HERE I STAND

                                                                   LUKE 6:45-49                                                                     

Pastor Rick Jackson

Martin Luther was put on notice because of his writings against unscriptural practices in the Roman Catholic Church. He was expected to recant his writings. Luther's books were placed on a table. He was then asked if they were his works and whether he wanted to recant any of the information. Luther requested time to think over his reply and the next day he answered with the well-known speech: "Unless I am convicted by scripture and plain reason - I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other - my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen."

Think of that phrase, "...my conscience is captive to the Word of God... Here I stand." Though Baptists are not Protestants we can appreciate anybody taking a Biblical stand.

I. STAND FOR THE GOSPEL (I COR. 15:1-8)

1. Stand for the vicarious death of Christ (I Co. 2:1-5)

2. Stand for the victorious resurrection of Christ (Acts 26:6, 8, 15, 22-23)

3. Stand for the vital grace of God (Gal. 5:1) (don't be a Christian Pharisee)

II. STAND FOR THE FAITH (I Co. 16:13, Jude 3)

1. Stand in grace, by grace, and for grace (Rom. 5:1-2, I Pt. 5:12)

2. Stand in faith, by faith, and for faith (Rm. 11:20, I Cor. 10:12, II Cor. 1:24)

3. Stand in the Word, by the Word, and for the Word (II Th. 2:13-15, II Tm. 2:15-19)

III. STAND FOR GOD (Ex. 32:26)

1. Stand in and for God's power (Eph. 6:10-18, Ph. 4:1)

2. Stand in and for God's purpose (Phil. 1:27, Col. 4:12)

3. Stand in and for God's plan (Rm. 14:10, I Th. 3:6-13)