much more than a small bridge, it will be The Foremost Construction.

In 586 B.C., the Babylonian army invaded Judah for the third and final time. Each of the three incursions penetrated increasingly deeper into the heart of the Southern Kingdom, finally attacking and destroying the capital itself. The Babylonians probably would have preferred to avoid this campaign, if only the Judean king had cooperated. Alas, he did not. Having refused to pay the required tribute and seeking an alliance with Egypt, King Zedekiah was the last in a series of rulers who defied Nebuchadnezzar, who then saw little choice but to suppress the revolt and to make an example of Judah, lest other vassal states follow.

The situation that precipitated this final attack was actually Judah's persistent failure to heed the warnings of God's prophets. His spokesmen first inveighed against idolatry, which was rampant among the people and had penetrated even the temple. Ezekiel describes the extent of corruption there.¹

Sermon: The foremost conceptualization (Ezek 1:26-28)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Conceptualization (Ezek 1:26-28)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

How do you get your information? The answer probably depends on the kind of information you want. If you watch TV, you can check the Weather Channel to know what the forecast will be or a news channel to get the day's headlines. If you are an internet user, there are sites for that information and more. There are even sites to determine if the symptoms you are experiencing match a particular illness.

Mori was a hypochondriac, always assuming he had some dreaded disease, and he would often check his symptoms on internet web sites, which only fueled his paranoia as his imagination would find connections with some new malady. His alarm grew ever greater with each self-diagnosis but reached its peak as he was researching liver disorders and found himself identifying with every symptom listed: loss of appetite, restless sleep, lethargy. He did feel somewhat better, though, when he read the last symptom.... "No longer enjoys romping and wagging its tail."

How do you get your information? The answer probably depends on the kind of information you want. If you want to know about God, it is best to go directly to the source, as Ezekiel does in The Foremost Conceptualization.

Ezekiel was among a group of Israelite captives that enemy forces relocated to a settlement by the Chebar River in Babylon. He is best known as one of the major prophets, but that was the job God gave him in exile. Before his capture, he was a priest at the temple in Jerusalem, and much of his initial writing concerns the decline of religion back home, among those Judeans the invaders left behind.

Sermon: The foremost constitution (Jer 31:33-34)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Constitution (Jer 31:33-34)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

People enter into many covenants or contracts over the course of life, some more significant than others, from a marriage covenant to a building contract. These voluntary agreements between parties usually involve paper work and the signing of documents.

The new school librarian decided that instead of checking out children's books by writing the names of borrowers on the book cards herself, she would have the youngsters sign their own names. She would then tell them they were signing a "Contract" for returning the books on time. Her first customer was a second grader, who looked surprised to see a new librarian. He brought four books to the desk and slid them across to the librarian, giving her his name as he did so. The librarian slid the books back and told him to sign them out. The boy laboriously printed his name on each book card and then handed them to her with a look of utter disgust. Before the librarian could even start her speech he said, scornfully, "The other librarian we had...could write."

People enter into many covenants or contracts over the course of life, some more significant than others. The most significant is when they enter into an agreement with God, as His people do with The Foremost Constitution.

Sermon: The foremost consolation (Ps 94:19)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Consolation (Ps 94:19)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

When a problem arises, it is consoling to know that someone is watching out for you.

The young man came running into the store and said to his buddy, "Bubba, somebody just stole your pickup truck from the parking lot!" Bubba replied, "Did you see who it was?" The young man answered, "I couldn't tell...but I got the license number."

When a problem arises, it is consoling to know that someone is watching out for you. Only God, however, offers The Foremost Consolation.

Some psalms include a superscription before the first verse that identifies the author, like Ps 90: "A Prayer of Moses, the man of God." Other psalms give details about the occasion for their composition, like Ps 92: "A song for the Sabbath day." Many psalms, though, include no such information, and the reader must search for clues that reveal the author's situation and state of mind as he writes. Ps 94 is an example of the latter. There is no superscription, no indication who wrote it. As one reads the psalm itself, however, it becomes clear that the faithful among God's people are experiencing persecution from unrighteous elements, either inside or outside the land, and the author wants to know how long the Lord will let this go on before He intervenes.¹

Ps 94:3 How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked be jubilant?

Sermon: The foremost conscription (Luke 17:10)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Conscription (Luke 17:10)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

You can tell a lot about a person's character by the way he treats others, especially those he or she considers of lesser status.

After fifty years of wedded bliss, a couple was celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. Their domestic tranquility had long been the talk of the town. A local reporter wanted to know the secret of their long and happy marriage. "Well, it dates back to our honeymoon," explained the man. "We visited the Grand Canyon and took a trip down the bottom of the canyon by pack mule. We hadn't gone too far when my wife's mule stumbled. She said only, 'That's once.' We proceeded a little farther when the mule stumbled again, and she said, 'That's twice.' We hadn't gone a half mile further when the mule stumbled a third time, at which point my wife removed a gun from her pocketbook and shot him. "When I started to protest over her treatment of the poor mule, she looked at me and said... 'That's once.'"

You can tell a lot about a person's character by the way he treats others, especially those he or she considers of lesser status. You can tell a lot about God's character by the way He treats others, especially those He considers of lesser status. Thankfully, He has more patience when we stumble.

Sermon: The foremost contortion (Mark 9:20,25-26)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Contortion (Mark 9:20,25-26)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

You face a host of decisions every day, some more important than others—whether to wear the blue shirt or the brown shirt, whether to go through the yellow light or slow down and stop. In some cases, there may have help in deciding—the blue shirt is dirty but the brown shirt is clean; there is a cop sitting at the corner, and you already have several points on your license. In other cases, there may not be those extra factors that can help you make the decision.

Bill and Bob were talking about making tough decisions. Bill said, "I found a wallet in the church parking lot packed with money." "Did you give it back?" Bob asked. "Not yet," Bill replied. "What are you waiting for?" Bob asked again. "This should be a nobrainer." "Not necessarily," said Bill. "I have to decide—and it's a tough choice.... Is this a temptation from the devil or a provision from the Lord?"

You face a host of decisions every day, some more important than others. If you make consistently wrong decisions about important matters, it will put you on a path that makes you vulnerable to your enemy, Satan. Even if you feel pressure from him despite good choices on your part, bear in mind that your enemy will not win, as is evident in The Foremost Contortion.

Satan enters the biblical narrative at the very beginning, soon after man first arrives. The devil or his minions make an appearance several times thereafter, in various attacks on God's people, but not with any regularity or intensity.¹ That changes with the gospels, where Jesus' advent triggers a backlash from the enemy.²

Sermon: The foremost conversation (Matt 26:39)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Conversation (Matt 26:39)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

Does God hear your prayers? ...Does God answer your prayers? ...Does He always answer them? ...How can you be sure?

At the bottom of the test, the professor had included a statement he wanted students to sign certifying that they had not received any outside assistance during the exam. Turning in his completed test, one student told the professor that he was not sure if he could sign the statement in good conscience, because he had prayed to God for assistance. The teacher gave a cursory glance at the exam and said, "You can sign it with a clear conscience.... God didn't help you."

Does God always answer your prayers? ...How can you be sure? ...You can be sure, because He said He will,¹ and He keeps His word. About His devotee, God says in Ps 91, "He will call upon me, and I will answer him" (v. 15). It is as simple as that. Of course, the particular answer He gives may not be the one you wanted, but that is His decision not yours.

There were probably some events in your life that, if you knew were coming, you would have avoided, were that possible.

• Slowing down to avoid that speeding ticket
• Choosing a different restaurant to avoid that food poisoning
• Holding your tongue to avoid that argument

How many unpleasant experiences might you have avoided if only you had known they were coming? The same may have been true for Jesus, especially concerning an event he knew was coming toward the end of his ministry, an event he mentioned several times to the disciples.

Sermon: The foremost conciliation (Matt 5:23-24)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Conciliation (Matt 5:23-24)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

Marriage, which brings two people closer together than any other earthly union, often highlights personal differences as well as personal imperfections, which can cause stress on the relationship. Nevertheless, marriage also has the potential for character development as two people learn to deal with stress in a productive manner, especially as it promotes conciliation.

Steve wanted a boat more than anything. His wife Sue kept refusing, but he bought one anyway. (Big mistake.) "I'll tell you what," he said to her. "In the spirit of conciliation, why don't you name the boat?" Being a good sport and realizing the limit of her influence in this matter, she accepted. When Steve went to the dock for the maiden voyage, he saw the name painted on the side in bright, bold letters... "For Sale."

It is important that we learn to deal with stress in a productive manner, whether in a marriage or in a less formal relationship. That is what Jesus advocates in his instruction about The Foremost Conciliation.

In the course of Jesus' preaching and teaching, he addresses many issues.¹ His Sermon on the Mount in Matt 5-7, for example, covers a wide range of topics, including advice for interpersonal relations.

• Matt 5:9a Blessed are the peacemakers....
• Matt 5:39b If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
• Matt 7:1 Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
• Matt 7:12a ...in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you....

Only if you can avoid contact with other people can you ignore Jesus' counsel. That is not possible for most, so we do well to take his remarks to heart, including what he says about...

* XLVI The Foremost Conciliation

Sermon: The foremost contamination (Ezek 36:21)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Contamination (Ezek 36:21)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

When a Christian moves to a new area, one of the first things he should do is find a church to attend. Some communities have quite a few, with a wide range of denominations, and that may make choosing one a challenge. Other communities have relatively few churches, which may make the decision easier.

A man had been shipwrecked and stranded alone on a deserted island for 20 years. Just as he had lost all hope, he spotted a ship on the horizon. He lit a signal fire and caught the ship's attention. When it arrived at the island, the captain came ashore and noticed that the man had constructed three buildings. "Excuse me," the captain said, "but you have been alone on this island for 20 years. Why did you build three different houses?" The man replied, "Just the one on the left is my house. The one on the right is my church." The captain, impressed but now even more curious, asked, "What about the building in the center?" "Oh, that" the man answered... "it's the church I used to attend."

No matter where we go, we may bring our problems with us. That is what many Israelites did when they left the Promised Land for exile in Babylon. They brought their problems with them, in particular, the idols they had worshipped in Canaan, a decision that prolonged The Foremost Contamination.¹

Sermon: The foremost contrition (Ps 51:16-17)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Contrition (Ps 51:16-17)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

In order for marriage to work, each party must have confidence in the fidelity of the other. A stable relationship is based on trust.

When Adam stayed out late several nights in a row, Eve became upset. "You're running around with other women," she charged. "Don't be ridiculous," Adam responded. "You're the only woman on earth." The quarrel continued until Adam gave up and went to bed, only to be awakened by someone poking him. It was Eve, of course. "What are you doing?" Adam asked. Eve replied... "I'm counting your ribs."

A stable relationship is based on trust. Adam was not the only man in the Bible whose actions may have come under scrutiny. King David's actual infidelity drew the attention of more than his several wives.¹ It drew the attention of God, and the exposure of David's sin evoked from the king The Foremost Contrition.

Sermon: The foremost conviction (Job 19:25-27)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Conviction (Job 19:25-27)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

When someone tells you a certain action will yield a certain outcome, there may be the possibility of disappointment.

A group of parachute trainees were being taken up for their first jump. The instructor gave the last minute instructions: "After you jump, count to 8 and pull the rip chord. If the chute doesn't open, pull the chord on the backup parachute. After you reach the ground, a green truck will be there for the return trip to the airfield." When it came time for Joe to jump, he did as he had been instructed. After counting to 8, he pulled the rip chord, but the parachute didn't open. So he pulled the backup chord, but the backup parachute didn't open. With deep disappointment, Joe said to himself, "With my luck... the green truck won't be there either."

When someone tells you a certain action will yield a certain outcome, there may be the possibility of disappointment, unless that someone is God, in which case, you can have The Foremost Conviction that what He told you will indeed happen.

Sermon: The foremost concentration (Josh 1:8)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Concentration (Josh 1:8)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

When we embark on a new venture or move to a new area, we my find ourselves overwhelmed by the novelty of what we encounter.

On a family vacation in Texas, Mike exhibited the exuberance of a typical tourist. At a diner, he and his brothers ordered cheeseburgers. When his meal arrived, the first thing Mike noticed was its size. "Wow," he exclaimed, "everything is bigger in Texas!" As he lifted the burger to his lips, his eyes met the cold stare...of a 300-pound waitress.

When we embark on a new venture or move to a new area, we my find ourselves overwhelmed by the novelty of what we encounter. While the Israelites did not encounter extremely large waitresses in Canaan, they did encounter formidable challenges¹ that required them to maintain The Foremost Concentration on what God expected from them, if they were to overcome those challenges.

Sermon: The foremost convocation (Lev 23:3)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Convocation (Lev 23:3)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

When people celebrate significant events, they often want to remember them, even preserve them in some way, and technology can make that possible.

A group of teenagers were celebrating a birthday at a restaurant. Toward the end of their meal, a girl produced a camera to take a group photo. "Wait a minute," one of her friends said. "You have to be in the picture, too." A man having dinner with his wife at a nearby table volunteered to take the shot, much to the young girl's delight. He snapped a picture of the group and then, being unfamiliar with the camera, asked the girl, "Do you want me to take another picture in case that one doesn't come out?" "Oh, no, that's okay," she replied brightly.... "I always get double prints."

When people celebrate significant events, they often want to remember them, although technology may not make that possible. There are other ways, however, to preserve the significance of an event, such as repeating it on a regular basis, which is the method God employs with The Foremost Convocation.

The exodus from Egypt moved the Israelites from bondage to freedom. They no longer served those who enslaved them; they now served the one who redeemed them. Before the exodus, God's specific expectations were relatively few and usually directed to a general audience, such as what He said to Noah in...

Gen 9:4 ...you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it.... 6a Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed....

After the exodus, God's specific expectations become far more numerous and directed to a specific audience,¹ as we read in...

Sermon: The foremost consecration (Lev 20:26)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Consecration (Lev 20:26)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

The quality of a person's character, including his devotion to God, should be reflected in all areas of life. That devotion may also have a beneficial affect in unexpected ways.

Three very religious rabbis in black garb and with long beards are about to play golf. An Irish Catholic, named Mulhaney, also at the course to play, joins the threesome for 18 holes. At the end of the game, his score is 104. The rabbis shoot 69, 70, and 71, respectively. He asks them, "How is it that you all play such good golf?" The lead rabbi answers, "When you live a holy life and attend a synagogue regularly, you are rewarded." Mulhaney loves golf and figures, "What do I have to lose?" So, he converts, finds a synagogue close to his home, which he attends regularly, and lives a holy life.

A year later, he again plays golf with the three rabbis. His score is 104. The rabbis shoot 69, 70, and 71, respectively. He says to them, "Okay, I converted, joined a synagogue, and live a holy life, but I'm still playing lousy golf." The lead rabbi asks him, "Which synagogue did you join?" Mulhaney replies, "Beth Shalom." "There's the problem," the rabbi replies...... "That one's for tennis."

The quality of a person's character, including his devotion to God, should be reflected in all areas of life. That devotion may also have a beneficial affect in unexpected ways...or not.... Regardless of your sporting interests, though, there is great importance to The Foremost Consecration.

Sermon: The foremost content (1 Cor 15:3-8)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Content (1 Cor 15:3-8)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

Easter offers an opportunity to review the content of your faith, what you believe about what God has done, especially His providing for you the prospect of new life.

It was Easter morning, and the minister was preaching about the prospect of new life for believers. He would often illustrate his sermon with a visual aid, and he had come prepared with a good one. Holding up an egg, he asked, "What's in here?" There was a pause as the congregation considered the answer. Then a small voice exclaimed confidently... "Pantyhose!"

Easter offers an opportunity to review the content of your faith. Paul conducts a similar review, although his answer is different, as he describes The Foremost Content.

Paul's letter to the believers at Corinth begins (chapters 1-6) with his counsel on various difficulties that have arisen in the church, problems with...

• Division (1:10-4:21)
• Discipline (5:1-13)
• Lawsuits (6:1-11)
• Immorality (6:12-20)

The letter continues (chapters 7-16) with the apostle's answers to questions the Corinthians have raised on a variety of topics:

• Mixed marriage (7:1-40)
• Idolatrous food (8:1-11:1)
• Corporate worship (11:2-16)
• Observing communion (11:17-34)
• Spiritual gifts (12:1-14:40)
• Bodily resurrection (15:1-58)
• Weekly collections (16:1-4)

Paul's treatment of these various topics continues to be relevant for Christians today, but it is his discussion of bodily resurrection that concerns us this morning.

Sermon: The foremost conversion (1 Pet 1:3,23)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Conversion (1 Pet 1:3,23)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

As you look to the future, there are decisions you will need to make. Some decisions you cannot anticipate and simply must face them as best you can when they arise. Other decisions you may be able to anticipate and prepare to face.

A life insurance salesman was making a routine call on an existing customer. Only the wife was home, so he explained the reason for his visit. "Mrs. Jones, it is a good idea to review your coverage occasionally to make sure it matches your needs. Do you know the present value of your husband's policy?" "What do you mean?" she asked. The salesman explained, "If you should lose your husband, what would you get?" The woman thought a minute, then said... "Probably a poodle."

As you look to the future, there are decisions you may be able to anticipate and prepare to face. The most important decision, of course, is the one that determines where you will spend eternity.

Sermon: The foremost condescension (Phil 2:6-8)

WHAT IS FOREMOST?
The Foremost Condescension (Phil 2:6-8)
pdf
Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

(This sermon is part of Dr. Manuel's sermon series: "What is Foremost?" Links to
each of the sermons in the series will be found here as they are posted.)

It is important to have a realistic assessment of your worth, to know your capabilities and your limitations.

There was an engineer who had an exceptional gift for fixing all things mechanical. After serving his company loyally for over thirty years, he happily retired. Several years later, the company contacted him regarding a seemingly impossible problem they were having with one of their multi-million dollar machines. They had tried everything and everyone else to get the machine fixed, but to no avail. In desperation, they called on the retired engineer who had solved so many of their problems in the past. The engineer reluctantly took the challenge. He spent a day studying the huge machine. At the end of the day, he marked a small "x" in chalk on a particular component of the machine and stated, "This is where your problem is." The part was replaced, and the machine worked perfectly again. The company account manager was surprised, though, when he received a bill for $50,000 from the engineer for his service, and the manager demanded an itemized list of the charges. The engineer responded briefly:

Chalkmark .............................................................................$1.00

Knowing where to put the chalk mark ............................$49,999.00

It is important to have a realistic assessment of your worth.... What should astound you is God's assessment of your worth, which required The Foremost Condescension.