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.