CONFESSING JESUS

         Matthew 10:32-33

  Introduction:

        A.  Jesus said in Matt. 10:32-33,

             1.  Confess Jesus or deny Jesus.

             2.  There is no middle ground.  Matt. 12:30

        B.  In the context of Matt. 10, Jesus sends His apostles

              to preach the coming Kingdom.  Vs 14-18, 21-22

              1.  Under these conditions, Jesus said in

                    Matt. 10:32-33,

   I.  What does it mean to confess Jesus?

        A.  The word confess means to acknowledge .

        B.   Two basic ways to confess Jesus publicly:

               1.  Our  talk. Acts 2:36-39, emphasis 36.  Acts 8: 35-38, emphasis verse 37.

               2.  Our  lifestyle. 1 Corinthians 11:1,

                     Romans 8:35-39.

        C.   satan will try to silence us by:

               1.    embarrassing

               2.   ridiculing    Matt. 10:32-33 according

                    to The Message Bible.  Galatians 5:11

  II.  What does it mean to deny Jesus?

         A.  The word deny means a lifestyle of denial.

         B.   Our walk must match our talk. Matt. 7:21-23

   Conclusion:

           A.Read Matthew 10:32-33