Ron Dart

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Ron Dart 1980 Sermons

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8014 Preview of the Passover
Ritual is far more effective in teaching than just sermons. Apparently, the original Passover was more symbolic than an actual feast. Paul indicates this is also the case for the New Testament Passover. Passover observance required for all Christians. Addresses: In an unworthy manner; Discerning the Lord's Body; Between the evenings; Why burn the lamb; Why no blood on the threshold. There is so much to learn and to gain by observing the Passover, where we have fellowship with the Father and the Son.
8022 The Power of Pentecost
Insight on the 1st Pentecost and the role of power in it. The purpose of tongues was to communicate the wonderful works of God. While tongues were not mentioned in Joel, Joel's prophecy was Peter's point, and tongues were only a means to that end. Power was given to work, to change lives and hearts, to lead to repentance, and not just for show. There is a diversity of gifts, but every Christian is called on to love, empowered by God.
8045 Beyond Disillusionment
At the Feast couple of years after CGI started, Dart gives a harsh message that addresses a lot of the emotions that remain from that split. He relates iniquity in the world with iniquity in the church and how it may lead to the love of many growing cold. It is up to each individual to serve God, regardless of what any other person does, even if that person purports to have been sent by God. Dart gives examples of how the messenger is of little import. Thy Word is truth. How does the 2nd commandment play into this?
8059 When Do You Celebrate Christ's Birth?
Although Christmas has pagan origins, is it OK to celebrate it if we are worshiping Christ? Is it wrong to observe Christ's birth in a non-pagan manor? Clearly, the New Testament church did not celebrate Christ's birth. "Birthdays are not intrinsically wrong." "We do not observe Jesus' birth because there is no Biblical instruction to do so and we don't know when it was." Birthdays are a celebration of the beginning of life, which ideally will lead to spiritual, eternal life. Jesus' birth, however, was just the opposite, marking his transition from spiritual to physical and the beginning of his physical corruption.
8064 Open Letter to a Divided Church
Why does division in a church occur? What to do about it? How do I discern? How do I keep from being part of the problem? An excellent, thorough study of Proverbs both as a guide to how to discern and how to act. Attitude may be a better determining factor than doctrine and righteousness. Also discussed: Leadership in the church; Worshipping at home.
80-01-05 Romans
A direct followup to the 1979 "Romans – Heart of the Gospel" sermon. What is the Christian duty to the civil government? What about taxes, speed limits, customs? What if the leader is immoral or corrupt? Christians and the burning of Rome. Final admonitions.
80-03-15 Exodus and Passover
The law is more than regulatory, it is revelatory, showing man why, rather than just telling him how. The Passover is one such component of the law. Dart examines the Exodus account of the Passover, answering questions like: Why select on the 10th? Keep it at home or at a central location? What is the purpose of the ritual? Is it a feast, a meal? Is it for the Christian? What is the body, the bread for? Why a male lamb? Why without blemish? What does "between the evenings" mean? Why unleavened bread? Why burn the leftover lamb in the morning? Observe this forever? Why Hyssop? Why cedar? A great many of these issues have great symbolism, in great detail, and point forward to Jesus Christ. Dart concludes with the overall importance of the Passover, fellowship with God and Jesus Christ.
80-04-01 Day of Unleavened Bread
Dart looks at 1st Corinthians, which was likely written during the Days of Unleavened Bread. Includes a look a chapter 5’s disfellowship. Being unleavened and fulfilling in reality what we are acting out physically. The problems with a “puffed up” attitude. “The New Testament Church, the Church in Corinth, a church comprised mainly of gentiles, was observing the Days of Unleavened Bread in 55 AD.” Dart also notes that the resurrection was an important part of these days. At times we are told to judge and at times not to. Dart explains very simply and very logically how to know the difference. Message contains positive mentions of Herbert Armstrong, Garner Ted Armstrong, and Rod Meredith.
80-04-05 Faith
Dart narrates as the Bible inspires with numerous stories of faith. Faith = belief = trust. Jesus was limited when the people had a lack of faith. Persistent asking is critical and an expression of faith. Humility is critical. Being offended can be an obstacle to faith. Faith is more than hope. Faith is a gift from God. Often when we ask God, we are to do something ourselves. Do we merely hope or really believe? “Help my unbelief.”
80-04-19 Feast of Weeks
Ascension of Jesus on wave sheaf day as the first of the first fruits. Unleavened bread taken with Passover sacrifice relates to Jesus not being corrupted. No one ascended to the Father before Christ, as no grain was cut before the wave sheaf. 7 weeks of harvest culminating in a great harvest feast. Parallel to the 7 sabbatical years culminating in the Jubilee. 2 firstfruit loaves. Disposition of David’s body. Acts 2 Pentecost. The plan of God.
80-05-10 The Spirit Speaks to the Church
A look at the 7 churches of Revelation 2 & 3, with 5 criticisms and 7 admonitions given. How can an apostle be tested if he is the standard? Toleration of false doctrine seems to be more condemned that the false doctrine itself. The "I have need of nothing" attitude is wrong, so refine your character with trials and repent and accept the sacrifice of Jesus. The overriding admonition of the entire 2 chapters: OVERCOME.
80-05-25 Renewing the Spirit
Pentecost. The Holy Spirit, what it does and the importance of it in the life of the Christian. Must be used, not just accumulated. How to renew it. Examples of the role of out actions in renewing the spirit. How to be renewed in the inward man.
80-05-31 The Publican and the Pharisee
For the self-righteous and judgmental, the focus is on the self, even to the point of demonstrating hostility toward others. The Bible examines these personalities and harshly condemns them. People resist correction, blame others. Dart skewers the arrogant, using the Bible as a weapon.
80-06-07 Genesis 11:27 to 14
Dart gives a Bible study on Genesis 11:27 through Genesis 14, offering insight and commentary throughout. Centers on Abraham, covenants, prophecy of blessings. Were there Holy Days at this time? Includes a lengthy discussion on Melchizidek and tithing.
80-08-16 Second Principle of Financial Security
Should you save for retirement? Should you leave your children an inheritance? Dart effectively resolves what could be seen as a conflict between saving money and giving one's all. What if the end-times are very near?
80-09-13 Genesis 39-44
A Bible study in which Dart reviews Joseph, Potiphar, Potiphar's wife, prison, the baker, the cupbearer, Pharaoh's dreams, Joseph elevated in power, bounty & famine, Joseph's brothers, and Jacob. All narrated with Dart's homespun style and excellent commentary.
1980-09-25 The Feast in Prophecy
Dart discusses the festivals as harvests. What does that tell us? The connection between Pentecost and Tabernacles. Was Joel’s prophecy fulfilled on the first Pentecost? There is a great harvest at the end time, but the work of the church today is not merely to witness or plant the seed, it is to harvest – today. Trumpets is tied to the return of Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God. Dart then describes the re-establishment of the worship of God, and obedience to the law of God. Dart: “I would never trust any human being that I know to enforce even God’s law upon another human being because much harm, much death, and much suffering has been inflicted upon mankind in the name of God and of the law of God.” What are some of the first steps that will occur upon this establishment? What will our role be? Conversion is a process, and we are spread all along that process. The Feast of Tabernacles is a critical component of that lifelong process.
80-09-30 A Call to Prayer
Need inspiration to pray? Listen to this sermon. Prayer played a dominant role in the early church. The people praying for Peter’s release had no more faith than we do, but what they did have was persistence. It is critical to be results-oriented in prayer, not time-oriented. Sharing our needs with each other in important. Dart provides several inspiring accounts of prayers for others being answered. Four points toward getting results in prayer. Prayer is the most powerful weapon in the Christian’s arsenal, if we know how to use it.
80-10-02 The Last Great Day
Why does God not reach down into everyone's life and reveal everything to them? What happens to those who die having never heard the truth? Dart opens up with the Ezekiel 37 dry-bones prophecy, establishing that it is a physical resurrection. They were lost, cut off, returned to Israel, given a second chance at life, and a first chance for salvation. Today is not the only day of salvation. Paul talks extensively about these people. Dart explains God's selection of individuals and strongly warns those selected to not to be conceited. God has blinded people, that they might eventually be saved. When? Who? When does the judgment take place? How do the holy days fit in? The parables? The book of Revelation? The book of life . . the immortality of the soul . . . predestination. Dart answers these questions straight out of the Bible.
1980 Encouragement
Examples of sports teams and how they help, encourage, support, and believe in each other. The advantage of having the support of the home fans. Contrast criticism, put-downs. Confidence is important and fragile and respect is critical for confidence. Paul respected Thessalonians. Paul criticized, but never without surrounding it with respect. Paul drew strength from Thessalonians. Knowing how important these things are, how can we neglect to do them for others?
1980 Is Prophecy Dual?
Examination of the prophecies of Isaiah 7-12.
1980 Primacy of the Individual
Isolated Christians can and do have an impact as salt is scattered. We are responsible to God individually. What's more important, the organization or the individual? Don't offend "little one". Leave the 99 and find the one. No coattail salvation; no group salvation. Ultimately, all evangelism is personal. Shine your light wherever you are.
1980 Right Not To Listen
Inane ideas - is a Christian obliged to listen? Is politeness always the rule or does the Bible instruct otherwise? How do we handle dissention, contentions, false doctrines, and murmuring among members? Romans 16:17; 2 Thessalonians 3. There is a difference between "little ones" and "teachers" and how we treat them. How much time do we spending listening to harebrained ideas? Suggestion by Dart that Herbert Armstrong's teachings were not necessary unique. How do we reconcile having an open fellowship with one who sows discord?