October 27 Sermon
In these days of uncertainty here in America, there is this spirit of evil which seems to lurk about just outside the sensory range of most humans, but is less so with believers who trust implicitly in the Word of God. This spirit of pure evil is showing itself more and more often as we get closer to the 2024 election and we look at world events with the Jewish people. The attack on the Jews in Sept 6 is an example. That was a sample of pure evil and unrivaled slaughter of innocents Jews and Americans. This hate has continued to accelerate across US campuses and in events unfolding across Western Europe. This is unprecedented since WWII and has been promoted by American Marxists in liberal institutions. We have seen also how the regressive progressives continue to market and defend unrestrained abortion? How about this unbounded petition by democrats to have unrestricted abortion, and to have it become the law of the land? This edict would in effect mandate and permit the killing of babies days or even weeks after their birth. I believe that is M and is prohibited by the U.S. Constitution which is supposed to guarantee life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness to all who live here. This includes the unborn. The big I opposes anything which protects babies. Perhaps we should have close look at what God says in Proverbs 6, vs 16 and following - These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to [h]Him: 17 A[i] proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. Let’s reread and check this text our beginning in verses17-18 & 19 Key is this 17,Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies. Is there anyone more innocent that the unborn? All of these sins and behaviors are what God hates. These are wrapped up into those who destroy our innocents. But it doesn’t end there. We have child sex trafficking, gender re-assignment surgeries for those who become gender confused. And it goes on and on -with open borders and invited thousands of killers into America to do nothing but rape, kill and destroy. This sounds exactly like someone we know – Satan, who is liar and deceiver from the beginning. Destruction or as our leaders call it restructuring of America which 241027_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +31 “The Certainty of God’s witness_in_2024” “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?”” 1 241027_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +31 “The Certainty of God’s witness_in_2024” “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?” involves destroying the American experiment by endorsing fascism, and communism which is needed to rewriting the US constitution. Here is a fact - Unborn life is and remains life despite being unborn. Perhaps a casual reading of Jerimiah 17 might be good for your soul as you see why God in Jeremaiah is so upset with the nation of Judah because the departed from God, disobeyed His ordinances and laws and valued the worship of idols instead of having a true vibrant relationship with the living God. In the midst of all this mess – God reminds us we are His and the sheep of His field and what He has done for us. But He wants us to understand how much more valuable is life in Him than anything we can find in the world. Just go back to Jesus’ teaching and what do you find? You find the challenge to value the things of God more than your very life. See Deut. 30:18-20. In the lesson which God is giving us in 1st John 5, we find this exception passage that discusses the absolute certainty of God’s Witness to you and I in Christ Jesus His Son. I believe we really, really need to hang on to the certainty of God’s promise as we are faced with the challenges ahead. Let’s pray – Lead us in the way everlasting Amen 1st John, Chapter 5, verses 6-13. 6 This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear witness [b]in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one. 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of [c]God which He has testified of His Son. 10 He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. 11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has [d]life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, [e]and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. 241027_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +31 “The Certainty of God’s witness_in_2024” 2 “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?” 241027_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +31 “The Certainty of God’s witness_in_2024” “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?” Now with the leading of the Holy Spirit we will break down these verses step by step. But you have to anchor these interim verses on that final verse in 1st John 5, verse 13, 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, [e]and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. Why do we sin Blessed Assurance, if there is no assurance? – Jesus is mine – Oh! what a foretaste of glory divine, heirs of salvation purchase of God, born of His Spirit washed in His blood. Verse 6- 6 This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. Confirmed by John the Apostle as a witness to the truth that Jesus came born of Mary by the Holy Spirit and we are born of Jesus Christ by His shedding of blood as the atoning sacrifice as the Son of God. The Spirit of God is God and He bears witness with our spirit that we are His and He is our savior and Lord. Verse -7 7 For there are three that bear witness [b]in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. The Trinity of God bears witness to itself because there can be no higher witness that God confirming that He is God and we are not. AMEN What is the highest court available to believers? It is not the supreme court by the court of Heaven where God judges all things clearly Verse 8- 8 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one. Verse 9 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of [c]God which He has testified of His Son. Verse 10 10 He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. John Chapter 3 after vs 17. Verse 1111 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Verse 12 12 He who has the Son has [d]life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. Verse 13 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal 241027_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +31 “The Certainty of God’s witness_in_2024” 3 “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?” 241027_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +31 “The Certainty of God’s witness_in_2024” “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?” life, [e]and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. God always rebukes unbelief especially in those disciples who are supposed to be walking closely with Him. Challenge - Can we really call ourselves believers if we don’t walk by faith and not by sight? Amen Oct 13 Sermon
John wants believers to know about salvation and life in Christ and what it means to be a “child of the King.” John wants no uncertainty in what he wants to impart and teach every believer so they “know: the truth. That is to know meaning to be completely certain of what the scripture and salvation meant. For example, yesterday after the Gideon prayer time we stayed around and discussed some general issues. One question from a Gideon whose son was being led by a supposed believer who taught everything correctly, except for the fact that he did not believe that Jesus was the son of God. Well today as we study the word of God we will find an answer to this question. Is it necessary to believe that Jesus is the Son of God to be actually saved? The reason John writes these chapters in 1st John is exactly for this reason – to refute and counter apostacy. John is establishing there is only one truth and we as people of the book need to ensure that truth is taught and handed down to our children, to those to who we disciple and others who the Lord puts in our paths as divine appointments. From Ezekiel 3 and 33 we need to remember we are to be watchmen on the wall alerting those about us of impending danger. We are also commission to go and tell and to make disciples of all nations. If we have no or little understanding of God’s Word we are at risk of being deceived. So we are to be people of the Book and have firm assurance of the truths therein. So let’ s proceed with our learning from John of what we find in his letter. We begin in chapter 4 and go to chapter 5. Ist John, Chapter 4:19-23 19 We love [c]Him because He first loved us. 20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, [d]how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. 1st John, Chapter 5, verses1-4, 1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—[a]our faith. Pray with me - Lord God may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, Oh Lord my strength and my Redeemer. Amen Truth #1 19 We love [c]Him because He first loved us. Apart from Jesus coming to find us as lost sheep we could never find Him. He had to send the Holy Spirit to quicken your heart otherwise you are so immersed in sin. Romans 3 says all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. The wages of this sin is death (Romans 6:23), but the gift of God is salvation to whosoever would call upon the name of the Lord. God’s. love motivated Him to reach out to you and you then by your little faith drew you to Himself. He first loved you and this is proven at the cross because He saved your soul, but He had to come to you first. Truth #2 20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, [d]how can he love God whom he has not seen? If you hate your brother you cannot call yourself a Christian and with the same mouth, mind and head knowledge say you love God. You are a liar. That is the truth for when you received Christ as your Lord and Savior you received a new nature from God His Holy Spirit takes up residence in your heart and life. His life in you transforms you into whom God wants you to be, But, you have to cooperate and participate and agree with what He is leading and teaching you. It is necessary for you to be transformed by the renewing of your mind day by day in studying His Word. And God’s nature which is in you is to love others as Christ loved you. This is agape love which the world cannot understand for it comes from God and He alone. Agape love is God’s love which is shed abroad in our lives. This love enables us to endure all things, to love others who may hate us. In your human condition you cannot love others the way God desire you to do. Truth #3 – You have been given a commandment, which is something your cannot ignore- vs. 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. As a believer you have been issued a direct order, no choice and no refusal is permitted. he who loves God must love his brother also.” So now we get into the understanding that to love your brother in your own strength is impossible -Apart from Jesus how much can you do – nothing. (Jn.15.5) Chapter 5.vs 1 1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him Truth #4- 1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, But this is only part of the truth, there is a second part and it says, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. Did you catch this everyone who loves God, loves those who He begot? Oops was that in the fine print. This goes back to chapter 4 last verse which says we are liars if we don’t love the brethren. Straight forward and clear and not difficult to understand and more importantly says we are not saved and aren’t His children. Truth #5 - 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. This is the proof demonstrated by our actions that we have been born from above and gloriously saved and transformed by the blood of the Lamb. Again in John’s teaching - By this we know. The certainty of knowing Jesus changes all. Verse 3 goes with this truth -3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. Perfect love make us wanting to please our Lord and our Father. Truth #6- 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—[a]our faith. A true believer who is born of God overcomes the world system and the things in the world. This is accomplished by our faith as it matures in Him and in Him alone. Hebrews 11:6 says, 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Summarize His truths and live Amen. Oct 6 Sermon
It is now the first week in October and a time of great decision is upon us. Yes, there are political issues, social issues, issues with immigration and illegal aliens, issues with money buying less because of inflation, tyranny in the justice system and corruption, mass murder of infants in the womb, and lies everywhere about everything. Deception and a reprobate mind have been shown from coast to coast. These are not the biggest issue you will face in the days to come. Your biggest and most pressing issue will be your commitment to the Kingdom of God, or the Kingdom of Heaven or however you wish to address it. Will you faithfully stand in the days which follow or will you hide to survive? I was reminded today by a country song about putting you hand to the plow and just holding on. If you think about it this is symbolically what happens to you and I when we ask Jesus Christ to be our savior. We ask Jesus to hold our hand and to lead us to His promised land. He offers us direction and He knows the way, for He is the Way, He is the Truth and He is our life. But Jesus gives assignments to all who would be on mission with Him. And He gives us gifts to help us and He gives us the Holy Spirit to direct our path and help us discern between truth and error/sin. So Jesus then puts our hand upon His plow and He is yoked with us to give us strength from day to day. But we need to hold on and remember who has called us and why He has called us. So we need to hold onto the plow that Jesus is pulling and understand that He provides His strength, His mercy and His grace and He is leading the way. So keeping a tight grip upon the plow requires work on our part. First to have faith that it is God who is at work both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Phil.2.13) 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. Jn.15.5 This is why we must keep our hands on the plow as He directs and He leads and helps us. You know the election which can change the course of our history is happening on 5 November? Less than 30 days from today we may be in the midst of a total disaster because of corruption from within. Just like Rome and Jerusalem. So the stakes are high and you must ensure you and yours vote. We must get believers out to vote and vote for not perfection but those who are working for preserving life, who are obeying the rule of law and want what is best for the nation on the basis of the constitution. So how can we know the way for us to proceed? What foundation is needed to lead us in right thinking and righteous behavior. We need to look no further than our text from 1st John Chapter 4, verses 10- 16. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Please pray with me- Father, may You give us clarity of understanding and apply this word to our hearts so we may live it, then walk in them for the are our necessary food. We are desperate for You ,Oh Lord. Visit us today. Amen Vs. 10 - There is absolute truth in these scriptures let’s mine it in verse 10 first. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. There are two facts here we must understand about this verse. First is because of sin there is no one who comes to God . read John 6.44 where Jesus says, No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. Without the quickening of your spirit you could never come to know who Jesus is. 2nd factoid of this verse is in the use of the word - propitiation . propitiation for our sins. From the word’s meaning, it translates a form of the word - “the mercy seat.” Christ literally became “our mercy seat” like the one in the Holy of Holies, where the High-Priest splattered the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:15). Christ death accomplished this when His blood was spilled on the cross. Jesus’ righteous sacrifice satisfied the demands of God’s holy justice and His wrath against sin. Vs.11- When God sent His Son, Jesus grants Christians not only salvation but an obligation to follow His pattern of sacrificial love. Our personal Christian love is to be self-sacrificing and giving just like God’s love. Vs. 12 –12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. The point is this – our Heavenly Father is not visible to us and Jesus is no longer in our world to demonstrate the love of God. The demonstration of God’s love today is by and in the church, hence, this is - the church age. John’s argument in vv. 7–12 can be summed by this: love is part of the essential nature of God. Love was demonstrated in His Son, and today God’s Love is in shown in His people. Vs. 13-14, 13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. .Another grounding fact is presented to us by John. The phrase - By this we know - He has given us His Spirit. The Spirit of Christ dwells in all believers. And here we have the testimony of not just anyone but John – the disciple who Jesus loved. His confirming testimony and he has the scars to prove the Jew wanted to kill him, All because he was with Jesus an eyewitness to God’s grace. (Vs. 14) Vs 15 & 16 are the evidences of a changed life. A life which has been reborn in the image of Christ and not in the sinfulness of men. Alife which is God centered and not self-centered. A life that reflects the love of God. Read verses 15 and 16 , 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Do you remember Romans 10:9-10 about confession -9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved? 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. John agrees with this. His verse 15 has similar elements to Romans. John is furthering our understanding of this event as he provides the revelation that confession and repentance allow God to abide and live in us and we in Him. Vs. 16 confirms to us that obedience to God in Christ by keeping His Commandments and loving one another is evidence of a changed heart, which only God can do. Because the essential nature of God is love and when you exhibit love you are being like Him. Did you know what was said to Mary is true of you if you have received the birth from above – You are highly favored ones but Keep your hands on the plow- Hold on! He leadeth me! Sept 29 Sermon
Key verse from Chapter 3 -24 Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. Now abide these three faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is Love. 1st Cor.13 Chapter 4 – 1st John beginning on verse 1 says, - 4 1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess [a]that Jesus [b]Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. 4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. . 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. , He who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. Note John Chapter8, verse 47. This is an important verse and we should pay close attention to its meaning and scope. The verse reads - He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” Knowing God Through Love 7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. Vs. 2√The first test of a true teacher: they acknowledge and proclaim that Jesus is God incarnate in human flesh. The Gr. construction does not mean that they confess Christ as having come to earth, but that they confess that He came in the flesh to the earth, i.e., His human body was physically real. Jesus was both fully human and fully divine. Jesus must be equally maintained by the teacher who is to be considered genuinely of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit testifies to the true nature of the Son, while Satan and his forces distort and deny that true nature. John here reinforces the importance of sound doctrine expressed in the Bible. It is the one absolute and trustworthy standard. (cf. Is. 8:20). Vs. 3 - False teachers who deny the true nature of the Son are to be identified as antichrists in 2:18, 19 (2 John 7). The same demonic deception will work in the same manner to deliver the final world ruler (see Rev. 13:1–8) who rules as the false Christ is always actively seeking to distort Jesus Christ. ’s true nature, perverting the gospel. The final Antichrist will not be something new, but will be the final installment of all the antichrist spirits that have perverted truth and propagated satanic lies since the beginning.(Satan’s prince of power of the air.) Vs. 4 - Believers need to be aware and alert to false teaching, but not afraid, since those who have experienced the new birth with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit have a built-in check against false teaching (cf. 2:20, 27). The Holy Spirit leads us into sound doctrine for actual believers evidencing that salvation has actually occurred (cf. Rom. 8:17). Actual believers have nothing to fear, for even Satan’s hosts can’t snatch them out of our Lord’s hand. Vs. 5 - They speak as of the world . . . He who knows God hears us. John now provides the second test of a Believing teacher: they speak God’s word, following apostolic doctrine. 2nd test for validation for a called teacher Vs. 6 - Demonically inspired teachers either reject God’s Word or add additional elements to it (2 Cor. 4:2; Rev. 22:18, 19). Think of sects or cults – always Jesus +something. The Old and New Testaments are the sole standards by which all teaching is to be tested/verified.( Highly Important to remember is the key verse 1st Jn. 4.4 - because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. Satan was defeated on the cross of Calvary. Vs. 7 – This is an important phrase in this verse and key to the remainder of the chapter -let us love one another. This phrase conveys the idea of ensuring love is a habitual practice. John had already written that those who are truly born again do exhibit the characteristic habit of love Now to everyone who loves is born of God. If you have been born from above or as we say born again you have received a new nature. It is God’s nature (cf. 2 Pet. 1:4). It is God’s intrinsic nature to exhibit love as a chief characteristic of His person. So God’s children will by their very nature also reflect His love. <Holy Spirit> Vs. 8 - He who does not love does not know God. Many people may profess to be a Christian or as we are calling them more precisely believers. But if you remember Jesus said to some -depart from Me you workers of iniquity, I never knew you. Only those who share and shine in the love of Christ are those that actually possess His divine nature and are truly born again. Vs. 9 – In this verse John defines the second of 5 reasons why Christians are supposed to love. The reason is we as believers are to follow the supreme example of God’s sacrificial love in sending His Son. Sin was judged on the cross in a COSMIC event and is the supreme example of God’s love. God poured out His wrath on His beloved Son in place of sinners such as you and I(John 3:14–16; Rom. 5:8; 2 Cor. 5:21; only begotten. Five of the NT’s nine uses of this term are from John (John 1:14, 18; 3:16, 18). John always uses this expression as a picture of His unique relationship to the Father, His pre-existence, and His distinctness from creation. The term defines Jesus Christ, as the one and only. His judgement of sin, by dying on the cross is only one of His kind. It was He, whom the Father sent into the world as the greatest gift ever given so that we might have eternal life (cf. John 3:14, 15, 12:24). Vs. 10 - propitiation for our sins. For the word’s meaning, translates a form of this word as “the mercy seat.” Christ Himself, became our mercy seat. He is the exact representation of the one in the Holy of Holies, where the High-Priest splattered the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:15). Christ death did this when His blood, spilled on behalf of others. He satisfies the demands for God’s justice and wrath against sin. Vs. 11 – In God’s sending His Son, He gives Christians not only the privilege of salvation, but the command and duty to follow His example of sacrificial love. Believers love must be become self-sacrificing like God’s love. Are you loving as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it? Or are you like me who must continually run to the Savior? September 8 Sermon
1st John, Chapter 3, verses 10-23 The Imperative of Love10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. 11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, 12 not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.13 Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates youLet us pray now! God help us to realize the truth that you have packed into Your word and to embrace if and seek it for ourselves that we make abide and walk closer to you each day-AMENVs. 10- This summary verse is the key to what we studied last Sunday in verses 4- to 10 There are only two kinds of spiritual children in the world: those who are God ‘s and those who are of Satan. It is impossible for anyone belong to both families at the same time. Either you belong to God’s family and you practice and demonstrate His righteous character, or you belong to Satan’s family and exhibits his lustful, prideful and sinful nature. VS. 11 from the beginning. Since the beginning of gospel proclamation, love has been a central theme of Christianity. John emphasizes what they heard “from the beginning” (1:1; 2:7, 24) to demonstrate the false teachers were preventing that which God, , proclaimed. we should love one another. This phrase highlights the love which is displayed by those who have receive the new nature from above. Love is not merely an optional duty for someone claiming to be a Christian, but a proof positive you have been born again (1 Pet. 1:22, 23).In Vs 12 - John presents the first of three behaviors of the devil’s children which shows their lack of love--murder, which is the ultimate expression of hate. According to the text his works were evil. Cain’s offering was not acceptable because his heart and nature was sinful (cf. Gen. 4:5). Absolute jealousy and a hardened heart was behind his hate and murder, this mirrors the hate and jealousy of the religious leaders who had Christ executed. Vs 13 tells us that Satan is behind all the persecution and martyrdom of believers in this world.Being born again and by faith and confession of Jesus Christ as our only Lord and Savior is how we are saved. Being saved and becoming a Christian is a resurrection from death to life, and a turning of hate to love (cf. Gal. 5:6 Galatians 5:6 NKJV, 22).If you and I demonstrate a lack of love that indicates that we are actually spiritually dead. Love is the great and sure test of whether someone has experienced the new birth or is still living in the darkness of spiritual death. abides in death. Someone who is characterized by hate has never experienced new birth from above.In vs. 14 - Becoming a Christian is a resurrection from death to life, and a turning of hate to love (cf. Gal. 5:6, 22). A lack of love indicates that one is spiritually dead. Love is the sure test of whether someone has experienced the new birth or is still in the darkness of spiritual death (2:9, 11). abides in death. Someone who is characterized by hate has never experienced the new birth. Here in verse 15 we find the second characteristics of 3 which defines the devil’s children and shows us more about their lack of love. In God’s perfect reckoning hatred is spiritually equivalent to murder. Another way of expressing this is, the attitude of one’s heart is equal to the act. Hate is a seed that leads to actual physical murderous intent and actions; first seen in the the hatred of Cain for Abel which resulted in murder. The verse says it all - 15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. Vs 16. Now we come to the standard which John delivers to the church of what is Christian love. Read with me verse 16. 16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. This is no simple statement provided for our consideration this is the expectation of love which God has for every believer. This standard becomes the yard stick for every expression of love. Here John presents the third characteristic of Satan’s children in terms of the lack of love. Satan’s children are marked by indifference toward the needs of others’ needs. But Jesus - He laid down His life for us. This phrase is only found in the epistles and gospel of John. This speaks of getting rid of something. But our Christian love is in and of itself self-sacrificing and giving. Christ’s giving up His life for believers more than demonstrates the nature of how we should live as believers. The phrase we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. Here is the true test or standard of our love which Christ wrought for us. It is the same standard of love for one another as He had for us. Vs 17 tells us that true love isn’t limited to just the ultimate sacrifice of giving one’ life for another. There are many lesser but important ways to give your love to others. True Christian love expresses is indeed sacrificial in giving to the needs of others. Christian love is practical love in that it motivates us to assist others. Where this type of love does not exist, it is questionable that God’s love is present. If that is so, it is also questionable whether the person is the Lord’s child – you shall know them by their fruit. (Matt.7.16). Verses 18 to 24 are to produce confidence in Christians that when God’s love is actually in them we can have confidence we have been transformed. Vs 18 is straight forward as our actions speak louder than words. If we are demonstrating love it shows God’s love is in us. Vs 19 says this 19 And by this we [d]know that we are of the truth, and shall [e]assure our hearts before Him. A life which demonstrates love in action is a proof of a changed heart where love abounds. John denotes three specific benefits of a changed heart because of the Holy Spirit and His love lives within us. The first benefit is assurance of salvation (assure our hearts) since love in action is a real test of our Christian profession of faith. Vs 20 is important for us to fully understand - if our heart condemns us, God is greater. God knows those who are truly His (2 Tim. 2:19) and He wants to reassure His children of their salvation. Christians may have insecurities and doubts about salvation, but God does not condemn them Demonstrating love as our new pattern of life is proof we as believers can now stand uncondemned before the God who saved us. Check out (Rom. 8:1). Vs. 21 this verse makes a profound and reassuring statement about living the new life in Christ. When a believer recognizes in his life the development over time of love in both deeds and actions, this should result in increased confidence about our relationship with the Father. Verse 22- talks about the second benefit of a new nature living within us. When love is demonstrated in our lives we receive answered prayer. Since love is the heart of obedience to the law (cf. Matt. 22:37–40; Rom. 13:8–10), its presence in our lives, it evidences our submission to God which He blesses with answered prayers. Here is the bottom line – “because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. Verse 23 cites the third benefit of becoming a child of God who has been born from above- that benefit is Immanuel (God with us and in us), the indwelling of the Holy Spirit In conclusion these verses 23 and 24 repeat the 3 features of this epistle— which are to believe in Christ, to love as Christ loved, and to obey as Jesus did. These are the major evidences of our true salvation and a changed heart and life Question is do you actually know Jesus Christ or do these verses challenge what you have believed and thought. Then perhaps the Spirit of God is calling to you to confess and turn to Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior. Will you come to the one who loves you and is calling no. Today is day of salvation -Come now! Comments are based upon what is found in John McArthur’s Study Bible version 2. |
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Aug 25 Sermon
These things I have written to you concerning those who try to [f]deceive you. 27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you [g]will abide in Him.
The Children of God
28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that [h]when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices “righteousness” is born of Him.
The Command to Love
Chapter 3, verse 1, Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed <given unto us> on us, that we should be called children of [a]God! Therefore the world does not know [b]us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
Prayer - Lord may I hold this word in my heart that I might not sin against thee and the I may prosper in what you have sent! Amen (Isa.55.11)
Ezekiel 3 and 33 calls us to be watchmen on the wall-3:16-17 says 16Now it came to pass at the end of seven days that the word of the Lord came to me, saying,17“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me:Chapter 33, verses 2 and 6 say this, 2“Son of man, speak to the children of your people, and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from their territory and make him their watchman. Now to verse 6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.’
We are to warn of imminent danger. I believe we are coming to the point of imminent danger soon and therefore have an obligation to tell others about approaching calamity in death. And this is not just simply dying but eternal death forever. I want to remind us of our obligation and duty but we have such a wonderful message to proclaim and we have all the resources of God to enable us to proclaim it to our families, friends and others to whom the Lord would direct out path as we abide in Him and are on mission.
Now I get this all the time- I thought that was the pastors and the evangelists jobs, isn’t that what we pay them to do. Well not according to what is says in my bible in the gospel of John 15:16- 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. So don’t argue with me take it up with Jesus Christ the Son of God. He rules - Psalm 22;28
How does God enable us to participate in alerting nations to Satan’s activity and gives us strength in the process of going, even though we are weak? <Hint- He is strong>
Point 1- To our text – 1st John Chapter 2, verses 26 and 27 begin to define the assistance He can and will provide- 26 These things I have written to you concerning those who try to [f]deceive you. 27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you [g]will abide in HimNote the beginning phrase– people, ideas and the very prince of the power of the air is trying to deceive you from the truth and make you blind. They are the ones trying to deceive you and yours by stirring in you and I, the pride of life, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes.“But”, is one of those wonderful prepositions which God has given to us, for us to understand He has made a way in the midst of the darkness. How? You might ask. By the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you. God here is promising to be your teacher, so that you will not be drawn away from the truth, so no one need to teach you. The Holy Spirit is God And God the Spirit of Truth resides/abides in you and has sealed you with the Holy Spirit of promise as recorded in Ephesians 1:13-14. He guarantees the redemption of the purchased possession and speaks only Truth to your heart. The remainder of this verse states this - the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you [g]will abide in Him.The same anointing is the Holy Spirit who is God is our teacher. And to what level of instruction does He teach? According to this verse – all things. And His word is True and the Truth and in Him is whom we live and abide. Meaning we will be in fellowship with God.Point 2 -28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that [h]when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.Here we are commanded as new and growing believers <little children> to have continued fellowship with Jesus by prayer, bible study, fellowship and good works – telling others and helping as commanded by the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. For it is by the Holy Spirit that God speaks today through the Word of God, by events, in prayer and seeking Him. To do so requires us to be quiet before Him to hear His voice. Abiding will keep us near Him so that we will not be ashamed before Him when He comes to judge us.Point 3 – now to verse 29 and continuing into Chapter 3, 29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices “righteousness” is born of Him.Here John digs into meat. If we study scripture we know our righteousness is a filthy rags, but His righteousness was delivered to you and I by a perfect life, and the shedding of His perfect blood on the cross. He gives His righteousness to whosoever will may come. This is a deep mystery of God revealed by Jesus in establishing His people – the church. The point here is that if we are actually pursuing righteousness than we should practices “righteousness. Being a watchman is practicing “righteousness by abiding in fellowship like we just described and telling others that calamity is coming.Now continuing these ideas but going to Chapter 3, verse 1, we read, Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed <given unto us> on us, that we should be called children of [a]God! Therefore the world does not know [b]us, because it did not know Him.Can you believe that God gave Himself to each one of us? – creating new life, His life in us, to bring us back in proper fellowship to Himself. That is the only way we can become and be called the Children of God (John 1.12- to as many as received Him to them He gave the power to become the sons of God.) So we can agree to Oh what manner of love the Father has given unto us- children of the King. Now when you seriously practice fellowship in Christ and seek to be righteous as He is righteous -the world will hate you. Why because the world hates righteousness, especially the righteousness of God. Therefore the world does not know [b]us, because it did not know Him.Point 4 – The Watchman in order to maintain and follow Jesus must comply with the following: It says, in Chapter 3 verse 2, 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. Verse 2 is a great promise to the faithful watchman of God – we shall be like Him and we shall see Him.
In finalizing these ideas John revels a great promise in verse 3,
3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. A watchman in order to meet the stringent requirements outlined here and in Ezekiel needs extra help. As a human involved in spiritual warfare we do not have the resources or skills to navigate, nor have the power to counter evil in the heavenly places -2nd Cor. Chapter 10 says beginning in verse says, 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not [a]carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
We are on call to be watchman on mission for God to our families - children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are within our reach. Then to friends, and to others where God leads. We should desire with all our hearts to be faithful to our calling.
These things I have written to you concerning those who try to [f]deceive you. 27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you [g]will abide in Him.
The Children of God
28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that [h]when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices “righteousness” is born of Him.
The Command to Love
Chapter 3, verse 1, Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed <given unto us> on us, that we should be called children of [a]God! Therefore the world does not know [b]us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
Prayer - Lord may I hold this word in my heart that I might not sin against thee and the I may prosper in what you have sent! Amen (Isa.55.11)
Ezekiel 3 and 33 calls us to be watchmen on the wall-3:16-17 says 16Now it came to pass at the end of seven days that the word of the Lord came to me, saying,17“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me:Chapter 33, verses 2 and 6 say this, 2“Son of man, speak to the children of your people, and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from their territory and make him their watchman. Now to verse 6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.’
We are to warn of imminent danger. I believe we are coming to the point of imminent danger soon and therefore have an obligation to tell others about approaching calamity in death. And this is not just simply dying but eternal death forever. I want to remind us of our obligation and duty but we have such a wonderful message to proclaim and we have all the resources of God to enable us to proclaim it to our families, friends and others to whom the Lord would direct out path as we abide in Him and are on mission.
Now I get this all the time- I thought that was the pastors and the evangelists jobs, isn’t that what we pay them to do. Well not according to what is says in my bible in the gospel of John 15:16- 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. So don’t argue with me take it up with Jesus Christ the Son of God. He rules - Psalm 22;28
How does God enable us to participate in alerting nations to Satan’s activity and gives us strength in the process of going, even though we are weak? <Hint- He is strong>
Point 1- To our text – 1st John Chapter 2, verses 26 and 27 begin to define the assistance He can and will provide- 26 These things I have written to you concerning those who try to [f]deceive you. 27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you [g]will abide in HimNote the beginning phrase– people, ideas and the very prince of the power of the air is trying to deceive you from the truth and make you blind. They are the ones trying to deceive you and yours by stirring in you and I, the pride of life, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes.“But”, is one of those wonderful prepositions which God has given to us, for us to understand He has made a way in the midst of the darkness. How? You might ask. By the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you. God here is promising to be your teacher, so that you will not be drawn away from the truth, so no one need to teach you. The Holy Spirit is God And God the Spirit of Truth resides/abides in you and has sealed you with the Holy Spirit of promise as recorded in Ephesians 1:13-14. He guarantees the redemption of the purchased possession and speaks only Truth to your heart. The remainder of this verse states this - the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you [g]will abide in Him.The same anointing is the Holy Spirit who is God is our teacher. And to what level of instruction does He teach? According to this verse – all things. And His word is True and the Truth and in Him is whom we live and abide. Meaning we will be in fellowship with God.Point 2 -28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that [h]when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.Here we are commanded as new and growing believers <little children> to have continued fellowship with Jesus by prayer, bible study, fellowship and good works – telling others and helping as commanded by the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. For it is by the Holy Spirit that God speaks today through the Word of God, by events, in prayer and seeking Him. To do so requires us to be quiet before Him to hear His voice. Abiding will keep us near Him so that we will not be ashamed before Him when He comes to judge us.Point 3 – now to verse 29 and continuing into Chapter 3, 29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices “righteousness” is born of Him.Here John digs into meat. If we study scripture we know our righteousness is a filthy rags, but His righteousness was delivered to you and I by a perfect life, and the shedding of His perfect blood on the cross. He gives His righteousness to whosoever will may come. This is a deep mystery of God revealed by Jesus in establishing His people – the church. The point here is that if we are actually pursuing righteousness than we should practices “righteousness. Being a watchman is practicing “righteousness by abiding in fellowship like we just described and telling others that calamity is coming.Now continuing these ideas but going to Chapter 3, verse 1, we read, Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed <given unto us> on us, that we should be called children of [a]God! Therefore the world does not know [b]us, because it did not know Him.Can you believe that God gave Himself to each one of us? – creating new life, His life in us, to bring us back in proper fellowship to Himself. That is the only way we can become and be called the Children of God (John 1.12- to as many as received Him to them He gave the power to become the sons of God.) So we can agree to Oh what manner of love the Father has given unto us- children of the King. Now when you seriously practice fellowship in Christ and seek to be righteous as He is righteous -the world will hate you. Why because the world hates righteousness, especially the righteousness of God. Therefore the world does not know [b]us, because it did not know Him.Point 4 – The Watchman in order to maintain and follow Jesus must comply with the following: It says, in Chapter 3 verse 2, 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. Verse 2 is a great promise to the faithful watchman of God – we shall be like Him and we shall see Him.
In finalizing these ideas John revels a great promise in verse 3,
3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. A watchman in order to meet the stringent requirements outlined here and in Ezekiel needs extra help. As a human involved in spiritual warfare we do not have the resources or skills to navigate, nor have the power to counter evil in the heavenly places -2nd Cor. Chapter 10 says beginning in verse says, 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not [a]carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
We are on call to be watchman on mission for God to our families - children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are within our reach. Then to friends, and to others where God leads. We should desire with all our hearts to be faithful to our calling.
Aug 18 Sermon
Last week we looked at the first parts of this lesson only getting really to the end of verse 17. This was because we needed to dig deep into the Word of God and understanding the necessity of depending upon His truth and not out feelings or our own understanding. It is quite easy for us when difficulties arrive to revert to complaining about our circumstances and lose focus on our belief and knowledge that God is in the middle of all parts of our lives directing our path (Psalm 119:105)Learning to live and actually be one who is dispelling the darkness takes discipline I know for sometimes I just want to kick it away and say let me be. But even today when folks are calling us strange, we should not reach because according to the Word of God that is exactly what we are supposed to be. Read this 1 Peter 2:9 - 9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people <a peculiar people in KJV>, that you may proclaim the praises<excellencies> of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Jesus said in John 15:19-21, 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
Spend some time digesting these verses1. 19 If you were of the world,2. you are not of the world <aliens and strangers>3. , but I chose you out of the world- John 15:164. therefore the world hates you5. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.6. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
So let’s summarize what we covered last week1. The world referred to here is the world owned and operated by Satan. i.e., the world system2. Here are the sins related to the World system - lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.<Satan> 3. And the world <system> is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. Those who are obedient and follow God’s will abide as His people forever. Remember God offers eternal life to His children, and this age is doomed (cf. 1 Cor. 7:31)
18 Little children, it is the last hour;These are the final days of this earth and this dispensation of grace to all whom would believe on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and believe. Our time is short for His return is near- Mark 13. No One Knows the Day or HourMark 13:32-34, 32 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.34 It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch.Remember also we have 3 stages of spiritual growth. “Fathers,” the most mature. These are those who have deep knowledge of Eternal God and an established relationship. The pinnacle of spiritual maturity is to know God in His fullness (cf. Phil. 3:10). “Young men” are those who, do brand new believers not yet firm in their faith. These are those who have not yet fully matured as believers and don’t have mature experience in knowing God in His Word and through life. Young men know sound doctrine. are firmly against sin because they have His Word and Truth in them. They are overcomers of the wiles of the devil. (cf. Eph. 4:14 They have overcome Satan’s lies and deception. “Little children” are those who have only the basic awareness and understanding of God. These persons need spiritual food and nurturing by God to grow in wisdom and grace and knowledge. But know this all three types are in God’s family and manifest Christ’s character and nature but at differing degrees.Now please read with me beginning in verse 18, Chapter 2, 1st John,Deceptions of the Last Hour18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the[d] even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you[e] know all things. 21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.Let Truth Abide in You24 Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.26 These things I have written to you concerning those who try to [f]deceive you. 27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you [g]will abide in Him.Prayer - May God add His blessing to the reading of His Word and to our understanding and application. AMENLet us begin as we study verse 18.
Verse:18 the Antichrist. This is the first use of the term “antichrist.” This word is found only in John’s epistles (4:3; 2 John 7). Here it refers to the coming final world ruler energized by Satan who seeks to replace and oppose the true Christ (Dan. 8:9–11; 11:31–38; 12:11).
Note this -even in John’s day many antichrists have come. While the first use of this term refers to a singular occurrence of a particular individual prophesied in Scripture, many antichrists is plural and refers to multiple persons.
John uses this term to identify the false teachers who were continually invading the churches with their false doctrines which distort the true message and directly oppose Christ The term refers to a principle of evil, incarnate in men, who are hostile and opposed to God and His absolute truth (cf. 2 Cor. 10:4, 5). John exposes them as false teachers - wolves in sheep’s clothing.
-the last hour. This phrase refers to the “latter times” or “last days,” i.e., the time period between the first and second comings of Christ (1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Pet. 3:3; Jude 18). This is the time, the days, if you will, in which we currently live.
Verse 2:19 They went out from us . . . none of them were of us. The first characteristic of all antichrists, i.e., false teachers and deceivers (vv. 22–26), is that they always depart from the faithful. They show up within the church and depart from true fellowship and lead people out with them. This verse reinforces what is called- the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. Those who are genuinely born again from above must and will endure in their faith and fellowship with believers and the truth (1 Cor. 11:19; 2 Tim. 2:12). The ultimate test of your true identity as a Christian is your endurance in the faith (Mark 13:13; Heb. 3:14). The departure of these people from the truth and the fellowship of believers reveals they were not true believers who have been changed from above.Verses: 20 and 21 provide clear characteristics which mark genuine believers in contrast to those we would call antichrists. First, the Holy Spirit (“the anointing,” v. 27) guards their hearts and minds and keeps them from error (cf. Acts 10:38; 2 Cor. 1:21). We need to re-read these verses for our own understanding.Jesus Christ as the Holy One of God, (Luke 4:34; Acts 3:14) imparts the Holy Spirit as our guardian from deception. Second, the Holy Spirit guides the believer into knowing “all things and the Truth” (John 14:26; 16:13). True believers have a built-in lie detector and He helps us persevere in the truth. Those who remain in heresy and apostasy demonstrate by their actions they were in fact never genuinely born again (cf. v. 19).Verses:22, 23 denies the Father and the Son. A second characteristic of antichrists is that they deny faith in Jesus Christ(i.e., sound doctrine). Anyone who denies the true nature of Jesus Christ as given in the Scripture is an antichrist (cf. 4:3; 2 Thess. 2:11). And did you know that denying Jesus Christ the Son also constitutes a denial of God the Father Himself, who testifies to and about His Son (5:9; John 5:32–38; 8:18).
24 Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.
Verses 2:24, 25 which you heard from the beginning. The gospel does not and cannot change. Let it remain, do not chase and follow false teachers (cf. 2 Tim. 3:1, 7, 13). Christian truth is fixed and unalterable (Jude 3). If we stay faithful to His truth, we continue to experience intimate communion with God and Christ and He will ultimately preserve us to eternal life in Heaven (John 14:1ff)
Vs 27-
2:27 anointing. Here John is not denying the importance of Spirit filled teachers in our churches (1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11) but indicates that neither those teachers nor those believers are dependent on human wisdom or the opinions of men for the truth. God’s Holy Spirit guards and guides each true believer into His truths (see vv. 20, 21). If God is true (cf. 2 Chr. 15:3; Jer. 10:10; John 17:3; 1 Thess. 1:9) and Christ is the truth (cf. John 14:6), so is the Holy Ghost/Spirit in the truth (cf. 5:6; John 15:26; 16:13).
-abide in Him. In response to such deceivers, the task of the genuine believer is to “walk continually in the truth,” i.e., persevere in faithfulness and sound doctrine (see vv. 20–21; 2 John 4; 3 John 4).
Do you understand the truth of what God has just spoken to you through 1st John Chapter 2?
Have you really been saved?
If not, the you need to read Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8 and Romans10:9.10 Romans 10:9-10; and Romans 10:13.
Last week we looked at the first parts of this lesson only getting really to the end of verse 17. This was because we needed to dig deep into the Word of God and understanding the necessity of depending upon His truth and not out feelings or our own understanding. It is quite easy for us when difficulties arrive to revert to complaining about our circumstances and lose focus on our belief and knowledge that God is in the middle of all parts of our lives directing our path (Psalm 119:105)Learning to live and actually be one who is dispelling the darkness takes discipline I know for sometimes I just want to kick it away and say let me be. But even today when folks are calling us strange, we should not reach because according to the Word of God that is exactly what we are supposed to be. Read this 1 Peter 2:9 - 9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people <a peculiar people in KJV>, that you may proclaim the praises<excellencies> of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Jesus said in John 15:19-21, 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
Spend some time digesting these verses1. 19 If you were of the world,2. you are not of the world <aliens and strangers>3. , but I chose you out of the world- John 15:164. therefore the world hates you5. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.6. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
So let’s summarize what we covered last week1. The world referred to here is the world owned and operated by Satan. i.e., the world system2. Here are the sins related to the World system - lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.<Satan> 3. And the world <system> is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. Those who are obedient and follow God’s will abide as His people forever. Remember God offers eternal life to His children, and this age is doomed (cf. 1 Cor. 7:31)
18 Little children, it is the last hour;These are the final days of this earth and this dispensation of grace to all whom would believe on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and believe. Our time is short for His return is near- Mark 13. No One Knows the Day or HourMark 13:32-34, 32 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.34 It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch.Remember also we have 3 stages of spiritual growth. “Fathers,” the most mature. These are those who have deep knowledge of Eternal God and an established relationship. The pinnacle of spiritual maturity is to know God in His fullness (cf. Phil. 3:10). “Young men” are those who, do brand new believers not yet firm in their faith. These are those who have not yet fully matured as believers and don’t have mature experience in knowing God in His Word and through life. Young men know sound doctrine. are firmly against sin because they have His Word and Truth in them. They are overcomers of the wiles of the devil. (cf. Eph. 4:14 They have overcome Satan’s lies and deception. “Little children” are those who have only the basic awareness and understanding of God. These persons need spiritual food and nurturing by God to grow in wisdom and grace and knowledge. But know this all three types are in God’s family and manifest Christ’s character and nature but at differing degrees.Now please read with me beginning in verse 18, Chapter 2, 1st John,Deceptions of the Last Hour18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the[d] even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you[e] know all things. 21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.Let Truth Abide in You24 Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.26 These things I have written to you concerning those who try to [f]deceive you. 27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you [g]will abide in Him.Prayer - May God add His blessing to the reading of His Word and to our understanding and application. AMENLet us begin as we study verse 18.
Verse:18 the Antichrist. This is the first use of the term “antichrist.” This word is found only in John’s epistles (4:3; 2 John 7). Here it refers to the coming final world ruler energized by Satan who seeks to replace and oppose the true Christ (Dan. 8:9–11; 11:31–38; 12:11).
Note this -even in John’s day many antichrists have come. While the first use of this term refers to a singular occurrence of a particular individual prophesied in Scripture, many antichrists is plural and refers to multiple persons.
John uses this term to identify the false teachers who were continually invading the churches with their false doctrines which distort the true message and directly oppose Christ The term refers to a principle of evil, incarnate in men, who are hostile and opposed to God and His absolute truth (cf. 2 Cor. 10:4, 5). John exposes them as false teachers - wolves in sheep’s clothing.
-the last hour. This phrase refers to the “latter times” or “last days,” i.e., the time period between the first and second comings of Christ (1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Pet. 3:3; Jude 18). This is the time, the days, if you will, in which we currently live.
Verse 2:19 They went out from us . . . none of them were of us. The first characteristic of all antichrists, i.e., false teachers and deceivers (vv. 22–26), is that they always depart from the faithful. They show up within the church and depart from true fellowship and lead people out with them. This verse reinforces what is called- the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. Those who are genuinely born again from above must and will endure in their faith and fellowship with believers and the truth (1 Cor. 11:19; 2 Tim. 2:12). The ultimate test of your true identity as a Christian is your endurance in the faith (Mark 13:13; Heb. 3:14). The departure of these people from the truth and the fellowship of believers reveals they were not true believers who have been changed from above.Verses: 20 and 21 provide clear characteristics which mark genuine believers in contrast to those we would call antichrists. First, the Holy Spirit (“the anointing,” v. 27) guards their hearts and minds and keeps them from error (cf. Acts 10:38; 2 Cor. 1:21). We need to re-read these verses for our own understanding.Jesus Christ as the Holy One of God, (Luke 4:34; Acts 3:14) imparts the Holy Spirit as our guardian from deception. Second, the Holy Spirit guides the believer into knowing “all things and the Truth” (John 14:26; 16:13). True believers have a built-in lie detector and He helps us persevere in the truth. Those who remain in heresy and apostasy demonstrate by their actions they were in fact never genuinely born again (cf. v. 19).Verses:22, 23 denies the Father and the Son. A second characteristic of antichrists is that they deny faith in Jesus Christ(i.e., sound doctrine). Anyone who denies the true nature of Jesus Christ as given in the Scripture is an antichrist (cf. 4:3; 2 Thess. 2:11). And did you know that denying Jesus Christ the Son also constitutes a denial of God the Father Himself, who testifies to and about His Son (5:9; John 5:32–38; 8:18).
24 Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.
Verses 2:24, 25 which you heard from the beginning. The gospel does not and cannot change. Let it remain, do not chase and follow false teachers (cf. 2 Tim. 3:1, 7, 13). Christian truth is fixed and unalterable (Jude 3). If we stay faithful to His truth, we continue to experience intimate communion with God and Christ and He will ultimately preserve us to eternal life in Heaven (John 14:1ff)
Vs 27-
2:27 anointing. Here John is not denying the importance of Spirit filled teachers in our churches (1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11) but indicates that neither those teachers nor those believers are dependent on human wisdom or the opinions of men for the truth. God’s Holy Spirit guards and guides each true believer into His truths (see vv. 20, 21). If God is true (cf. 2 Chr. 15:3; Jer. 10:10; John 17:3; 1 Thess. 1:9) and Christ is the truth (cf. John 14:6), so is the Holy Ghost/Spirit in the truth (cf. 5:6; John 15:26; 16:13).
-abide in Him. In response to such deceivers, the task of the genuine believer is to “walk continually in the truth,” i.e., persevere in faithfulness and sound doctrine (see vv. 20–21; 2 John 4; 3 John 4).
- and you do not need that anyone teach you
Do you understand the truth of what God has just spoken to you through 1st John Chapter 2?
Have you really been saved?
If not, the you need to read Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8 and Romans10:9.10 Romans 10:9-10; and Romans 10:13.
August 11 Sermon
John in this text in Chapter 2 is going to get very specific concerning the threat which is coming against you and I as believers. Now the intensity of this threat has been real since Jesus life, death burial and crucifixion. It is just that sometimes through the history of Christianity it has been more intense than other times. If look at the book called Fox’s Book of Martyrs we can testify to that fact.However, you and I sense knowingly that in these current days we live in the threat against believers is growing daily. But we should not fear - for greater is He who is in you than He who is in the world (1Jn.4.4).So John is alerting us to the true condition of those who would embrace the world system and be disillusioned as to who Christ is. And this is what is happening in many churches back then and is accelerating today. When Christ addresses the 7 churches in the book of Revelation 9 first 3 chapters, we see and understand how churches are drawn away and depart from the living God. Now be reminded that churches represent not denominations, not physical buildings but people. This means you and I, for we constitute of make up the church. So again we come face to face with the issue what do we believe about scripture. Is the Bible really a God breathed book? Is the Bible really relevant to the issues of today? And do I trust the Bible’s author and finisher of my faith to provide me with superior counsel and truth relevant for me and my family today?If we put all the words aside can we trust God and His Word? “hath God said is the challenge from Satan to Eve and Adam in the garden” is still the challenge today for you and I personally.So let’s jump into our lesson and see what God is directing us towards. Read with me from 1st John, Chapter 2:15-27. Understand we may not get beyond verse 23 for today and may have to revisit the remainder later to get the whole story. We shall see how the Spirit leads.Now read with me beginning in verse 15, Chapter2, 1st John,Do Not Love the World15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.<Satan> 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.Deceptions of the Last Hour18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the[d] even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you[e] know all things. 21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.Let Truth Abide in You24 Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.26 These things I have written to you concerning those who try to [f]deceive you. 27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you [g]will abide in Him.Prayer - May God add His blessing to the reading of His Word and to our understanding and application. AMENNow as we begin in verse 15, some background as begin to plow the Word of God- These are some very clear distinctions identified by 3 stages of spiritual growth. “Fathers,” the most mature. These are those who have deep knowledge of Eternal God and an established relationship. The pinnacle of spiritual maturity is to know God in His fullness (cf. Phil. 3:10). “Young men” are those who, do not yet have a fully matured and deep experience in knowing God in His Word and through life, but they do know sound doctrine. Young men are firmly against sin because they have His Word and Truth in them. They are overcomers of the wiles of the devil. (cf. Eph. 4:14They have overcome Satan’s lies and deception. “Little children” are those who have only the basic awareness and understanding of God. These persons need spiritual food and nurturing by God to grow in wisdom and grace and knowledge. But know this all are three types are in God’s family and manifest Christ’s character and nature but at differing degree.
Verse:15. Do not love the 2:17 the world is passing away. The Christian also must not love the satanic world system because of its temporary nature. It is in the continual process of disintegration, headed for destruction (Rom. 8:18–22). he who does the will of God abides forever. In contrast to the temporary world, God’s will is permanent and unchangeable. Those who follow God’s will abide as His people forever. While God offers eternal life to His children, the present age is doomed
world. Although John reveals that God hates a certain type of love: love of the world . We as Christians are to love God and our fellow believers. Love for the world should not be a characteristic of those who have been genuinely born again from above. “Love” here signifies affection and devotion. Your love for God, not the world, must occupy first place in your Christian life (Matt. 10:37–39; Phil. 3:20). Now understand this the world is not a reference to the world we live in, but refers to the invisible spiritual world of evil dominated by Satan and all that it present in opposition to God, to His Word, and to His people.Notice this that the love of the Father is not in him. We are either a genuine Christian marked by love and obedience to God, or we are not Christians who are in rebellion against God, i.e., in love with and enslaved by the satanically controlled world system. (James 4:4). There is no in between these two extremes. You are either a saint of God or you ain’t. False teachers have no such singular love, but are devoted to the world’s philosophy and earthly wisdom, (1 Tim. 6:20;)Verse:16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of...all that is in the world. Cf. James 4:4. The world’s philosophies and ideologies offer much and may appear attractive and appealing - this is deception. It’s true and pervasive nature is evil, ruinous, and satanic. Its deadly theories are raised up against the knowledge of God and hold the souls of men captive read 2 Cor. 10:3–5) Let’s examine some terms used in this verse - first lust. This negative term used here is for a strong desire for evil things. Second flesh. This refers to the sin nature of man; the rebellious self-dominated by sin and stands in direct opposition to God (Romans 8:2–8;). Satan uses the evil world system to incite the flesh. Third is the term eyes. Satan uses the eyes as a strategic avenue to incite wrong desires (Josh. 7:20, Matt. 5:27–29). Satan’s temptation of Eve involved being attracted to something beautiful in appearance, but the result was spiritual death (Gen. 3:6 “pleasant to the eyes”). Now to the pride of life. The phrase includes the idea of personal arrogance over my circumstances, which produces haughtiness or exaggeration, where we parade ourselves and our possessions to impress others (James 4:16). The phrase - not of the Father. The world is the enemy of the Christian because it is in rebellious and opposes God and is controlled by Satan (5:19; 2 Cor. 4:4,10:3–5). These openings of or lives allow access to sin, which of course results in tragedy.Verse 17 the world is passing away. We as believers must also not love this evil and satanic world system because it is only existing as temporary. It is continually in disintegration, and is headed for destruction (Rom. 8:18–22).
But, he who does the will of God abides forever. In contrast to this temporary world, God’s word and will is permanent and unchangeable. Those who follow God’s will abide as His people forever. Remember God offers eternal life to His children, and this age is doomed (cf. 1 Cor. 7:31)
Verse:18 the Antichrist. This is the first use of the term “antichrist.” It is found only in John’s epistles (4:3; 2 John 7). Here it refers to the coming final world ruler energized by Satan who seeks to replace and oppose the true Christ (Dan. 8:9–11; 11:31–38; 12:11).
many antichrists have come. While the first use of this term refers to a singular occurrence of a particular individual prophesied in Scripture, many antichrists is plural and refers to multiple persons. John uses this term to identify the false teachers who were invading the churches with their false doctrine which distorts the truth and opposed Christ The term, therefore, refers to a principle of evil, incarnate in men, who are hostile and opposed to God (cf. 2 Cor. 10:4, 5). John exposes them as false teachers - wolves in sheep’s clothing.
the last hour. This phrase refers to the “latter times” or “last days,” i.e., the time period between the first and second comings of Christ (1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Pet. 3:3; Jude 18).
Verse 2:19 They went out from us . . . none of them were of us. The first characteristic of all antichrists, i.e., false teachers and deceivers (vv. 22–26), is that they depart from the faithful. They show up within the church and depart from true fellowship and lead people out with them. The verse also emphasizes the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. Those genuinely born again must endure in their faith and fellowship with believers and the truth (1 Cor. 11:19; 2 Tim. 2:12). The ultimate test of true Christianity is endurance (Mark 13:13; Heb. 3:14). The departure of these people from the truth and the fellowship of believers is their unmasking.Verses: 20 and 21 provide clear characteristics which mark genuine believers in contrast to these antichrists. First, the Holy Spirit (“the anointing,” v. 27) guards their hearts and minds and keeps them from error (cf. Acts 10:38; 2 Cor. 1:21).Jesus Christ as the Holy One of God, (Luke 4:34; Acts 3:14) imparts the Holy Spirit as our guardian from deception. Second, the Holy Spirit guides the believer into knowing “all things and the Truth” (John 14:26; 16:13). True Christians have a built-in lie detector and He helps us persevere in the truth. Those who remain in heresy and apostasy demonstrate by their actions they were in fact never genuinely born again (cf. v. 19).Verses:22, 23 denies the Father and the Son. A second characteristic of antichrists is that they deny our faith in Jesus (i.e., sound doctrine). Anyone who denies the true nature of Jesus Christ as given in the Scripture is an antichrist (cf. 4:3; 2 Thess. 2:11). Denying Christ the Son also constitutes a denial of God the Father Himself, who testifies of His Son (5:9; John 5:32–38; 8:18).
Verses 2:24, 25 heard from the beginning. The gospel does not and cannot change. Let it remain, do not follow false teachers (cf. 2 Tim. 3:1, 7, 13). Christian truth is fixed and unalterable (Jude 3). If we stay faithful to the truth, we continue to experience intimate communion with God and Christ and persevere to the full eternal life
So do you now understand the truth of what God has just spoken to you through 1st John Chapter 2? Have you really been saved?
If not, the you need to read Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8 and Romans10:9.10 Romans 10:9-10; and Romana 10:13.
John in this text in Chapter 2 is going to get very specific concerning the threat which is coming against you and I as believers. Now the intensity of this threat has been real since Jesus life, death burial and crucifixion. It is just that sometimes through the history of Christianity it has been more intense than other times. If look at the book called Fox’s Book of Martyrs we can testify to that fact.However, you and I sense knowingly that in these current days we live in the threat against believers is growing daily. But we should not fear - for greater is He who is in you than He who is in the world (1Jn.4.4).So John is alerting us to the true condition of those who would embrace the world system and be disillusioned as to who Christ is. And this is what is happening in many churches back then and is accelerating today. When Christ addresses the 7 churches in the book of Revelation 9 first 3 chapters, we see and understand how churches are drawn away and depart from the living God. Now be reminded that churches represent not denominations, not physical buildings but people. This means you and I, for we constitute of make up the church. So again we come face to face with the issue what do we believe about scripture. Is the Bible really a God breathed book? Is the Bible really relevant to the issues of today? And do I trust the Bible’s author and finisher of my faith to provide me with superior counsel and truth relevant for me and my family today?If we put all the words aside can we trust God and His Word? “hath God said is the challenge from Satan to Eve and Adam in the garden” is still the challenge today for you and I personally.So let’s jump into our lesson and see what God is directing us towards. Read with me from 1st John, Chapter 2:15-27. Understand we may not get beyond verse 23 for today and may have to revisit the remainder later to get the whole story. We shall see how the Spirit leads.Now read with me beginning in verse 15, Chapter2, 1st John,Do Not Love the World15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.<Satan> 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.Deceptions of the Last Hour18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the[d] even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you[e] know all things. 21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.Let Truth Abide in You24 Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.26 These things I have written to you concerning those who try to [f]deceive you. 27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you [g]will abide in Him.Prayer - May God add His blessing to the reading of His Word and to our understanding and application. AMENNow as we begin in verse 15, some background as begin to plow the Word of God- These are some very clear distinctions identified by 3 stages of spiritual growth. “Fathers,” the most mature. These are those who have deep knowledge of Eternal God and an established relationship. The pinnacle of spiritual maturity is to know God in His fullness (cf. Phil. 3:10). “Young men” are those who, do not yet have a fully matured and deep experience in knowing God in His Word and through life, but they do know sound doctrine. Young men are firmly against sin because they have His Word and Truth in them. They are overcomers of the wiles of the devil. (cf. Eph. 4:14They have overcome Satan’s lies and deception. “Little children” are those who have only the basic awareness and understanding of God. These persons need spiritual food and nurturing by God to grow in wisdom and grace and knowledge. But know this all are three types are in God’s family and manifest Christ’s character and nature but at differing degree.
Verse:15. Do not love the 2:17 the world is passing away. The Christian also must not love the satanic world system because of its temporary nature. It is in the continual process of disintegration, headed for destruction (Rom. 8:18–22). he who does the will of God abides forever. In contrast to the temporary world, God’s will is permanent and unchangeable. Those who follow God’s will abide as His people forever. While God offers eternal life to His children, the present age is doomed
world. Although John reveals that God hates a certain type of love: love of the world . We as Christians are to love God and our fellow believers. Love for the world should not be a characteristic of those who have been genuinely born again from above. “Love” here signifies affection and devotion. Your love for God, not the world, must occupy first place in your Christian life (Matt. 10:37–39; Phil. 3:20). Now understand this the world is not a reference to the world we live in, but refers to the invisible spiritual world of evil dominated by Satan and all that it present in opposition to God, to His Word, and to His people.Notice this that the love of the Father is not in him. We are either a genuine Christian marked by love and obedience to God, or we are not Christians who are in rebellion against God, i.e., in love with and enslaved by the satanically controlled world system. (James 4:4). There is no in between these two extremes. You are either a saint of God or you ain’t. False teachers have no such singular love, but are devoted to the world’s philosophy and earthly wisdom, (1 Tim. 6:20;)Verse:16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of...all that is in the world. Cf. James 4:4. The world’s philosophies and ideologies offer much and may appear attractive and appealing - this is deception. It’s true and pervasive nature is evil, ruinous, and satanic. Its deadly theories are raised up against the knowledge of God and hold the souls of men captive read 2 Cor. 10:3–5) Let’s examine some terms used in this verse - first lust. This negative term used here is for a strong desire for evil things. Second flesh. This refers to the sin nature of man; the rebellious self-dominated by sin and stands in direct opposition to God (Romans 8:2–8;). Satan uses the evil world system to incite the flesh. Third is the term eyes. Satan uses the eyes as a strategic avenue to incite wrong desires (Josh. 7:20, Matt. 5:27–29). Satan’s temptation of Eve involved being attracted to something beautiful in appearance, but the result was spiritual death (Gen. 3:6 “pleasant to the eyes”). Now to the pride of life. The phrase includes the idea of personal arrogance over my circumstances, which produces haughtiness or exaggeration, where we parade ourselves and our possessions to impress others (James 4:16). The phrase - not of the Father. The world is the enemy of the Christian because it is in rebellious and opposes God and is controlled by Satan (5:19; 2 Cor. 4:4,10:3–5). These openings of or lives allow access to sin, which of course results in tragedy.Verse 17 the world is passing away. We as believers must also not love this evil and satanic world system because it is only existing as temporary. It is continually in disintegration, and is headed for destruction (Rom. 8:18–22).
But, he who does the will of God abides forever. In contrast to this temporary world, God’s word and will is permanent and unchangeable. Those who follow God’s will abide as His people forever. Remember God offers eternal life to His children, and this age is doomed (cf. 1 Cor. 7:31)
Verse:18 the Antichrist. This is the first use of the term “antichrist.” It is found only in John’s epistles (4:3; 2 John 7). Here it refers to the coming final world ruler energized by Satan who seeks to replace and oppose the true Christ (Dan. 8:9–11; 11:31–38; 12:11).
many antichrists have come. While the first use of this term refers to a singular occurrence of a particular individual prophesied in Scripture, many antichrists is plural and refers to multiple persons. John uses this term to identify the false teachers who were invading the churches with their false doctrine which distorts the truth and opposed Christ The term, therefore, refers to a principle of evil, incarnate in men, who are hostile and opposed to God (cf. 2 Cor. 10:4, 5). John exposes them as false teachers - wolves in sheep’s clothing.
the last hour. This phrase refers to the “latter times” or “last days,” i.e., the time period between the first and second comings of Christ (1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Pet. 3:3; Jude 18).
Verse 2:19 They went out from us . . . none of them were of us. The first characteristic of all antichrists, i.e., false teachers and deceivers (vv. 22–26), is that they depart from the faithful. They show up within the church and depart from true fellowship and lead people out with them. The verse also emphasizes the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. Those genuinely born again must endure in their faith and fellowship with believers and the truth (1 Cor. 11:19; 2 Tim. 2:12). The ultimate test of true Christianity is endurance (Mark 13:13; Heb. 3:14). The departure of these people from the truth and the fellowship of believers is their unmasking.Verses: 20 and 21 provide clear characteristics which mark genuine believers in contrast to these antichrists. First, the Holy Spirit (“the anointing,” v. 27) guards their hearts and minds and keeps them from error (cf. Acts 10:38; 2 Cor. 1:21).Jesus Christ as the Holy One of God, (Luke 4:34; Acts 3:14) imparts the Holy Spirit as our guardian from deception. Second, the Holy Spirit guides the believer into knowing “all things and the Truth” (John 14:26; 16:13). True Christians have a built-in lie detector and He helps us persevere in the truth. Those who remain in heresy and apostasy demonstrate by their actions they were in fact never genuinely born again (cf. v. 19).Verses:22, 23 denies the Father and the Son. A second characteristic of antichrists is that they deny our faith in Jesus (i.e., sound doctrine). Anyone who denies the true nature of Jesus Christ as given in the Scripture is an antichrist (cf. 4:3; 2 Thess. 2:11). Denying Christ the Son also constitutes a denial of God the Father Himself, who testifies of His Son (5:9; John 5:32–38; 8:18).
Verses 2:24, 25 heard from the beginning. The gospel does not and cannot change. Let it remain, do not follow false teachers (cf. 2 Tim. 3:1, 7, 13). Christian truth is fixed and unalterable (Jude 3). If we stay faithful to the truth, we continue to experience intimate communion with God and Christ and persevere to the full eternal life
So do you now understand the truth of what God has just spoken to you through 1st John Chapter 2? Have you really been saved?
If not, the you need to read Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8 and Romans10:9.10 Romans 10:9-10; and Romana 10:13.
August 4 Sermon
Actual section to be reviewed are verses 7-17 about fellowship and specifically love for the brethren. Love for the brethren constitutes the fourth test of genuine fellowship so that
you may know you are saved.
Turn in your bibles please to the New Testament, the 1st Epistle of John, Chapter 2, verses 7-17-
7 [b]Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard [c]from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. <we have a new author, a new urgency, and a new emphasis>
9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
12 I write to you, little children,
Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.
13 I write to you, fathers,
Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
Because you have overcome the wicked one.
I write to you, little children,
Because you have known the Father.
14 I have written to you, fathers,
Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I have written to you, young men,
Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you,
And you have overcome the wicked one.
Love of the brethren here is contrasted with love of the world .Love of the brethren constitutes the fourth test of genuine fellowship. The primary focus of the moral test is obedience to the command to love. This is because love is the fulfillment of the law (Matt. 22:34-40; Rom. 13:8-10; James 2:8) and is also in obedience to Christ’s new command to love (John 13:34; 15:12, 17). True enlightenment as a believer is to love. And we should know this that God’s light is the light of love, so to walk in the light of love is to walk in His love. This is beyond human love as it is God’s love in us. We find this challenging but it begins with surrender to the command of God to love others as He first love us. Not easy or simple but following in obedience is what clay must do in the hands of the master potter
This is truly an amazing thing but there is more. Love of the brethren constitutes the fourth test of genuine fellowship. The primary focus of this moral test is obedience to the command of love because love is the fulfillment of the law and is also Christ’s new command
In verse7 we receive a new expression of the love of God. The commandment is new because Jesus personified love in the flesh. God’s love became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld is glory.
Elsewhere is says we touched and handled the Word of God.
Jesus is the personified love of God in the flesh for all men. And with the coming of the Holy Spirit, God’s love has been shed abroad in our hearts (Romans 5:5) and energized by the Holy Spirit in is stated clearly in 1st Thessalonians 4:9
Why is love so important? The abundant and supernatural love of God in our hearts is important because His love transforms us to overcome ourselves and the world. These verses in Chapter 2 are meant to provide you a world view which has stark contrasts between what God desires in believers and what Satan wants. This unusual phrase in verse 8 about “ darkness passing away” is to contrast with what Satan desires in the life of any individual. Holding on to and desiring or lusting after what the world provides leads to death. This type of dying focusing on what the world provides is fruitless and leads to eternal death. God’s love and life gives us new life, protects us from deception and lies and ensures we have continued fellowship with our King.
This entire section 7-17 provides that contrast between 2 differing life styles and worldviews. Here in this section we identify our little children in Christ? Aren’t they new believers in Christ, Fathers would be those who are and have matures and tested in their faith – those who are abiding in the truth. While the young men would be those who have received the truth in themselves but are not yet veterans in the faith, still learning to walk in the truth.
Verse 8 also has contains this contrast as well – It says in the latter part of the verse – “and the new light is already shining.” Here we must remember how Jesus defines Himself as, the light of the world. He is also the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father but by Him. (Jn.14,6).
This is why we emphasize that we need to share and shine for Jesus. If He resides within us then we are a city set on a hill and with His light within us, we should have the light of Christ as we walk in this world. Our light should be a direct contrast to the darkness.
Now darkness has one major defining characteristic which you may have discerned from our text besides being generated from Satan who wants to kill, maim and destroy and deceive. The liar and deceiver wants his followers to hate. We hear this word bandied about repeatedly in our day.
Hate is in direct contrast to love.
We see hate prevalent across all we experience in our physical and spiritual worlds today. There are multiple forms of hate…I don’t want to press this on but you are seeing ,this is evidence of the contrast of have versus love and hate in the destruction of America. Verse 11 tells us about what happens when we embrace the lie – darkness has blinded his eyes.
Are your eyes blinded today or has Christ been knocking at the doors of your heart? If you want to know about Jesus and His love see me or anyone of the mature folks in the audience after we celebrate the Lord’s Supper and the return of the King. Did you know the King is coming soon!
Actual section to be reviewed are verses 7-17 about fellowship and specifically love for the brethren. Love for the brethren constitutes the fourth test of genuine fellowship so that
you may know you are saved.
Turn in your bibles please to the New Testament, the 1st Epistle of John, Chapter 2, verses 7-17-
7 [b]Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard [c]from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. <we have a new author, a new urgency, and a new emphasis>
9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
12 I write to you, little children,
Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.
13 I write to you, fathers,
Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
Because you have overcome the wicked one.
I write to you, little children,
Because you have known the Father.
14 I have written to you, fathers,
Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I have written to you, young men,
Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you,
And you have overcome the wicked one.
Love of the brethren here is contrasted with love of the world .Love of the brethren constitutes the fourth test of genuine fellowship. The primary focus of the moral test is obedience to the command to love. This is because love is the fulfillment of the law (Matt. 22:34-40; Rom. 13:8-10; James 2:8) and is also in obedience to Christ’s new command to love (John 13:34; 15:12, 17). True enlightenment as a believer is to love. And we should know this that God’s light is the light of love, so to walk in the light of love is to walk in His love. This is beyond human love as it is God’s love in us. We find this challenging but it begins with surrender to the command of God to love others as He first love us. Not easy or simple but following in obedience is what clay must do in the hands of the master potter
This is truly an amazing thing but there is more. Love of the brethren constitutes the fourth test of genuine fellowship. The primary focus of this moral test is obedience to the command of love because love is the fulfillment of the law and is also Christ’s new command
In verse7 we receive a new expression of the love of God. The commandment is new because Jesus personified love in the flesh. God’s love became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld is glory.
Elsewhere is says we touched and handled the Word of God.
Jesus is the personified love of God in the flesh for all men. And with the coming of the Holy Spirit, God’s love has been shed abroad in our hearts (Romans 5:5) and energized by the Holy Spirit in is stated clearly in 1st Thessalonians 4:9
Why is love so important? The abundant and supernatural love of God in our hearts is important because His love transforms us to overcome ourselves and the world. These verses in Chapter 2 are meant to provide you a world view which has stark contrasts between what God desires in believers and what Satan wants. This unusual phrase in verse 8 about “ darkness passing away” is to contrast with what Satan desires in the life of any individual. Holding on to and desiring or lusting after what the world provides leads to death. This type of dying focusing on what the world provides is fruitless and leads to eternal death. God’s love and life gives us new life, protects us from deception and lies and ensures we have continued fellowship with our King.
This entire section 7-17 provides that contrast between 2 differing life styles and worldviews. Here in this section we identify our little children in Christ? Aren’t they new believers in Christ, Fathers would be those who are and have matures and tested in their faith – those who are abiding in the truth. While the young men would be those who have received the truth in themselves but are not yet veterans in the faith, still learning to walk in the truth.
Verse 8 also has contains this contrast as well – It says in the latter part of the verse – “and the new light is already shining.” Here we must remember how Jesus defines Himself as, the light of the world. He is also the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father but by Him. (Jn.14,6).
This is why we emphasize that we need to share and shine for Jesus. If He resides within us then we are a city set on a hill and with His light within us, we should have the light of Christ as we walk in this world. Our light should be a direct contrast to the darkness.
Now darkness has one major defining characteristic which you may have discerned from our text besides being generated from Satan who wants to kill, maim and destroy and deceive. The liar and deceiver wants his followers to hate. We hear this word bandied about repeatedly in our day.
Hate is in direct contrast to love.
We see hate prevalent across all we experience in our physical and spiritual worlds today. There are multiple forms of hate…I don’t want to press this on but you are seeing ,this is evidence of the contrast of have versus love and hate in the destruction of America. Verse 11 tells us about what happens when we embrace the lie – darkness has blinded his eyes.
Are your eyes blinded today or has Christ been knocking at the doors of your heart? If you want to know about Jesus and His love see me or anyone of the mature folks in the audience after we celebrate the Lord’s Supper and the return of the King. Did you know the King is coming soon!
July 28 Sermon
Jim's Sunday Sermon
Many today are confused as to what it means to be a Christian. Many so-called believers will claim that they can continue <just as they were before> in their sin, just as they always have, and still have fellowship with God. Therefore, they can still call themselves Christians; regardless of what it says in the Word of God. And this is usually when these persons are unrepentant stay in or have no desire to discontinue practicing their specific type of sin; whether it be drugs, alcohol or killing the unborn or perverse sexual sins which God in His word specifically proclaims, as ungodly and an abomination. This is one category.
Then there are those who are really weak in their faith and have little strength to resist personal sins. It is these who are unable to contend for their faith primarily due to unbelief and a lack of knowledge of what the Word of God says. So when they are challenged about their faith, they are unsure they have faith. This makes for a difficult faith walk as a believer. So Jesus and hence His disciples had little room for lack of faith or unbelief after Pentecost and the arrival of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is continually chastising and admonishing the disciples about their lack of faith. In some instances Jesus is so frustrated with the 12 disciples. 41 Then Jesus answered and said, “O [a]faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and [b]bear with you? Bring your son here.” (Luke 9:41)
This is the great thing about the book of 1st John. The word and the idea “to know” is the root motivation in writing this letter to the churches of Asia. That you may know that Jesus is the Christ, That you may know that your salvation is secure in Christ Jesus and in our case our study will focus on, “that you may know you have eternal life and the assurance of your salvation.
Let’s read 1st John, Chapter 2, beginning with verse1 to verse 11
2 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
The Test of Knowing Him
3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God [a]is perfected in him. By this we “know” that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 7 [b]Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard [c]from the beginning. 8 Again, a new <idea, application or revelation> commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
May God bless the reading of His Word to our understanding and our application as we walk by faith and not by sight in Christ Jesus our Lord. AMEN
John begins this section of his letter with the discussion about sin.
Now to the Study of His word- In verses 1 and 2, To counter the false teachers who denied the existence or importance of sin, John affirms its reality. This affirmation of sin’s reality constitutes the one of the (second ) tests of true fellowship (see cf. vv. 1–4 for test one and 2:3–6 for test three). This is the truth -those persons who deny the reality of sin demonstrate by their statement a lack of genuine salvation. The “we” in vv. 6, 8, 10 is not a reference to genuine Christians, but a reference to those claiming fellowship in Christ, but denying sin.
Although a Christian must continually acknowledge and confess their sin (1:9), a true believer is not powerless against it. Fulfilling this duty of confession does not give us a license to sin. Sin can and should be conquered through the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the world.
Advocate. John 16:7 translates this word as “Helper” (lit. “one called alongside”). A modern concept of the term could be a defense attorney. Although Satan prosecutes believers continually before the Father due to sin. Christ as our high-priest ministry guarantees not only sympathy and helps but also acquittal
propitiation. Cf. 4:10. The word means “appeasement” or “satisfaction.” The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross satisfied the demands of God’s holiness for the punishment of sin (cf. Rom. 1:18; 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 2:3). So Jesus propitiated or satisfied God’s requirement for sin. for the whole world. This is a general term, referring not to every single individual, but to mankind in general. Christs payment actually paid the penalty only for those who would repent and believe. A number of Scriptures indicate that Christ died for the world (John 1:29; 3:16; 6:51; 1 Tim. 2:6; Heb. 2:9). Many in this world will be and are eternally condemned to hell to pay for their own sins because they denied Jesus Christ as savior, so these could not have been paid for by Christ. The passages which speak of Christ’s dying for the whole world must be understood to refer to mankind in general (as in Titus 2:11). “World” indicates this earth or sphere, the beings toward whom God seeks reconciliation and has provided propitiation or salvation from God’s wrath against sin.
Consider now verses 3 to 6, 3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God [a]is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
Consider this p Obedience to God’s commands constitutes another ( third) test of genuine fellowship. John in this letter first presents two external tests that demonstrate you are saved: One is doctrinal and the other is moral. The doctrinal test consists of confessing a proper view of Christ and of sin (see 1:1–4 and 1:5–2:2), while the moral test consists of obedience and love (see also vv. 7–11). While subjective or internal assurance of salvation is confirmed through the witness of the Holy Spirit and He speaks to our hearts (5:10; Rom. 8:14–16; 2 Cor. 1:12). This test of obedience is a practical and visible assurance that one is genuinely saved and is demonstrated by what we do. Obedience is our external, visible proof of salvation (see notes on James 2:14–25; 2 Pet. 2:5–11). False teachers’ fail to obey God’s commands and therefore continually and objectively demonstrates that they were not saved (Luke 6:46). Those who are have been born from above and and know God are wanting and striving to be obedient to His Word. This is a statement of Fact. full stop.
2:3, 4 know . . . keep. The repetition of these words in verses 3and 4 emphasizes that those genuinely born again demonstrate the habit of obedience. Obedience results in assurance of salvation These two words to know and to keep are among John’s favorites, since he uses “know” approximately 40 times and “keep” approximately 10 times.
Abides. This word is one of John’s primary terms for salvation just as He walked. Jesus’ life of obedience is the Christian’s pattern. Those who claim to be Christians ought to live as He did (cf. John 6:38) 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is true since we also possess His Spirit’s presence and power as His children
Out last test of having been born again is when we come to love others. This is a true test of our salvation. The regenerated man or woman, boy or girl who has been converted will live and love others as Jesus did. Read verses 7-11.
Love itself, of course, is not new, nor is the commandment new—that people should love God and each other. Jesus Himself combined two Old Testament commandments (Deut. 6:5 and Lev. 19:18), and said (Mark 12:28–34) that these two commandments summarize all the law and the prophets. Loving God and loving one’s neighbor were old, familiar responsibilities before Jesus ever came to earth. The commandment to love one another is not new in time, but it is new in character. Because of who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for us the old commandment to “love one another” has new meaning.
Believers who hate live in the darkness, though they usually believe they are living in the light. They think they see, but they are actually blinded by the darkness of hatred. These people cause trouble in and group of believers. They think they are “spiritual giants,” with great understanding, when actually they are babies with very little spiritual perception. The type of person causes a tragic result for such a believer becomes a cause of stumbling (see v. 10). When this type of person starts to hurt others the situation is far more serious.
So are you sure of your salvation? Do you now understand from this text that you can know and be assured of your having been saved, and born from above? It is provable based upon your behavior and the way you treat others, as well as the testimony of the Holy Spirit living within you.
Today do you know Jesus Christ and have you received new life in Christ as His child?
Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-11, 13```these verses speak to His truth.
Jim's Sunday Sermon
Many today are confused as to what it means to be a Christian. Many so-called believers will claim that they can continue <just as they were before> in their sin, just as they always have, and still have fellowship with God. Therefore, they can still call themselves Christians; regardless of what it says in the Word of God. And this is usually when these persons are unrepentant stay in or have no desire to discontinue practicing their specific type of sin; whether it be drugs, alcohol or killing the unborn or perverse sexual sins which God in His word specifically proclaims, as ungodly and an abomination. This is one category.
Then there are those who are really weak in their faith and have little strength to resist personal sins. It is these who are unable to contend for their faith primarily due to unbelief and a lack of knowledge of what the Word of God says. So when they are challenged about their faith, they are unsure they have faith. This makes for a difficult faith walk as a believer. So Jesus and hence His disciples had little room for lack of faith or unbelief after Pentecost and the arrival of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is continually chastising and admonishing the disciples about their lack of faith. In some instances Jesus is so frustrated with the 12 disciples. 41 Then Jesus answered and said, “O [a]faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and [b]bear with you? Bring your son here.” (Luke 9:41)
This is the great thing about the book of 1st John. The word and the idea “to know” is the root motivation in writing this letter to the churches of Asia. That you may know that Jesus is the Christ, That you may know that your salvation is secure in Christ Jesus and in our case our study will focus on, “that you may know you have eternal life and the assurance of your salvation.
Let’s read 1st John, Chapter 2, beginning with verse1 to verse 11
2 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
The Test of Knowing Him
3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God [a]is perfected in him. By this we “know” that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 7 [b]Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard [c]from the beginning. 8 Again, a new <idea, application or revelation> commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
May God bless the reading of His Word to our understanding and our application as we walk by faith and not by sight in Christ Jesus our Lord. AMEN
John begins this section of his letter with the discussion about sin.
Now to the Study of His word- In verses 1 and 2, To counter the false teachers who denied the existence or importance of sin, John affirms its reality. This affirmation of sin’s reality constitutes the one of the (second ) tests of true fellowship (see cf. vv. 1–4 for test one and 2:3–6 for test three). This is the truth -those persons who deny the reality of sin demonstrate by their statement a lack of genuine salvation. The “we” in vv. 6, 8, 10 is not a reference to genuine Christians, but a reference to those claiming fellowship in Christ, but denying sin.
Although a Christian must continually acknowledge and confess their sin (1:9), a true believer is not powerless against it. Fulfilling this duty of confession does not give us a license to sin. Sin can and should be conquered through the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the world.
Advocate. John 16:7 translates this word as “Helper” (lit. “one called alongside”). A modern concept of the term could be a defense attorney. Although Satan prosecutes believers continually before the Father due to sin. Christ as our high-priest ministry guarantees not only sympathy and helps but also acquittal
propitiation. Cf. 4:10. The word means “appeasement” or “satisfaction.” The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross satisfied the demands of God’s holiness for the punishment of sin (cf. Rom. 1:18; 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 2:3). So Jesus propitiated or satisfied God’s requirement for sin. for the whole world. This is a general term, referring not to every single individual, but to mankind in general. Christs payment actually paid the penalty only for those who would repent and believe. A number of Scriptures indicate that Christ died for the world (John 1:29; 3:16; 6:51; 1 Tim. 2:6; Heb. 2:9). Many in this world will be and are eternally condemned to hell to pay for their own sins because they denied Jesus Christ as savior, so these could not have been paid for by Christ. The passages which speak of Christ’s dying for the whole world must be understood to refer to mankind in general (as in Titus 2:11). “World” indicates this earth or sphere, the beings toward whom God seeks reconciliation and has provided propitiation or salvation from God’s wrath against sin.
Consider now verses 3 to 6, 3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God [a]is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
Consider this p Obedience to God’s commands constitutes another ( third) test of genuine fellowship. John in this letter first presents two external tests that demonstrate you are saved: One is doctrinal and the other is moral. The doctrinal test consists of confessing a proper view of Christ and of sin (see 1:1–4 and 1:5–2:2), while the moral test consists of obedience and love (see also vv. 7–11). While subjective or internal assurance of salvation is confirmed through the witness of the Holy Spirit and He speaks to our hearts (5:10; Rom. 8:14–16; 2 Cor. 1:12). This test of obedience is a practical and visible assurance that one is genuinely saved and is demonstrated by what we do. Obedience is our external, visible proof of salvation (see notes on James 2:14–25; 2 Pet. 2:5–11). False teachers’ fail to obey God’s commands and therefore continually and objectively demonstrates that they were not saved (Luke 6:46). Those who are have been born from above and and know God are wanting and striving to be obedient to His Word. This is a statement of Fact. full stop.
2:3, 4 know . . . keep. The repetition of these words in verses 3and 4 emphasizes that those genuinely born again demonstrate the habit of obedience. Obedience results in assurance of salvation These two words to know and to keep are among John’s favorites, since he uses “know” approximately 40 times and “keep” approximately 10 times.
Abides. This word is one of John’s primary terms for salvation just as He walked. Jesus’ life of obedience is the Christian’s pattern. Those who claim to be Christians ought to live as He did (cf. John 6:38) 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is true since we also possess His Spirit’s presence and power as His children
Out last test of having been born again is when we come to love others. This is a true test of our salvation. The regenerated man or woman, boy or girl who has been converted will live and love others as Jesus did. Read verses 7-11.
Love itself, of course, is not new, nor is the commandment new—that people should love God and each other. Jesus Himself combined two Old Testament commandments (Deut. 6:5 and Lev. 19:18), and said (Mark 12:28–34) that these two commandments summarize all the law and the prophets. Loving God and loving one’s neighbor were old, familiar responsibilities before Jesus ever came to earth. The commandment to love one another is not new in time, but it is new in character. Because of who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for us the old commandment to “love one another” has new meaning.
Believers who hate live in the darkness, though they usually believe they are living in the light. They think they see, but they are actually blinded by the darkness of hatred. These people cause trouble in and group of believers. They think they are “spiritual giants,” with great understanding, when actually they are babies with very little spiritual perception. The type of person causes a tragic result for such a believer becomes a cause of stumbling (see v. 10). When this type of person starts to hurt others the situation is far more serious.
So are you sure of your salvation? Do you now understand from this text that you can know and be assured of your having been saved, and born from above? It is provable based upon your behavior and the way you treat others, as well as the testimony of the Holy Spirit living within you.
Today do you know Jesus Christ and have you received new life in Christ as His child?
Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-11, 13```these verses speak to His truth.
July 21 Sermon
1 John 1:6-7- 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
I.) A true child of God knows God in two different ways first is Sonship· Sonship is the relations we have when we are born again· when we’re born into the family of God we become sons and daughters of Go· It is settled when we are born into God’s family, we can never be unborn· Sonship is once and for allNow 2nd way of knowing God is in Fellowship - KhwanoniaIf we disobey our Heavenly Father, fellowship changesHebrews 12:11- 11 Now no [e]chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
God like a loving Father chastens those whom He has received.So then, Sonship is fixed by birth; fellowship is determined by whether or not we are obeying the Father’s instructionsii) But, if we are truly saved our sin will never be brought against us in order to condemn us; but our sin can and does interrupt fellowship with the Father1.John 1:7 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sinThe fact is it’s one thing to have sonship and it’s another thing to have fellowship- there are some things we will see in 1st John that we must learn if we join and remain in fellowship with God our Father. First…… #1. Sin must be exposed and open to the light (1 John 1:6-10)a. When a child gets sin in his or her heart the oftentimes will begin to lie to othersI.) 1 John1:6- if we walk in the darkness….ii) Someone who as been truly saved and has had their sins forgiven, but allows some sin to get in their heart and life1. What happens when he or she then begins to lie to others because he does not confess what’s In his heart and life?2. He or she knows that his heart is not right with God, but doesn’t want others to know His hearts- so he acts as if all is well within their soul? Question is it?iii) 1 John1:8 says, - 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.1.But if we tell a lie long enough, then we are going to begin to believe it ourselvesiv) 1John1:10 says, - If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.1. Not only do we lie to men and brethren but next we end up lying to God2. The Holy Spirit tells us that it is sin and we say that it’s not sin; in doing so we are calling God a liarv) We try to hide our sin1. One of the most dangerous thing we can do is to try and conceal our sin2.we say to others and to God- “there is no sin in our lives>b) We need to expose sin to the light, not so that we would be condemned ourselves, but so that we might have fellowship with God and one anotherI) 1 John1:7 says,- 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Second, Point #2 The light of God reveals the truthiii) If we want “to know” (KEY word in 1st John- Letter) expose your heart to His Word, allow <ask> the Holy Spirit to search your hearta) Psalm 139:23-24 - 23Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlastingb) the Holy Spirit will convict you of any sin that’s in your heart and life today. (ref.John 16)c) The Holy Spirit of God convicts us of sin: while the devil accuses us of sin. This is a very Important difference.What is the difference between Holy Spirit conviction and Satan’s accusations and How exactly does the Holy Spirit convict us of sin?i. Holy Spirit’s conviction is legitimate. He convicts us of sin which we have allowed in our lives and that which has not yet been confessed and cleansed in the blood of Christ our Lordii. The devil accuses us illegitimatelya) Satan brings up that which is already cleansed and forgiven 1 John 1:9says, If we confess our sins He is faithful to forgive us our sins and … Revelation 12:10 (tells us the accuser of the brethren is cast down) i) the devil is the accuser of the brethren ii) the devil will lead you into sin, and then more sin and then accuses you of committing that sin.iii) On the other hand The Holy Spirit convicts us specifically1) if the devil cannot accuse us of some sin that’s already forgiven, he will then accuses us generally.(a) the devil will then tell us that we’re no good and unworthy. <feelings>(i) We need to remember, our sin nature is under the blood of Jesus Christ and we have now become partakers of His diving nature;the devil does not want us to understand that or to walk in it. He wants to make you feel bad. He wants to negate walking by faith and trusting in God’s word.(ii) The Holy Spirit on the other hand, is a skilled physician. He places His finger on the sore spot exactly and perfectly!(a) The Holy Spirit locates the exact sin and He calls that sin by name!So correspondingly, we need to confess the exact sin and not pray generically by simply saying “Lord, I’ve sinned; forgive me.”(ii) Our prayers need to specifically confessing our sinsiii) The Holy Spirit’s conviction is redemptive and cleansing (1) The Holy Spirit convicts so that we will confess and return to fellowship(a) God wants us to have fellowship with Him(b) when God deals with us as His children, He‘s not trying to get even with us: He is trying to restore us to fellowship(2) the devil accuses us destructively (a) the Holy Spirit draws us to confession first , forgiveness next ant then to fellowship as the end result (b) the devil drives us to accusation, creating despair and hurtful feelings and directs us away from God.Point #3. Sin, repentance and confession must be expressed to God directly (1 John 1:9)a. We must confess our sin is a commandmenti) To confess means we are “to say the same thing.”ii) Confession of our sin is not just admitting our sin; it is agreeing with what God says about our siniii) Confession therefore means to name it and to agree with Godb) How do we confess sin?i) Immediately(1) To confess in 1 John 1:9 is in the present tense.(2) Don’t delay to the days end(3) The Spirit filled life is not a life of never sinning (a)1 John1:8(b) It is a life of confession and being in agreement with Godii) Make confession specific(1) if the Holy Spirit convicts specifically , then we are to confess specifically – don’t sugar coat or generalize our sins. Call sins by their real nameiii) confess confidently for Jesus died paying the penalty for your sins. You can and will be totally cleansed as far as the east is from the west, into the deepest sea and God chooses not to be remember.Point #4. Conclusion1. When we are forgiven of sin we are clean and have unbroken fellowship with God and also with one another2. To be right with God is to be in the Spirit or as Paul tells us to be “in Him.”3. Question is are you right with God?I. First you must be saved and you must be born from aboveJohn 3:7- 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
1 John 1:6-7- 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
I.) A true child of God knows God in two different ways first is Sonship· Sonship is the relations we have when we are born again· when we’re born into the family of God we become sons and daughters of Go· It is settled when we are born into God’s family, we can never be unborn· Sonship is once and for allNow 2nd way of knowing God is in Fellowship - KhwanoniaIf we disobey our Heavenly Father, fellowship changesHebrews 12:11- 11 Now no [e]chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
God like a loving Father chastens those whom He has received.So then, Sonship is fixed by birth; fellowship is determined by whether or not we are obeying the Father’s instructionsii) But, if we are truly saved our sin will never be brought against us in order to condemn us; but our sin can and does interrupt fellowship with the Father1.John 1:7 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sinThe fact is it’s one thing to have sonship and it’s another thing to have fellowship- there are some things we will see in 1st John that we must learn if we join and remain in fellowship with God our Father. First…… #1. Sin must be exposed and open to the light (1 John 1:6-10)a. When a child gets sin in his or her heart the oftentimes will begin to lie to othersI.) 1 John1:6- if we walk in the darkness….ii) Someone who as been truly saved and has had their sins forgiven, but allows some sin to get in their heart and life1. What happens when he or she then begins to lie to others because he does not confess what’s In his heart and life?2. He or she knows that his heart is not right with God, but doesn’t want others to know His hearts- so he acts as if all is well within their soul? Question is it?iii) 1 John1:8 says, - 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.1.But if we tell a lie long enough, then we are going to begin to believe it ourselvesiv) 1John1:10 says, - If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.1. Not only do we lie to men and brethren but next we end up lying to God2. The Holy Spirit tells us that it is sin and we say that it’s not sin; in doing so we are calling God a liarv) We try to hide our sin1. One of the most dangerous thing we can do is to try and conceal our sin2.we say to others and to God- “there is no sin in our lives>b) We need to expose sin to the light, not so that we would be condemned ourselves, but so that we might have fellowship with God and one anotherI) 1 John1:7 says,- 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Second, Point #2 The light of God reveals the truthiii) If we want “to know” (KEY word in 1st John- Letter) expose your heart to His Word, allow <ask> the Holy Spirit to search your hearta) Psalm 139:23-24 - 23Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlastingb) the Holy Spirit will convict you of any sin that’s in your heart and life today. (ref.John 16)c) The Holy Spirit of God convicts us of sin: while the devil accuses us of sin. This is a very Important difference.What is the difference between Holy Spirit conviction and Satan’s accusations and How exactly does the Holy Spirit convict us of sin?i. Holy Spirit’s conviction is legitimate. He convicts us of sin which we have allowed in our lives and that which has not yet been confessed and cleansed in the blood of Christ our Lordii. The devil accuses us illegitimatelya) Satan brings up that which is already cleansed and forgiven 1 John 1:9says, If we confess our sins He is faithful to forgive us our sins and … Revelation 12:10 (tells us the accuser of the brethren is cast down) i) the devil is the accuser of the brethren ii) the devil will lead you into sin, and then more sin and then accuses you of committing that sin.iii) On the other hand The Holy Spirit convicts us specifically1) if the devil cannot accuse us of some sin that’s already forgiven, he will then accuses us generally.(a) the devil will then tell us that we’re no good and unworthy. <feelings>(i) We need to remember, our sin nature is under the blood of Jesus Christ and we have now become partakers of His diving nature;the devil does not want us to understand that or to walk in it. He wants to make you feel bad. He wants to negate walking by faith and trusting in God’s word.(ii) The Holy Spirit on the other hand, is a skilled physician. He places His finger on the sore spot exactly and perfectly!(a) The Holy Spirit locates the exact sin and He calls that sin by name!So correspondingly, we need to confess the exact sin and not pray generically by simply saying “Lord, I’ve sinned; forgive me.”(ii) Our prayers need to specifically confessing our sinsiii) The Holy Spirit’s conviction is redemptive and cleansing (1) The Holy Spirit convicts so that we will confess and return to fellowship(a) God wants us to have fellowship with Him(b) when God deals with us as His children, He‘s not trying to get even with us: He is trying to restore us to fellowship(2) the devil accuses us destructively (a) the Holy Spirit draws us to confession first , forgiveness next ant then to fellowship as the end result (b) the devil drives us to accusation, creating despair and hurtful feelings and directs us away from God.Point #3. Sin, repentance and confession must be expressed to God directly (1 John 1:9)a. We must confess our sin is a commandmenti) To confess means we are “to say the same thing.”ii) Confession of our sin is not just admitting our sin; it is agreeing with what God says about our siniii) Confession therefore means to name it and to agree with Godb) How do we confess sin?i) Immediately(1) To confess in 1 John 1:9 is in the present tense.(2) Don’t delay to the days end(3) The Spirit filled life is not a life of never sinning (a)1 John1:8(b) It is a life of confession and being in agreement with Godii) Make confession specific(1) if the Holy Spirit convicts specifically , then we are to confess specifically – don’t sugar coat or generalize our sins. Call sins by their real nameiii) confess confidently for Jesus died paying the penalty for your sins. You can and will be totally cleansed as far as the east is from the west, into the deepest sea and God chooses not to be remember.Point #4. Conclusion1. When we are forgiven of sin we are clean and have unbroken fellowship with God and also with one another2. To be right with God is to be in the Spirit or as Paul tells us to be “in Him.”3. Question is are you right with God?I. First you must be saved and you must be born from aboveJohn 3:7- 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
1 John 1:6-7- 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
I.) A true child of God knows God in two different ways first is Sonship· Sonship is the relations we have when we are born again· when we’re born into the family of God we become sons and daughters of Go· It is settled when we are born into God’s family, we can never be unborn· Sonship is once and for allNow 2nd way of knowing God is in Fellowship - KhwanoniaIf we disobey our Heavenly Father, fellowship changesHebrews 12:11- 11 Now no [e]chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
God like a loving Father chastens those whom He has received.So then, Sonship is fixed by birth; fellowship is determined by whether or not we are obeying the Father’s instructionsii) But, if we are truly saved our sin will never be brought against us in order to condemn us; but our sin can and does interrupt fellowship with the Father1.John 1:7 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sinThe fact is it’s one thing to have sonship and it’s another thing to have fellowship- there are some things we will see in 1st John that we must learn if we join and remain in fellowship with God our Father. First…… #1. Sin must be exposed and open to the light (1 John 1:6-10)a. When a child gets sin in his or her heart the oftentimes will begin to lie to othersI.) 1 John1:6- if we walk in the darkness….ii) Someone who as been truly saved and has had their sins forgiven, but allows some sin to get in their heart and life1. What happens when he or she then begins to lie to others because he does not confess what’s In his heart and life?2. He or she knows that his heart is not right with God, but doesn’t want others to know His hearts- so he acts as if all is well within their soul? Question is it?iii) 1 John1:8 says, - 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.1.But if we tell a lie long enough, then we are going to begin to believe it ourselvesiv) 1John1:10 says, - If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.1. Not only do we lie to men and brethren but next we end up lying to God2. The Holy Spirit tells us that it is sin and we say that it’s not sin; in doing so we are calling God a liarv) We try to hide our sin1. One of the most dangerous thing we can do is to try and conceal our sin2.we say to others and to God- “there is no sin in our lives>b) We need to expose sin to the light, not so that we would be condemned ourselves, but so that we might have fellowship with God and one anotherI) 1 John1:7 says,- 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Second, Point #2 The light of God reveals the truthiii) If we want “to know” (KEY word in 1st John- Letter) expose your heart to His Word, allow <ask> the Holy Spirit to search your hearta) Psalm 139:23-24 - 23Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlastingb) the Holy Spirit will convict you of any sin that’s in your heart and life today. (ref.John 16)c) The Holy Spirit of God convicts us of sin: while the devil accuses us of sin. This is a very Important difference.What is the difference between Holy Spirit conviction and Satan’s accusations and How exactly does the Holy Spirit convict us of sin?i. Holy Spirit’s conviction is legitimate. He convicts us of sin which we have allowed in our lives and that which has not yet been confessed and cleansed in the blood of Christ our Lordii. The devil accuses us illegitimatelya) Satan brings up that which is already cleansed and forgiven 1 John 1:9says, If we confess our sins He is faithful to forgive us our sins and … Revelation 12:10 (tells us the accuser of the brethren is cast down) i) the devil is the accuser of the brethren ii) the devil will lead you into sin, and then more sin and then accuses you of committing that sin.iii) On the other hand The Holy Spirit convicts us specifically1) if the devil cannot accuse us of some sin that’s already forgiven, he will then accuses us generally.(a) the devil will then tell us that we’re no good and unworthy. <feelings>(i) We need to remember, our sin nature is under the blood of Jesus Christ and we have now become partakers of His diving nature;the devil does not want us to understand that or to walk in it. He wants to make you feel bad. He wants to negate walking by faith and trusting in God’s word.(ii) The Holy Spirit on the other hand, is a skilled physician. He places His finger on the sore spot exactly and perfectly!(a) The Holy Spirit locates the exact sin and He calls that sin by name!So correspondingly, we need to confess the exact sin and not pray generically by simply saying “Lord, I’ve sinned; forgive me.”(ii) Our prayers need to specifically confessing our sinsiii) The Holy Spirit’s conviction is redemptive and cleansing (1) The Holy Spirit convicts so that we will confess and return to fellowship(a) God wants us to have fellowship with Him(b) when God deals with us as His children, He‘s not trying to get even with us: He is trying to restore us to fellowship(2) the devil accuses us destructively (a) the Holy Spirit draws us to confession first , forgiveness next ant then to fellowship as the end result (b) the devil drives us to accusation, creating despair and hurtful feelings and directs us away from God.Point #3. Sin, repentance and confession must be expressed to God directly (1 John 1:9)a. We must confess our sin is a commandmenti) To confess means we are “to say the same thing.”ii) Confession of our sin is not just admitting our sin; it is agreeing with what God says about our siniii) Confession therefore means to name it and to agree with Godb) How do we confess sin?i) Immediately(1) To confess in 1 John 1:9 is in the present tense.(2) Don’t delay to the days end(3) The Spirit filled life is not a life of never sinning (a)1 John1:8(b) It is a life of confession and being in agreement with Godii) Make confession specific(1) if the Holy Spirit convicts specifically , then we are to confess specifically – don’t sugar coat or generalize our sins. Call sins by their real nameiii) confess confidently for Jesus died paying the penalty for your sins. You can and will be totally cleansed as far as the east is from the west, into the deepest sea and God chooses not to be remember.Point #4. Conclusion1. When we are forgiven of sin we are clean and have unbroken fellowship with God and also with one another2. To be right with God is to be in the Spirit or as Paul tells us to be “in Him.”3. Question is are you right with God?I. First you must be saved and you must be born from aboveJohn 3:7- 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
1 John 1:6-7- 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
I.) A true child of God knows God in two different ways first is Sonship· Sonship is the relations we have when we are born again· when we’re born into the family of God we become sons and daughters of Go· It is settled when we are born into God’s family, we can never be unborn· Sonship is once and for allNow 2nd way of knowing God is in Fellowship - KhwanoniaIf we disobey our Heavenly Father, fellowship changesHebrews 12:11- 11 Now no [e]chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
God like a loving Father chastens those whom He has received.So then, Sonship is fixed by birth; fellowship is determined by whether or not we are obeying the Father’s instructionsii) But, if we are truly saved our sin will never be brought against us in order to condemn us; but our sin can and does interrupt fellowship with the Father1.John 1:7 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sinThe fact is it’s one thing to have sonship and it’s another thing to have fellowship- there are some things we will see in 1st John that we must learn if we join and remain in fellowship with God our Father. First…… #1. Sin must be exposed and open to the light (1 John 1:6-10)a. When a child gets sin in his or her heart the oftentimes will begin to lie to othersI.) 1 John1:6- if we walk in the darkness….ii) Someone who as been truly saved and has had their sins forgiven, but allows some sin to get in their heart and life1. What happens when he or she then begins to lie to others because he does not confess what’s In his heart and life?2. He or she knows that his heart is not right with God, but doesn’t want others to know His hearts- so he acts as if all is well within their soul? Question is it?iii) 1 John1:8 says, - 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.1.But if we tell a lie long enough, then we are going to begin to believe it ourselvesiv) 1John1:10 says, - If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.1. Not only do we lie to men and brethren but next we end up lying to God2. The Holy Spirit tells us that it is sin and we say that it’s not sin; in doing so we are calling God a liarv) We try to hide our sin1. One of the most dangerous thing we can do is to try and conceal our sin2.we say to others and to God- “there is no sin in our lives>b) We need to expose sin to the light, not so that we would be condemned ourselves, but so that we might have fellowship with God and one anotherI) 1 John1:7 says,- 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Second, Point #2 The light of God reveals the truthiii) If we want “to know” (KEY word in 1st John- Letter) expose your heart to His Word, allow <ask> the Holy Spirit to search your hearta) Psalm 139:23-24 - 23Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlastingb) the Holy Spirit will convict you of any sin that’s in your heart and life today. (ref.John 16)c) The Holy Spirit of God convicts us of sin: while the devil accuses us of sin. This is a very Important difference.What is the difference between Holy Spirit conviction and Satan’s accusations and How exactly does the Holy Spirit convict us of sin?i. Holy Spirit’s conviction is legitimate. He convicts us of sin which we have allowed in our lives and that which has not yet been confessed and cleansed in the blood of Christ our Lordii. The devil accuses us illegitimatelya) Satan brings up that which is already cleansed and forgiven 1 John 1:9says, If we confess our sins He is faithful to forgive us our sins and … Revelation 12:10 (tells us the accuser of the brethren is cast down) i) the devil is the accuser of the brethren ii) the devil will lead you into sin, and then more sin and then accuses you of committing that sin.iii) On the other hand The Holy Spirit convicts us specifically1) if the devil cannot accuse us of some sin that’s already forgiven, he will then accuses us generally.(a) the devil will then tell us that we’re no good and unworthy. <feelings>(i) We need to remember, our sin nature is under the blood of Jesus Christ and we have now become partakers of His diving nature;the devil does not want us to understand that or to walk in it. He wants to make you feel bad. He wants to negate walking by faith and trusting in God’s word.(ii) The Holy Spirit on the other hand, is a skilled physician. He places His finger on the sore spot exactly and perfectly!(a) The Holy Spirit locates the exact sin and He calls that sin by name!So correspondingly, we need to confess the exact sin and not pray generically by simply saying “Lord, I’ve sinned; forgive me.”(ii) Our prayers need to specifically confessing our sinsiii) The Holy Spirit’s conviction is redemptive and cleansing (1) The Holy Spirit convicts so that we will confess and return to fellowship(a) God wants us to have fellowship with Him(b) when God deals with us as His children, He‘s not trying to get even with us: He is trying to restore us to fellowship(2) the devil accuses us destructively (a) the Holy Spirit draws us to confession first , forgiveness next ant then to fellowship as the end result (b) the devil drives us to accusation, creating despair and hurtful feelings and directs us away from God.Point #3. Sin, repentance and confession must be expressed to God directly (1 John 1:9)a. We must confess our sin is a commandmenti) To confess means we are “to say the same thing.”ii) Confession of our sin is not just admitting our sin; it is agreeing with what God says about our siniii) Confession therefore means to name it and to agree with Godb) How do we confess sin?i) Immediately(1) To confess in 1 John 1:9 is in the present tense.(2) Don’t delay to the days end(3) The Spirit filled life is not a life of never sinning (a)1 John1:8(b) It is a life of confession and being in agreement with Godii) Make confession specific(1) if the Holy Spirit convicts specifically , then we are to confess specifically – don’t sugar coat or generalize our sins. Call sins by their real nameiii) confess confidently for Jesus died paying the penalty for your sins. You can and will be totally cleansed as far as the east is from the west, into the deepest sea and God chooses not to be remember.Point #4. Conclusion1. When we are forgiven of sin we are clean and have unbroken fellowship with God and also with one another2. To be right with God is to be in the Spirit or as Paul tells us to be “in Him.”3. Question is are you right with God?I. First you must be saved and you must be born from aboveJohn 3:7- 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
July 13 Sermon
How are we to live in today’s culture and world with its perversity, sin and lying where evil abounds? We need to have the mindset of Christ and walk as He walked for He is our example. We are to live our lives through the love of Christ. John the apostle, in 1st John has been around for a bunch of years, 60 plus and the Spirit of Christ Jesus is still burning brightly within him. So he writes this letter to refute the misinformation being passed around inside the churches. Much like what needs to be done in the churches in America in our day. There is more misinformation, lies and outright nonsense being peddled by spinmeisters, and it does not represent the truth. All we have to do is look at our nightly news to see the enemy tried to shoot the presidential candidate, and we have the current hey man, in the white House saying we need to cut the rhetoric, when he is the one who say we need Trump in the bullseye.
So how do we live and what do we think? Do we believe this is the first time this has happened to believers then we have not paid attention to the truth? I believe we need to study the book of 1st John for several weeks. A ton to truth is welded within this letter from John to the churches and as I read it I believe it is for a time such as this when everything is in upheaval.
Father help us find our way our time of need. Speak to us, visit us, we need you to provide a “fresh touch from the master in our day.” Change us and make us as disciples of old boldly proclaiming and living the truth AMEN
The first letter or epistle of John, Chapter 1, verses 1 to 10. I alert you ahead of time, we will not cover all verses today. Turn and read with me now
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life <a person>— 2 the life <Christ> was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life <divinity> which was with the Father <eternal> and was manifested to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that [a]your joy may be full.
Fellowship with Him and One Another
5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
What a text, so much is here let begin to unpack it.
We get from Paul in the book of Romans that God has revealed Himself in creation (Rom. 1:20), but creation is insufficient to tell us the full story of God’s love.
Our Father has also revealed Himself much more fully in His Word, the Bible.
But God’s greatest, final and most complete revelation of HIs loved is in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Jesus said,
John was and is an apostolic eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry, including His crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection, and is one of the 3 apostles on the inner circle of Jesus (includes John, Peter, James)
Point 1.So John letter affirms the fact of a real physical and living person call Jesus Christ
Here we have John affirming the physical reality of Jesus Christ’s having come “in the flesh” (cf. 4:2, 3). By doing so John is countering any false teaching by immediately focusing his eyewitness and testifying of a.) the historic reality of Jesus’ humanity. b.) the certainty of the gospel. C.) and to the divine nature of Jesus.
Certain false teachers claimed to believe in Christ, but they denied the true nature of Christ (i.e., His humanity) demonstrating their lack of genuine salvation (2:22, 23). The confession and testifying to of the true nature of Christ constitutes the first test of genuine fellowship (v. 3; see 1:5–2:2 for test two).
Now In vs., 3 fellowship - this word “in our believers vocabulary” simply means “to have all in common.” The word is “Koinonia”. usually, is translated as “fellowship.” Acts 2:42, is the first place the word occurs in the Bible, where it says of the early Christians:
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship [koinonia], in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
Koinonia in the New Testament
means a much deeper and more intimate fellowship than just associating with and enjoying the company of other Christians. It is fellowship in and by the love of God. For you see as sinners, we have nothing in common with a holy God. But God in His grace and mercy sent Christ to have something in save us by His blood sacrifice. Jesus Christ took upon Himself a human body and became fully human. He took a human nature so that by faith we might receive the very nature of God!
Point 2. This provision by the Father is the full manifestation of His love for us, to provide a way, a path to redemption and salvation. <Oh what a savior>
Acts 4;12 provides this - Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” God is exclusive in His love and jealous for His Son.
Fellowship with us. Fellowship does not mean social relations, but that his readers were to be partakers with John in possessing eternal life (cf. Phil. 1:5; 1 Pet. 5:1; 2 Pet. 1:4). John writes not only to affirm the physical reality of Jesus (vv. 1, 2) but also to drive the reader to professions of faith in Christ and ultimately to salvation in the Son. According to this word, genuine Christians are never “out of fellowship” is clear, since this verse equates fellowship with salvation.
Verse 3 is huge - 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
Ponder this point - Our invitation to fellowship is not with a human being but with the very person, and presence of God. God three in one – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God who is all knowing, God who is all powerful and God who is all present. He not only knows you but has specifically created us for fellowship with Him in the heavenly places. He has invited you.
Here in verse 4. Here John, in this epistle, used the word “joy” only once, but the sense or idea of joy runs throughout the letter. Joy is simply not just happiness; it is not something that we create and manufacture ourselves; Joy is a wonderful by-product of our fellowship with God. Sin creates unhappiness and it overwhelms us in our world today. Sin promises joy, but always produces sorrow. It seems pleasant for a season. Remember this God’s pleasures last eternally—they are forevermore (Ps. 16:11).
5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 1:5 we have heard from Him. The message that John and the other apostles preached comes from God not from men (cf. Gal. 1:12).
Point 4 - This is a God breathed and inspired message, no man could have thought or created so great a salvation.
God is light. In Scripture, light and darkness are very familiar symbols. Intellectually, “light” refers to biblical truth, while “darkness” refers to error or falsehood (cf. Ps. 119:105; Prov. 6:23; John 1:4; 8:12). Morally, “light” refers to holiness or purity, while “darkness” refers to sin or wrongdoing (Rom. 13:11–14; 1 Thess. 5:4–7). The heretics claimed to be the truly enlightened, walking in the real light, but John denied that because they do not recognize their sin. So, they were unenlightened.
Point 5- In God there is no darkness at all. With this phrase, John forcefully testifies to the reality that God is absolutely perfect, and nothing exists in God’s character that impinges upon His truth and holiness (cf. James 1:17).
Vs. 6-10 John and other New Testament authors refer to the Christian life as a “walk.” This walk begins with a step of faith when we first trust Christ as our Savior. But salvation is not the end—it’s only the beginning—of spiritual life.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Point 6 - “Walking In Christ ” involves progress, and Christians are supposed to be advancing daily in their spiritual filled life. Just as a child must learn to walk and must overcome many difficulties in doing so, a Christian must learn to live [walk] “in the light.” And the fundamental difficulty involved here is this matter of sin.
Vs.1:7 A genuine Christian walks habitually in the light (truth and holiness), not in darkness (falsehood and sin).Their walk also results in cleansing from sin as the Lord continually forgives His own. Since those walking in the light share in the character of God, they will be habitually or continually characterized by His holiness (3 John 11), indicating there is a true fellowship with Him (James 1:27). A genuine and practicing Christian does not walk in darkness, but only in the light (2 Cor. 6:14; Eph. 5:8; Col. 1:12, 13), and cleansing from sin continually occurs (cf. v. 9).
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Last Point - Confession and repentance should be continual as God’s heart overcomes your
How are we to live in today’s culture and world with its perversity, sin and lying where evil abounds? We need to have the mindset of Christ and walk as He walked for He is our example. We are to live our lives through the love of Christ. John the apostle, in 1st John has been around for a bunch of years, 60 plus and the Spirit of Christ Jesus is still burning brightly within him. So he writes this letter to refute the misinformation being passed around inside the churches. Much like what needs to be done in the churches in America in our day. There is more misinformation, lies and outright nonsense being peddled by spinmeisters, and it does not represent the truth. All we have to do is look at our nightly news to see the enemy tried to shoot the presidential candidate, and we have the current hey man, in the white House saying we need to cut the rhetoric, when he is the one who say we need Trump in the bullseye.
So how do we live and what do we think? Do we believe this is the first time this has happened to believers then we have not paid attention to the truth? I believe we need to study the book of 1st John for several weeks. A ton to truth is welded within this letter from John to the churches and as I read it I believe it is for a time such as this when everything is in upheaval.
Father help us find our way our time of need. Speak to us, visit us, we need you to provide a “fresh touch from the master in our day.” Change us and make us as disciples of old boldly proclaiming and living the truth AMEN
The first letter or epistle of John, Chapter 1, verses 1 to 10. I alert you ahead of time, we will not cover all verses today. Turn and read with me now
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life <a person>— 2 the life <Christ> was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life <divinity> which was with the Father <eternal> and was manifested to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that [a]your joy may be full.
Fellowship with Him and One Another
5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
What a text, so much is here let begin to unpack it.
We get from Paul in the book of Romans that God has revealed Himself in creation (Rom. 1:20), but creation is insufficient to tell us the full story of God’s love.
Our Father has also revealed Himself much more fully in His Word, the Bible.
But God’s greatest, final and most complete revelation of HIs loved is in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Jesus said,
John was and is an apostolic eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry, including His crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection, and is one of the 3 apostles on the inner circle of Jesus (includes John, Peter, James)
Point 1.So John letter affirms the fact of a real physical and living person call Jesus Christ
Here we have John affirming the physical reality of Jesus Christ’s having come “in the flesh” (cf. 4:2, 3). By doing so John is countering any false teaching by immediately focusing his eyewitness and testifying of a.) the historic reality of Jesus’ humanity. b.) the certainty of the gospel. C.) and to the divine nature of Jesus.
Certain false teachers claimed to believe in Christ, but they denied the true nature of Christ (i.e., His humanity) demonstrating their lack of genuine salvation (2:22, 23). The confession and testifying to of the true nature of Christ constitutes the first test of genuine fellowship (v. 3; see 1:5–2:2 for test two).
Now In vs., 3 fellowship - this word “in our believers vocabulary” simply means “to have all in common.” The word is “Koinonia”. usually, is translated as “fellowship.” Acts 2:42, is the first place the word occurs in the Bible, where it says of the early Christians:
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship [koinonia], in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
Koinonia in the New Testament
means a much deeper and more intimate fellowship than just associating with and enjoying the company of other Christians. It is fellowship in and by the love of God. For you see as sinners, we have nothing in common with a holy God. But God in His grace and mercy sent Christ to have something in save us by His blood sacrifice. Jesus Christ took upon Himself a human body and became fully human. He took a human nature so that by faith we might receive the very nature of God!
Point 2. This provision by the Father is the full manifestation of His love for us, to provide a way, a path to redemption and salvation. <Oh what a savior>
Acts 4;12 provides this - Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” God is exclusive in His love and jealous for His Son.
Fellowship with us. Fellowship does not mean social relations, but that his readers were to be partakers with John in possessing eternal life (cf. Phil. 1:5; 1 Pet. 5:1; 2 Pet. 1:4). John writes not only to affirm the physical reality of Jesus (vv. 1, 2) but also to drive the reader to professions of faith in Christ and ultimately to salvation in the Son. According to this word, genuine Christians are never “out of fellowship” is clear, since this verse equates fellowship with salvation.
Verse 3 is huge - 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
Ponder this point - Our invitation to fellowship is not with a human being but with the very person, and presence of God. God three in one – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God who is all knowing, God who is all powerful and God who is all present. He not only knows you but has specifically created us for fellowship with Him in the heavenly places. He has invited you.
Here in verse 4. Here John, in this epistle, used the word “joy” only once, but the sense or idea of joy runs throughout the letter. Joy is simply not just happiness; it is not something that we create and manufacture ourselves; Joy is a wonderful by-product of our fellowship with God. Sin creates unhappiness and it overwhelms us in our world today. Sin promises joy, but always produces sorrow. It seems pleasant for a season. Remember this God’s pleasures last eternally—they are forevermore (Ps. 16:11).
5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 1:5 we have heard from Him. The message that John and the other apostles preached comes from God not from men (cf. Gal. 1:12).
Point 4 - This is a God breathed and inspired message, no man could have thought or created so great a salvation.
God is light. In Scripture, light and darkness are very familiar symbols. Intellectually, “light” refers to biblical truth, while “darkness” refers to error or falsehood (cf. Ps. 119:105; Prov. 6:23; John 1:4; 8:12). Morally, “light” refers to holiness or purity, while “darkness” refers to sin or wrongdoing (Rom. 13:11–14; 1 Thess. 5:4–7). The heretics claimed to be the truly enlightened, walking in the real light, but John denied that because they do not recognize their sin. So, they were unenlightened.
Point 5- In God there is no darkness at all. With this phrase, John forcefully testifies to the reality that God is absolutely perfect, and nothing exists in God’s character that impinges upon His truth and holiness (cf. James 1:17).
Vs. 6-10 John and other New Testament authors refer to the Christian life as a “walk.” This walk begins with a step of faith when we first trust Christ as our Savior. But salvation is not the end—it’s only the beginning—of spiritual life.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Point 6 - “Walking In Christ ” involves progress, and Christians are supposed to be advancing daily in their spiritual filled life. Just as a child must learn to walk and must overcome many difficulties in doing so, a Christian must learn to live [walk] “in the light.” And the fundamental difficulty involved here is this matter of sin.
Vs.1:7 A genuine Christian walks habitually in the light (truth and holiness), not in darkness (falsehood and sin).Their walk also results in cleansing from sin as the Lord continually forgives His own. Since those walking in the light share in the character of God, they will be habitually or continually characterized by His holiness (3 John 11), indicating there is a true fellowship with Him (James 1:27). A genuine and practicing Christian does not walk in darkness, but only in the light (2 Cor. 6:14; Eph. 5:8; Col. 1:12, 13), and cleansing from sin continually occurs (cf. v. 9).
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Last Point - Confession and repentance should be continual as God’s heart overcomes your
July 7 Sermon
Deuteronomy 34:6-7- says, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth,7 keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”
Before He did anything with the tablets and the giving of the Commandments, God proclaimed the greatness of His attributes, a declaration that is basic to all Jewish and Christian theology. Moses repeated these words to God at Kadesh Barnea (Num. 14:17–19), the Jews used them in Nehemiah’s day (Neh. 9:17, 18), and Jonah quoted them when he sat pouting outside Nineveh (Jon. 4:1, 2). We don’t read that Moses fell on his face when he saw the glimpses of God’s glory, but he did bow to the ground and worship when he heard God speak these magnificent words.
By the grace of God, Moses achieved his purposes: God promised to go with the people, God showed Moses a glimpse of His glory, and God forgave the sins of the nation. Moses could return to the camp with the second tablets of the law and tell the people God was with them and had forgiven them.
Moses had also won God’s promise to accompany His people in their journey, but would He forgive the people for their sins?
Prayer- for understanding and applying His word.
I. Introduction. The Lord had told Moses that he had found favor or grace in His sight. So Moses asked in this favor that he might see and experience the glory of God/Yaweh. The Lord told him that no man could see His face and live. But that Moses should stand <away> <we say in a cleft of a rock> and the glory of the Lord would pass by, and after the Lord had passed by, Moses could see His back.
Point I. Vs. 5 AND the Lord God DESCENDED IN A CLOUD AND PROCLAIMED His NAME and character.
A. Yaweh is the suggested pronunciation for the name of the true and living God who created this universe and all the life forms within it.
1. God is not His name, only His title. In the Hebrew text, we only have the consonants, YHVH. Since there are no vowel marks, it makes His name unpronounceable.
a. The Jews reverence the name to such a degree that they never attempt to pronounce it. They believe His name is too holy to cross the lips of a mortal being.
b. There are two suggestions as to the pronunciation, Jehovah and Yahweh. The majority of scholars leaning toward = Yahweh.. This name is really a Hebrew verb meaning the becoming One.
c. That is, God becomes to you whatever you might need. He becomes your peace, your salvation, your healer, your strength, your provider, your righteousness.
d. Remember again when Moses first met God at the burning bush, as God called him to lead the people out from their bondage in Egypt, Moses said, "Who shall I tell them has sent me?" and God said, "I AM that I AM has sent you."
e. His name is not God. There are many gods. There is only one true and living God and He will become to you whatever you may need to lead you personally to the promised land.
f. Jesus also used this name. The name Jesus is Yehoshua, which means, "I AM your salvation." Jesus one day said to the Jews, "Before Abraham was, I AM." In John 8:24, Jesus said, "If you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins."
g. Again, In the garden when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, He asked them, "Who are you looking for?" They answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." When He answered them, "I AM," they fell backward on the ground.
B. Back to the text when God proclaimed His name Yahweh, Yahweh God, He also described His nature.
Point II. The NATURE of the true and living GOD.- He is Merciful and gracious.
1.. "Merciful.", mercy is getting what you don’t deserve- a reprieve and grace
2 Justice on the other hand is getting what you deserve.
a. Sometimes we hear of a person, who after committing a horrible murder or some particularly heinous crime, and as he or she is trying to evade the police who are chasing him, they crashes into something or have an accident trying to escape and die. We then will hear people say, "Justice has been served. He got what he deserved." That's justice – punishment. But actually they probably are getting punished more severely especially if they die apart from Jesus Christ- eternal punishment is terrible. It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God apart from Jesus.
b. Think also of how Jesus showed mercy and gave grace to the woman taken in adultery. This is the character and nature of our God- not willing that any should perish 2nd Peter 3:9-‑‑
b. The Jews wanted justice and to trap Jesus. They said, "According to our law, she should be stoned. What do you say?" Jesus said whichever one of you is without sin, cast the first stone. As He bent over and began to write on the ground. Then they began to leave, from the oldest to the youngest until there were none left. Jesus then stood and asked the woman, "Where are your accusers?" She responded, "I have none." Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more." There was only one person in the whole crowd qualified to throw a stone, and He refused to do so, rather He showed grace and gave mercy unto her.
c. When David had committed his horrible sin, he didn't pray for justice, but rather said, "Have mercy upon me O God, according to the multitude of tender mercies, blot out my transgressions."
David said, "As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those that fear Him."
d. In Lamentations Jeremiah said:
LAM 3:22 It is the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
LAM 3:23 [They are] renewed every morning: great is thy faithfulness- Lord unto me.
Point III. As part of His nature God is "Gracious." Grace is getting what you do not deserve.
a. We do not deserve the many blessings that God grants upon us daily.
b. In Ephesians, Paul speaks of redemption through the abundance of His grace. Paul then states that he was made a minister according to the gift of His grace. To Timothy he spoke of His saving us and calling us with a holy calling according to His grace. To Titus he speaks of being justified by His grace.
c. Because of our sin, none of us ever can earn or ever deserve redemption, salvation, justification or even being a minister of God. It is only by God’s grace that we can enjoy be saved and transformed to receive these things.
d. Did you know that grace of God was given very early in the history of men. Perhaps you remember reading that Noah found favor <grace> in the eyes of the Lord.
e. God also told Moses that he had found grace in the eyes of the Lord meaning, grace is part of the Old Testament teaching.
Point IV. God’s nature is Longsuffering. He is very patient <enduring over time> as He deals with our sinfulness, weaknesses and shortcomings.
a. God’s Word tells us that He knows are frames that we are but dust. Personally you may consider yourself a super saint, God knows your heart. You cannot hide from Him When you stumble He is there to pick you up.
b If you want to thing about this read the books of Kings or Chronicles and how longsuffering He was with the children of Israel. Think of how long God has been patient with America. Without repentance and revival there may be no future America.
c. Think how longsuffering and patient He has been with me and you.
d. Warning - I have some cautions and warnings concerning the longsuffering and patience of God:
1. There are limits. God said to Noah, "My Spirit will not always strive with man."
2. Some foolishly mistake the longsuffering of God as getting by with their sin. Because God has not immediately punished them, they think that God doesn't know or care about their sins.
PSA 94:9 He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?
3. Worse yet, some think because God has been so longsuffering that He doesn't care what they have been doing.
4. Worst of all is the one that thinks because God has not done anything to stop them, that God approves what they are doing. This is not so. God’s word will accomplish that for which is was sent. This includes our sin.
Point V5. God’s nature is also "Abundant in goodness and truth."
a. God is not just good, His nature and character is abundant in goodness.
b. One of the problems that I see is that we enjoy almost without thinking daily of the goodness of God. Rarely do we just stop and thank Him for what He has given us.
c. Remember the ten lepers who came to Jesus and were healed - Only one came back to thank Him.
d. In the book of Romans, Paul spoke of the riches of His goodness.
ROM 2:4 Do you despise the riches of the goodness of God, and His forbearance and longsuffering? Don't you realize that it is the goodness of God that leads you to repentance?
- God nature is also abundant in truth.
1. Man often declares that he is on a quest for truth. That was the whole inspiration for the age of Philosophy.
2. These same men often reject the truth, and many today declare that absolute truth does not exist. In their minds and their lust of the flesh they desire that their truth personally becomes or is the only relevant truth
e. At the trial of Jesus, Pilate cynically asked, "What is truth?"
f. The one who Pilate asked was the One who the night before had said to His disciples, "I am the way the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me.” (John 14.6)
He demonstrates and shows His mercy by "forgiving iniquity and transgressions."
a. But there are conditions for the forgiveness; they are:
1. Repentance.
2. Believing.
3. Obedience.
6. God "By no means clearing the guilty."
a. How does that equate with the fact that He just said in mercy He forgives iniquity and transgressions?
b. The forgiveness is to those who in repentance will come to Him. Jesus said, "Unless you repent, you shall perish."
Lastly. THE BIBLE declares itself to be GOD'S Revelation of HIMSELF to men. THIS IS GOD Describing Himself to you and I.
A. This whole issue comes down to which God do you serve? The God and Savior of the narrow gate and narrow road or the god of the wide gate and wide-open road?
1. We all serve some god, you can't escape that fact. Either the gods of this world of sin and lust, or the God who created this world.
2. Many serve the gods of this world, but you need to consider this:
The god of the sinful human heart will never prevail against the God of heaven and His Son. Your own personal god and what you want is at enmity – a fancy word for at war with the God of Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ. The god of your heart is being deceived by the deceiver. The one who want to kill and destroy and he is a liar from the beginning and Satan once called Lucifer In the final analysis is the god of your individual heart is the god of this world. He apart from Jesus Christ will ultimately leave you empty and destroy you, and allow you to be cast into hell.
Only God is “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth,7 keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”
Deuteronomy 34:6-7- says, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth,7 keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”
Before He did anything with the tablets and the giving of the Commandments, God proclaimed the greatness of His attributes, a declaration that is basic to all Jewish and Christian theology. Moses repeated these words to God at Kadesh Barnea (Num. 14:17–19), the Jews used them in Nehemiah’s day (Neh. 9:17, 18), and Jonah quoted them when he sat pouting outside Nineveh (Jon. 4:1, 2). We don’t read that Moses fell on his face when he saw the glimpses of God’s glory, but he did bow to the ground and worship when he heard God speak these magnificent words.
By the grace of God, Moses achieved his purposes: God promised to go with the people, God showed Moses a glimpse of His glory, and God forgave the sins of the nation. Moses could return to the camp with the second tablets of the law and tell the people God was with them and had forgiven them.
Moses had also won God’s promise to accompany His people in their journey, but would He forgive the people for their sins?
Prayer- for understanding and applying His word.
I. Introduction. The Lord had told Moses that he had found favor or grace in His sight. So Moses asked in this favor that he might see and experience the glory of God/Yaweh. The Lord told him that no man could see His face and live. But that Moses should stand <away> <we say in a cleft of a rock> and the glory of the Lord would pass by, and after the Lord had passed by, Moses could see His back.
Point I. Vs. 5 AND the Lord God DESCENDED IN A CLOUD AND PROCLAIMED His NAME and character.
A. Yaweh is the suggested pronunciation for the name of the true and living God who created this universe and all the life forms within it.
1. God is not His name, only His title. In the Hebrew text, we only have the consonants, YHVH. Since there are no vowel marks, it makes His name unpronounceable.
a. The Jews reverence the name to such a degree that they never attempt to pronounce it. They believe His name is too holy to cross the lips of a mortal being.
b. There are two suggestions as to the pronunciation, Jehovah and Yahweh. The majority of scholars leaning toward = Yahweh.. This name is really a Hebrew verb meaning the becoming One.
c. That is, God becomes to you whatever you might need. He becomes your peace, your salvation, your healer, your strength, your provider, your righteousness.
d. Remember again when Moses first met God at the burning bush, as God called him to lead the people out from their bondage in Egypt, Moses said, "Who shall I tell them has sent me?" and God said, "I AM that I AM has sent you."
e. His name is not God. There are many gods. There is only one true and living God and He will become to you whatever you may need to lead you personally to the promised land.
f. Jesus also used this name. The name Jesus is Yehoshua, which means, "I AM your salvation." Jesus one day said to the Jews, "Before Abraham was, I AM." In John 8:24, Jesus said, "If you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins."
g. Again, In the garden when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, He asked them, "Who are you looking for?" They answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." When He answered them, "I AM," they fell backward on the ground.
B. Back to the text when God proclaimed His name Yahweh, Yahweh God, He also described His nature.
Point II. The NATURE of the true and living GOD.- He is Merciful and gracious.
1.. "Merciful.", mercy is getting what you don’t deserve- a reprieve and grace
2 Justice on the other hand is getting what you deserve.
a. Sometimes we hear of a person, who after committing a horrible murder or some particularly heinous crime, and as he or she is trying to evade the police who are chasing him, they crashes into something or have an accident trying to escape and die. We then will hear people say, "Justice has been served. He got what he deserved." That's justice – punishment. But actually they probably are getting punished more severely especially if they die apart from Jesus Christ- eternal punishment is terrible. It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God apart from Jesus.
b. Think also of how Jesus showed mercy and gave grace to the woman taken in adultery. This is the character and nature of our God- not willing that any should perish 2nd Peter 3:9-‑‑
b. The Jews wanted justice and to trap Jesus. They said, "According to our law, she should be stoned. What do you say?" Jesus said whichever one of you is without sin, cast the first stone. As He bent over and began to write on the ground. Then they began to leave, from the oldest to the youngest until there were none left. Jesus then stood and asked the woman, "Where are your accusers?" She responded, "I have none." Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more." There was only one person in the whole crowd qualified to throw a stone, and He refused to do so, rather He showed grace and gave mercy unto her.
c. When David had committed his horrible sin, he didn't pray for justice, but rather said, "Have mercy upon me O God, according to the multitude of tender mercies, blot out my transgressions."
David said, "As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those that fear Him."
d. In Lamentations Jeremiah said:
LAM 3:22 It is the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
LAM 3:23 [They are] renewed every morning: great is thy faithfulness- Lord unto me.
Point III. As part of His nature God is "Gracious." Grace is getting what you do not deserve.
a. We do not deserve the many blessings that God grants upon us daily.
b. In Ephesians, Paul speaks of redemption through the abundance of His grace. Paul then states that he was made a minister according to the gift of His grace. To Timothy he spoke of His saving us and calling us with a holy calling according to His grace. To Titus he speaks of being justified by His grace.
c. Because of our sin, none of us ever can earn or ever deserve redemption, salvation, justification or even being a minister of God. It is only by God’s grace that we can enjoy be saved and transformed to receive these things.
d. Did you know that grace of God was given very early in the history of men. Perhaps you remember reading that Noah found favor <grace> in the eyes of the Lord.
e. God also told Moses that he had found grace in the eyes of the Lord meaning, grace is part of the Old Testament teaching.
Point IV. God’s nature is Longsuffering. He is very patient <enduring over time> as He deals with our sinfulness, weaknesses and shortcomings.
a. God’s Word tells us that He knows are frames that we are but dust. Personally you may consider yourself a super saint, God knows your heart. You cannot hide from Him When you stumble He is there to pick you up.
b If you want to thing about this read the books of Kings or Chronicles and how longsuffering He was with the children of Israel. Think of how long God has been patient with America. Without repentance and revival there may be no future America.
c. Think how longsuffering and patient He has been with me and you.
d. Warning - I have some cautions and warnings concerning the longsuffering and patience of God:
1. There are limits. God said to Noah, "My Spirit will not always strive with man."
2. Some foolishly mistake the longsuffering of God as getting by with their sin. Because God has not immediately punished them, they think that God doesn't know or care about their sins.
PSA 94:9 He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?
3. Worse yet, some think because God has been so longsuffering that He doesn't care what they have been doing.
4. Worst of all is the one that thinks because God has not done anything to stop them, that God approves what they are doing. This is not so. God’s word will accomplish that for which is was sent. This includes our sin.
Point V5. God’s nature is also "Abundant in goodness and truth."
a. God is not just good, His nature and character is abundant in goodness.
b. One of the problems that I see is that we enjoy almost without thinking daily of the goodness of God. Rarely do we just stop and thank Him for what He has given us.
c. Remember the ten lepers who came to Jesus and were healed - Only one came back to thank Him.
d. In the book of Romans, Paul spoke of the riches of His goodness.
ROM 2:4 Do you despise the riches of the goodness of God, and His forbearance and longsuffering? Don't you realize that it is the goodness of God that leads you to repentance?
- God nature is also abundant in truth.
1. Man often declares that he is on a quest for truth. That was the whole inspiration for the age of Philosophy.
2. These same men often reject the truth, and many today declare that absolute truth does not exist. In their minds and their lust of the flesh they desire that their truth personally becomes or is the only relevant truth
e. At the trial of Jesus, Pilate cynically asked, "What is truth?"
f. The one who Pilate asked was the One who the night before had said to His disciples, "I am the way the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me.” (John 14.6)
He demonstrates and shows His mercy by "forgiving iniquity and transgressions."
a. But there are conditions for the forgiveness; they are:
1. Repentance.
2. Believing.
3. Obedience.
6. God "By no means clearing the guilty."
a. How does that equate with the fact that He just said in mercy He forgives iniquity and transgressions?
b. The forgiveness is to those who in repentance will come to Him. Jesus said, "Unless you repent, you shall perish."
Lastly. THE BIBLE declares itself to be GOD'S Revelation of HIMSELF to men. THIS IS GOD Describing Himself to you and I.
A. This whole issue comes down to which God do you serve? The God and Savior of the narrow gate and narrow road or the god of the wide gate and wide-open road?
1. We all serve some god, you can't escape that fact. Either the gods of this world of sin and lust, or the God who created this world.
2. Many serve the gods of this world, but you need to consider this:
The god of the sinful human heart will never prevail against the God of heaven and His Son. Your own personal god and what you want is at enmity – a fancy word for at war with the God of Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ. The god of your heart is being deceived by the deceiver. The one who want to kill and destroy and he is a liar from the beginning and Satan once called Lucifer In the final analysis is the god of your individual heart is the god of this world. He apart from Jesus Christ will ultimately leave you empty and destroy you, and allow you to be cast into hell.
Only God is “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth,7 keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”
June 30 Sermon
What is our starting point each day as we are commanded to be “in Christ and walking “to be filled with the Holy Spirit? I asked myself this question recently. If we are to walk according to faith and not according to feelings daily, where do we begin? I am not good at the starting up as I am semi-conscious most days and recently I would add barely functioning is the last 9 months. I believe I am much better physically but do not want to declare I am healed; for I am much run down and have little energy these days. But I would say I am better and improving but it is slow going.
So, I have been seeking a better way almost unconsciously to stay connected to the Lord. I keep encountering this verse from Deuteronomy and I believe it is the beginning of “a better way” to walk with the Lord daily. While I can’t say I begin here consistently, I do rely on these verses as it tells us about who God is and since He never changes it and orients me to Himself.
This scripture was a personal message and experience for Moses. Moses, while he stood in God’s presence on Holy ground. Moses was learning to know God, and God spoke directly to him.
Read with me from Deuteronomy 34, verses 6 &-7, 6The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth,7 keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”<He is justice>
This was a personal word for Moses for He had asked to see God’s glory. So God knew in Moses’ present state He could not stand in His presence and live so He had to prepare Moses to experience Him. God works in our lives similarly.
If we use Experiencing God as a model we need to understand the realities of what we find taught in the Word of God. First that God is already at Work in the World drawing a people to Himself to be on mission with Him. Next understand that God calls and speaks by the Holy Spirit, using the Word of God, using other believers, and using events in your life.
Also know that and God pursues you in a love relationship that is both real and personal; but unique to you as an individual. Remembering this scripture verse that no man comes to the Father but by Christ alone, by faith alone.
Once you hear and understand that God is speaking or as some say calling, you experience a crisis of belief. In this crisis you must either exercise faith and believe and trust it is God speaking, and He has a calling for you or you reject Him and deny the truth. This is initially how we must come to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
And this crisis happens every time we have another encounter or word spoken from God which has the potential to radically change our lives.
If we accept and trust that God is God and we move forward, we grow in the faith and knowledge of the Lord and we mature as Christian believers. As we trust Him more and more we believe and have faith more and more in what we read is God’s Word.
Given this understanding let’s examine the Word of God and use the text from Acts to show case how those who walk by faith can grow even in the midst of tribulation, fear and oppression. Being mindful of the Word of God in 2 Tim 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Please turn to the New Testament Acts, Chapter 4. Verses 7-31
7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This<Jesus> is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a [a]notable miracle has been done through them is evident[b] to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”
18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. 22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
Prayer for Boldness
23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25 who [c]by the mouth of Your servant David have said:
‘Why do the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together, Against the Lord and against His Christ.’
27 “For truly against Your Holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
You will notice some important events in this chapter, which actually began in Chapter 3. God used Peter and John when they were entering the temple and God chose to use them to achieve a miracle of healing – the lame man walked. <silver and gold have I none>They commanded Him to walk in the power of Jesus Christ.
Because of their faithfulness and the miraculous healing Peter is then called to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Jerusalem temple
The Pharisees and Sadducees there were jealous and upset about them preaching there was salvation in no other name and that they were directly accused as the ones who allowed the Son of God/Man to be crucified. Over 5000 came to faith because of this event that day!– God was calling them to complete this event, They didn’t plan it – God did. God involved Peter and John in His work and tested their faith.
Before they commanded the man to walk – check out verses 9 and 10. There was no evidential fear demonstrated by these men. They testified to the truth, despite what the Pharisees wanted. Verses 12 and 13 testify to the candor and boldness of these two disciples in the hot bed of contention. Reminds me of the 3 young Jews about to be roasted in the fiery furnace.
Verse 17 was the absolute fear of the Leadership of the Temple – we don’t want this stuff to spread, need to cut it off. You realize if the Jewish people there hadn’t been there testifying to the events as they happened, that most likely they would have killed these two apostles? For us the lesson is that being in the will of God is the safest place you can be.
Verses 19 and 20 are an amazing verses – think about it, telling these guys NO WAY in the middle of the Lion’s den is awesome but they were not walking in their own power but the power of the Holy Spirit. Remember what Jesus said in- Mark 13:11 11 But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, [a]or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. Then miraculously they are released-Verse 21.
But God was not done with them another huge step of Faith was coming not just for these two but for all. God who was at work had another word for all the other believers who were suffering persecution in Jerusalem. God almighty was about to speak through the lives of these two disciples into the lives of others a new message of hope and redemption.
Their initial celebration about what God had done, now led to spontaneous prayer and praise to God. They began worship God for what He had accomplished. What a wonder God had wrought.
In their prayer and praise look at what happened - Verses 25-26. They took the Old Testament Psalm 2 verses and modified them to add in the Lord Jesus Christ. Now read Verses 27 and 28, here God reveals to them this was His plan to the end - to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. This was spiritual insight was provided by God Almighty through the Holy Spirits teaching and revealing to them the Truth.
This Word from God then led them to pray for boldness in Christ – read Verse 29. Remember this came to them - Not by might , not by power but by My Spirit says the Lord <Zech 4:6>
Verse 31 is what we need in the churches in America today – Holy Boldness not in our own power but in the anointing of the Holy Spirit in power to forthtell the Word of God and be filled with the Spirit.
Oh Lord bring revival, repentance and renewal- Yes Lord come quickly!
AMEN
What is our starting point each day as we are commanded to be “in Christ and walking “to be filled with the Holy Spirit? I asked myself this question recently. If we are to walk according to faith and not according to feelings daily, where do we begin? I am not good at the starting up as I am semi-conscious most days and recently I would add barely functioning is the last 9 months. I believe I am much better physically but do not want to declare I am healed; for I am much run down and have little energy these days. But I would say I am better and improving but it is slow going.
So, I have been seeking a better way almost unconsciously to stay connected to the Lord. I keep encountering this verse from Deuteronomy and I believe it is the beginning of “a better way” to walk with the Lord daily. While I can’t say I begin here consistently, I do rely on these verses as it tells us about who God is and since He never changes it and orients me to Himself.
This scripture was a personal message and experience for Moses. Moses, while he stood in God’s presence on Holy ground. Moses was learning to know God, and God spoke directly to him.
Read with me from Deuteronomy 34, verses 6 &-7, 6The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth,7 keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”<He is justice>
This was a personal word for Moses for He had asked to see God’s glory. So God knew in Moses’ present state He could not stand in His presence and live so He had to prepare Moses to experience Him. God works in our lives similarly.
If we use Experiencing God as a model we need to understand the realities of what we find taught in the Word of God. First that God is already at Work in the World drawing a people to Himself to be on mission with Him. Next understand that God calls and speaks by the Holy Spirit, using the Word of God, using other believers, and using events in your life.
Also know that and God pursues you in a love relationship that is both real and personal; but unique to you as an individual. Remembering this scripture verse that no man comes to the Father but by Christ alone, by faith alone.
Once you hear and understand that God is speaking or as some say calling, you experience a crisis of belief. In this crisis you must either exercise faith and believe and trust it is God speaking, and He has a calling for you or you reject Him and deny the truth. This is initially how we must come to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
And this crisis happens every time we have another encounter or word spoken from God which has the potential to radically change our lives.
If we accept and trust that God is God and we move forward, we grow in the faith and knowledge of the Lord and we mature as Christian believers. As we trust Him more and more we believe and have faith more and more in what we read is God’s Word.
Given this understanding let’s examine the Word of God and use the text from Acts to show case how those who walk by faith can grow even in the midst of tribulation, fear and oppression. Being mindful of the Word of God in 2 Tim 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Please turn to the New Testament Acts, Chapter 4. Verses 7-31
7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This<Jesus> is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a [a]notable miracle has been done through them is evident[b] to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”
18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. 22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
Prayer for Boldness
23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25 who [c]by the mouth of Your servant David have said:
‘Why do the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together, Against the Lord and against His Christ.’
27 “For truly against Your Holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
You will notice some important events in this chapter, which actually began in Chapter 3. God used Peter and John when they were entering the temple and God chose to use them to achieve a miracle of healing – the lame man walked. <silver and gold have I none>They commanded Him to walk in the power of Jesus Christ.
Because of their faithfulness and the miraculous healing Peter is then called to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Jerusalem temple
The Pharisees and Sadducees there were jealous and upset about them preaching there was salvation in no other name and that they were directly accused as the ones who allowed the Son of God/Man to be crucified. Over 5000 came to faith because of this event that day!– God was calling them to complete this event, They didn’t plan it – God did. God involved Peter and John in His work and tested their faith.
Before they commanded the man to walk – check out verses 9 and 10. There was no evidential fear demonstrated by these men. They testified to the truth, despite what the Pharisees wanted. Verses 12 and 13 testify to the candor and boldness of these two disciples in the hot bed of contention. Reminds me of the 3 young Jews about to be roasted in the fiery furnace.
Verse 17 was the absolute fear of the Leadership of the Temple – we don’t want this stuff to spread, need to cut it off. You realize if the Jewish people there hadn’t been there testifying to the events as they happened, that most likely they would have killed these two apostles? For us the lesson is that being in the will of God is the safest place you can be.
Verses 19 and 20 are an amazing verses – think about it, telling these guys NO WAY in the middle of the Lion’s den is awesome but they were not walking in their own power but the power of the Holy Spirit. Remember what Jesus said in- Mark 13:11 11 But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, [a]or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. Then miraculously they are released-Verse 21.
But God was not done with them another huge step of Faith was coming not just for these two but for all. God who was at work had another word for all the other believers who were suffering persecution in Jerusalem. God almighty was about to speak through the lives of these two disciples into the lives of others a new message of hope and redemption.
Their initial celebration about what God had done, now led to spontaneous prayer and praise to God. They began worship God for what He had accomplished. What a wonder God had wrought.
In their prayer and praise look at what happened - Verses 25-26. They took the Old Testament Psalm 2 verses and modified them to add in the Lord Jesus Christ. Now read Verses 27 and 28, here God reveals to them this was His plan to the end - to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. This was spiritual insight was provided by God Almighty through the Holy Spirits teaching and revealing to them the Truth.
This Word from God then led them to pray for boldness in Christ – read Verse 29. Remember this came to them - Not by might , not by power but by My Spirit says the Lord <Zech 4:6>
Verse 31 is what we need in the churches in America today – Holy Boldness not in our own power but in the anointing of the Holy Spirit in power to forthtell the Word of God and be filled with the Spirit.
Oh Lord bring revival, repentance and renewal- Yes Lord come quickly!
AMEN
June 23 Sermon
In a darkening world of increased confusion and disillusion there is much discussion about spiritual things. Yes there is a spiritual hunger but this hunger is not always hungering after the right spirit. Satan is still called the Prince and power of the air for a reason for while defeated, he is still active to destroy His Father’s creation. And when he comes , he comes only to kill, maim or destroy. He is also named as a liar from the beginning. It is a frightful idea that the highest created being in the universe is the deceiver, who originally led the heavenly choir, who is also the one who fomented the rebellion in heaven against God. For the absolute desire of his heart was to replace God and receive all praise and worship in His place.<Isa. 14:12-21> One third of the Angels were deceived and followed his rebellion and these were cast into outer darkness awaiting a future and final judgement.
I sometimes wonder about our minds. That is our minds. The minds and thinking of us who are in the category of created beings. This question rings in my head, how can or how could a finite, created being, ever conceive in their head, that he or she, since God alone made them, male and female, think, and this includes Angels by the way, they could ever defeat an all-powerful, all knowing and all wise present Creator? Yet, we see evidence of this irrational hatred in what is being expressed today toward the Jews <God’s chosen people> presently; and lurking just around the corner is this idea of “them Christians aren’t to be trusted either.” New hate terms are being created as we speak to marginalize believers as rightwing, radicals/nationalists/hate mongers who devalue “democracy”. Democracy in their minds is not really democracy as we define it but is closest to full blooded communism; where a small group of elitists tell everyone what to do, when and how much to do. Do these deluded people really believe they have the ability to defeat God in a head to head battle? This is impossible. But according to prophetic scripture that is the path they are on! We have to be fully depraved and utterly deluded to believe such; and more importantly if God loves us why would we want this outcome? Would we not be overcome with joy that God Almighty has invited us to join Him? This is a question for the ages, but is reflected in what happened to Jesus, the Son of God while He was on the earth. We read in Isaiah 53, that Jesus was- a Man of [e]sorrows and acquainted with [f]grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 4 Surely He has borne our [g]griefs
And carried our [h]sorrows;
Yet we [i]esteemed Him stricken,
[j]Smitten by God, and afflicted.
How is it then that Believers are not so deceived or swept away so easily into this fanatical deceptive philosophy. I believe it is because of the presence of the Holy Spirit within us by God’s grace and we will learn more of that presently.
Jesus gives us words specific words of instruction on how to walk the narrow road on the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, Chapter 7, for which we should pay close attention. Let’s, begin at verse 13 reading:,
13 “Enter by the narrow gate; <Jesus is the door/gate> for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 [c]Because narrow is the gate and[d]difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
You Will Know Them by Their Fruits
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. <fruit of the Spirit evidence in Gal 5:23>
I Never Knew You
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, <great and terrible day of the Lord> ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ <evidence of true faith is missing, not born from above>
Build on the Rock
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them,<James – be ye doers of the word> I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Our lesson today focuses on two sections of the text; first verses 13 and 14 and then on verses 15-19, discussing fruit because they are related
Point 1. Verses 13-14 states, 13“Enter by the narrow gate; <Jesus is the door/gate> for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 [c]Because narrow is the gate and[d]difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
This sounds like a difficult passage to understand. Jesus here is discussing a difference in how we follow after God depending upon what is in our heart. Someone suggested putting some signs of these doors so that people could more easily relate to what they mean. For example for the narrow gate you could put “pain and suffering” as the sign. And for the wide gate you could put “fun and games” or something which evokes thoughts of pleasure. For many this wide gate is great for when I follow “fun and games” I can define and do pretty much what I want when it comes to my life. I define my own God and fulfill my particular wants and needs. After all I will define my own life, do what I want to do and how I want to do it. But to live my life for myself means I am defining this road/gate as I want and am ignoring any deeper meaning. On the wide path of “fun and games” I live entirely for self and for no other. God’s word says – this path or way leads to destruction.
But perhaps as Jesus was teaching He had an entirely different meaning, reference and understanding concerning this text. Please turn to John Chapter 10, verses 7 - 11,where we find an explanation about the gate/door. Beginning at verse 7, 7Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came [a]before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they <you> may have life, and that they <you> may have it more abundantly. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives <lays down > His life for the sheep.
This narrow gate for entry requires pain and suffering. To enter into a relationship with Christ and to continue in that relationship requires conviction, awareness of personal sinfulness, confession and repentance for my sin and pain for me to face it and pain on the cross for my Savior to bear it. It requires me to humble myself before God, to die to self and confession of my individual sin. This path makes me realize I am unable to save myself and I need and must ask Him to be my Lord and Savior. I am of myself unable to save myself.
Perhaps the sign on the narrow door should even be more dramatic. It should probably say “pain, suffering and death.” That is a sign most people want nothing to do with and is uninviting compared to “fun and games.” Verse 14 is important as it provides the understanding 14 [c]Because narrow is the gate and[d]difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Since Jesus is the gate/door we can know that He will enable us to find the “Way,” since, Jesus is the way the truth and the life and no man comes to the Father but by Him. The narrow way requires death to self and few who are who would choose it or could find it without help
Point #2 - Verses 15-23 are directly related to what we understand about the narrow road described in verses 13 and 14.Let’ read again verses 15-23 - 15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. <fruit of the Spirit evidence in Gal 5:23>
I Never Knew You
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
Here Jesus is making a distinction concerning good trees and bad trees and good fruit and bad fruit, saying you will see the evidence of people’s lives by the fruit they produce. So what He is telling us is that those who choose the narrow road will be the ones who produce good fruit, because of their yielding to the influence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Good fruit is the result of God’s righteousness bringing a harvest within the life of the believer. Only those on the narrow road who are being disciplined to bring to bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit in their lives will be. Those on the wide path leading to destruction are self-centered and not god-centered and have not been born from above. As we would say they are unregenerate and apostate. They have the knowledge of God but no relationship with the creator of the Universe and the Holy Spirit of God does not live within them. Their output is bad fruit, which is everything and all things evil, depraved and apart from the true nature of God.
The Apostle Peter in his 2nd letter says this in Chapter 1, verse 3 – as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
What is this divine power which has been given us? It is called the filling of the Spirit, the anointing which comes from above. It is God investing in each of us individually as He promised in Ezekiel 36- 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.
Who is this person of God? First His is God and there is no other. But Jesus labels Him the Teacher, the Spirit of Truth, the Paraclete, the Comforter, the one who Convicts, who guides into all Truth <John 14,15, and 16>. He enables us to walk according to the full counsel of God
In a darkening world of increased confusion and disillusion there is much discussion about spiritual things. Yes there is a spiritual hunger but this hunger is not always hungering after the right spirit. Satan is still called the Prince and power of the air for a reason for while defeated, he is still active to destroy His Father’s creation. And when he comes , he comes only to kill, maim or destroy. He is also named as a liar from the beginning. It is a frightful idea that the highest created being in the universe is the deceiver, who originally led the heavenly choir, who is also the one who fomented the rebellion in heaven against God. For the absolute desire of his heart was to replace God and receive all praise and worship in His place.<Isa. 14:12-21> One third of the Angels were deceived and followed his rebellion and these were cast into outer darkness awaiting a future and final judgement.
I sometimes wonder about our minds. That is our minds. The minds and thinking of us who are in the category of created beings. This question rings in my head, how can or how could a finite, created being, ever conceive in their head, that he or she, since God alone made them, male and female, think, and this includes Angels by the way, they could ever defeat an all-powerful, all knowing and all wise present Creator? Yet, we see evidence of this irrational hatred in what is being expressed today toward the Jews <God’s chosen people> presently; and lurking just around the corner is this idea of “them Christians aren’t to be trusted either.” New hate terms are being created as we speak to marginalize believers as rightwing, radicals/nationalists/hate mongers who devalue “democracy”. Democracy in their minds is not really democracy as we define it but is closest to full blooded communism; where a small group of elitists tell everyone what to do, when and how much to do. Do these deluded people really believe they have the ability to defeat God in a head to head battle? This is impossible. But according to prophetic scripture that is the path they are on! We have to be fully depraved and utterly deluded to believe such; and more importantly if God loves us why would we want this outcome? Would we not be overcome with joy that God Almighty has invited us to join Him? This is a question for the ages, but is reflected in what happened to Jesus, the Son of God while He was on the earth. We read in Isaiah 53, that Jesus was- a Man of [e]sorrows and acquainted with [f]grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 4 Surely He has borne our [g]griefs
And carried our [h]sorrows;
Yet we [i]esteemed Him stricken,
[j]Smitten by God, and afflicted.
How is it then that Believers are not so deceived or swept away so easily into this fanatical deceptive philosophy. I believe it is because of the presence of the Holy Spirit within us by God’s grace and we will learn more of that presently.
Jesus gives us words specific words of instruction on how to walk the narrow road on the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, Chapter 7, for which we should pay close attention. Let’s, begin at verse 13 reading:,
13 “Enter by the narrow gate; <Jesus is the door/gate> for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 [c]Because narrow is the gate and[d]difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
You Will Know Them by Their Fruits
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. <fruit of the Spirit evidence in Gal 5:23>
I Never Knew You
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, <great and terrible day of the Lord> ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ <evidence of true faith is missing, not born from above>
Build on the Rock
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them,<James – be ye doers of the word> I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Our lesson today focuses on two sections of the text; first verses 13 and 14 and then on verses 15-19, discussing fruit because they are related
Point 1. Verses 13-14 states, 13“Enter by the narrow gate; <Jesus is the door/gate> for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 [c]Because narrow is the gate and[d]difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
This sounds like a difficult passage to understand. Jesus here is discussing a difference in how we follow after God depending upon what is in our heart. Someone suggested putting some signs of these doors so that people could more easily relate to what they mean. For example for the narrow gate you could put “pain and suffering” as the sign. And for the wide gate you could put “fun and games” or something which evokes thoughts of pleasure. For many this wide gate is great for when I follow “fun and games” I can define and do pretty much what I want when it comes to my life. I define my own God and fulfill my particular wants and needs. After all I will define my own life, do what I want to do and how I want to do it. But to live my life for myself means I am defining this road/gate as I want and am ignoring any deeper meaning. On the wide path of “fun and games” I live entirely for self and for no other. God’s word says – this path or way leads to destruction.
But perhaps as Jesus was teaching He had an entirely different meaning, reference and understanding concerning this text. Please turn to John Chapter 10, verses 7 - 11,where we find an explanation about the gate/door. Beginning at verse 7, 7Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came [a]before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they <you> may have life, and that they <you> may have it more abundantly. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives <lays down > His life for the sheep.
This narrow gate for entry requires pain and suffering. To enter into a relationship with Christ and to continue in that relationship requires conviction, awareness of personal sinfulness, confession and repentance for my sin and pain for me to face it and pain on the cross for my Savior to bear it. It requires me to humble myself before God, to die to self and confession of my individual sin. This path makes me realize I am unable to save myself and I need and must ask Him to be my Lord and Savior. I am of myself unable to save myself.
Perhaps the sign on the narrow door should even be more dramatic. It should probably say “pain, suffering and death.” That is a sign most people want nothing to do with and is uninviting compared to “fun and games.” Verse 14 is important as it provides the understanding 14 [c]Because narrow is the gate and[d]difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Since Jesus is the gate/door we can know that He will enable us to find the “Way,” since, Jesus is the way the truth and the life and no man comes to the Father but by Him. The narrow way requires death to self and few who are who would choose it or could find it without help
Point #2 - Verses 15-23 are directly related to what we understand about the narrow road described in verses 13 and 14.Let’ read again verses 15-23 - 15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. <fruit of the Spirit evidence in Gal 5:23>
I Never Knew You
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
Here Jesus is making a distinction concerning good trees and bad trees and good fruit and bad fruit, saying you will see the evidence of people’s lives by the fruit they produce. So what He is telling us is that those who choose the narrow road will be the ones who produce good fruit, because of their yielding to the influence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Good fruit is the result of God’s righteousness bringing a harvest within the life of the believer. Only those on the narrow road who are being disciplined to bring to bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit in their lives will be. Those on the wide path leading to destruction are self-centered and not god-centered and have not been born from above. As we would say they are unregenerate and apostate. They have the knowledge of God but no relationship with the creator of the Universe and the Holy Spirit of God does not live within them. Their output is bad fruit, which is everything and all things evil, depraved and apart from the true nature of God.
The Apostle Peter in his 2nd letter says this in Chapter 1, verse 3 – as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
What is this divine power which has been given us? It is called the filling of the Spirit, the anointing which comes from above. It is God investing in each of us individually as He promised in Ezekiel 36- 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.
Who is this person of God? First His is God and there is no other. But Jesus labels Him the Teacher, the Spirit of Truth, the Paraclete, the Comforter, the one who Convicts, who guides into all Truth <John 14,15, and 16>. He enables us to walk according to the full counsel of God
June 16 Sermon Father's Day
Today for a few minutes we will choose to focus on Our Heavenly Father. Now to try and explain or even grasp even a measure of the glory and majesty of God in an hour is impossible besides being ridiculous. Since it is Father’s Day and we want to honor our Heavenly Father, we will simply apply in limited measure what Jesus His Son said to us about God our Father and allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate our hearts to the truth of who God is.
Please pray that whatever we say and do will honor and life up the name of the Lord God almighty
Vain repetitions In Matthew chapter 6 Jesus is teaching what we call the sermon on the mount and this instruction is considered a direct repudiation of all that the Pharisees’ are teaching about worship and how to honor God. This verses we will look at in Chapter 6 are specifically about prayer and how to pray. <elsewhere in scripture> the disciples’ had noticed that Jesus always prayed before important events and they asked Jesus to “teach us to pray.” We however will only look at a very small portion of this text. Let’s read from Matt 6:8-10 - 8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Let’s ask ourselves a question – who is God to you today, right now, right this minute? If you truly know Him the best answer is probably – God is! The revelation to Moses at the burning bush is I AM, THAT I AM, means God is for whatever God requires. That is why when we start cataloging the names for God and what He is able to do we can come up with over 5 single spaced pages of titles each one descriptive of who God is. Hopefully as you sit in the pew today you have a God is statement that He is teaching you about Himself today?
Point I. Now no longer assuming but stating God is, can you state that God is your Father? Perhaps your earthly father was an unworthy Father, your heavenly Father can meet every need and more! But you must learn to trust Him.
The Lord’s Prayer verses begin with a simple statement about who God is. Jesus invites us to say “Our Father” when we pray. The key to understanding the Lord’s Prayer is rightly understanding what that phrase means. When you say, “Our Father in heaven,” you are admitting you do not pray alone. The Lord’s Prayer is not a “private” prayer. The words “I” and “me” are nowhere to be found. You are admitting that you are not the only one in who has concern{s} to bring to God. To begin with the word “our” means that you are identified with and involved in a fellowship and the community of God’s children around the world. This is important because it is easy to become me-oriented when we pray. But when you pray “Our Father,” you are confessing your problems are not the only problems in the world. You are admitting that there are many others around the world who have concerns just as great as yours.
And that leads us to a crucial point. The first step in prayer is to learn to call God “Father.” In a true biblical sense, the only people who have the right to do address God as Father are those who are the children of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:26), who have been born from above, by water and the Spirit. I know it is popular today to say “We’re all God’s children” with a glibness that blurs the distinctions between those who know Jesus Christ and those who don’t. But in contrast to those who would apply the Lord’s Prayer to everyone, even to non-Christians, we declare that this is a prayer only true Christians can pray. You might say this prayer but you would not actually be praying. Remember there is a vital difference between a said faith and real faith. Real faith is confessed and believing in your heart in Christ and His atonement for your sin. There is no other kind!
Point II. Like Father, Like Son
Second, you are to call Him “Our Father’”. When you call God “Father,” you are saying there is One in heaven who hears and knows and understands and cares. Whatever a good father on earth would do for his children, that’s what God in heaven will more than do for his children. Did you understand this or have you never really thought about you are calling God your Father? Perhaps the best way for us to learn about the Father is to learn what Jesus said about Our Father-
In the Gospel of John, Chapter 14, beginning in verse 9 9 Jesus said to him<Phillip>, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
What Jesus teaches us is that He is an exact representation of the Father in heaven. Jesus is God made real in flesh and bones. If Jesus is love, God is love. How can we be sure of this well Jesus tells us in His high priestly prayer before He goes to the cross of Calvary in John Chapter 17, verse
John 17:11- Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. Here Jesus states that He and the Father are One.
So recognizing God as our Father means 3 things biblically :
a.) it refers to source or paternity or origin. God is the source of all that you have. When we sing the Doxology, we begin with the words “Praise God from whom all blessings flow“. Or as the Scripture says, “In him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:25). When you call God “Father,” you declare that your ultimate origin rests with Him.
Second, He is sovereign, the word Father speaks of parental authority. He is God and you are not. He is running the show and you are not. He is a father; you are his child. We must not use the fact of God’s love as an excuse to reject his right to rule over us. Because he is our Father “in heaven,” he has the right to do as he pleases even if his ways do not always make sense to us.
Third, when you call God “Father,” you confess that he is a God of tender loving care. There’s a Hebrew word in the Old Testament-hesed-which is translated a number of different ways. In the King James, hesed is usually translated as lovingkindness. As in “thy lovingkindness is better than life”. The newer translations take that concept and add the concept of faithfulness to it. This word hesed speaks of God’s loyal love to all His children. It is the love that keeping on loving no matter what we do or how badly we blow it or how many dumb mistakes we make. He is a God who never lets his children go. He loves his children with an everlasting love that is faithful and loyal no matter what happens.
Part 3 – Now one more part. We have in part 1 spoken about the word, Ours. And just now finished speaking about Our Father. Now we will discuss the phrases, Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Third, we pray to our Father who is “in heaven“. That’s usually a throwaway line for most of us. We tend to think it means that earth is where we are and heaven is where God is, which is somewhere in the great beyond – out there. That’s not what it means. The phrase “in heaven” refers to heaven being the center of everything, the seat of all authority, all power, all dominion and all greatness. We are on earth and are therefore limited to this little ball of dirt floating around the sun in a little corner of a galaxy called the Milky Way. And that galaxy is just one of an unimaginable number of galaxies in a universe so large it cannot be measured. Stating we are “on earth” means that we pray from a position of weakness, corruption and insignificance. God’s throne in heaven is in the seat of all authority and all power. Therefore, when you say, “Our father in heaven,” you are proclaiming that Our Father has the all authority and all power to hear you and to help you in whatever circumstance you are dealing. It is because God is in heaven. He is the source and that he has the will and power to help you.
Think of it this way:
Our = I pray with others.
Our Father = I pray to One who cares for me.
Our Father in heaven = I pray to one who has the power to help me.
Every single word is important. Every single word is crucial. “Our“ opens you up to a big view of the universe. “Father“ encourages you to believe that He who is the God of Heaven who cares- He sent His Son to die for you! “In heaven“ means that you don’t have a problem that he is unable to handle. You don’t have a need in your life that he can’t meet because he’s your Father in heaven who hears and answers prayer.
IV. Conclusion– this should give us a new way of thinking about God as our Father and it is His gift to us on Father’s Day 2024. When we come to the New Testament, we discover that Jesus called God “Father” more than 60 times. Why this enormous difference? Because the revelation of God as our personal Father is based on the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. It’s not that he wasn’t a Father to his people in the Old Testament, but that’s not the primary way He revealed Himself. Only in the New Testament do we discover that God is now the Father of those who come to the Lord Jesus Christ by faith.
This is also very good news for prodigal sons and daughters who need to return to God via repentance and acknowledging it is better to be a servant in my Father’s house that to be a slave to sin.
Understanding this about the Lord’s Prayer and having a Father in heaven also provides us an understanding that the Lord’s Prayer answers the greatest question of the universe-Is there anybody up there who cares about me? Is there anybody up there who watches over me? Is there anybody up there who knows my name? And the answer comes back-Yes. Yes. Yes. There is a God in heaven who cares about you. And he is called Our Father.
All that a good father is to his children God will be to his children when they approach him in prayer. And that is why the most profound prayer you will ever pray has only three words-“Our Heavenly Father.” Pray that and if you really understand what it means, that is the prayer and everything else is just the P.S.
Jesus made prayer simple because in the end, we are simple people. If it were difficult, most of us would forget it or mess it up somehow. Yet these simple words are profound beyond our understanding. Everything God has for us and that He is for us is wrapped in the word “Father.” When we come to Him in Jesus’ name, we are not coming to an angry God, but to a friendly Father. So don’t be afraid to talk to God. Your Father is waiting to hear from you.
Prayer- Lord God, you have called us out of darkness into your marvelous light and by grace you have blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. All things are ours because all things are yours and we are your beloved children. We claim no merit of our own but cling to the imputed righteousness of your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. We make bold to pray the Lord’s Prayer because Jesus commanded us to do so and with his own blood he opened the way into your presence. We thank you for the privilege of calling you Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
.
Today for a few minutes we will choose to focus on Our Heavenly Father. Now to try and explain or even grasp even a measure of the glory and majesty of God in an hour is impossible besides being ridiculous. Since it is Father’s Day and we want to honor our Heavenly Father, we will simply apply in limited measure what Jesus His Son said to us about God our Father and allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate our hearts to the truth of who God is.
Please pray that whatever we say and do will honor and life up the name of the Lord God almighty
Vain repetitions In Matthew chapter 6 Jesus is teaching what we call the sermon on the mount and this instruction is considered a direct repudiation of all that the Pharisees’ are teaching about worship and how to honor God. This verses we will look at in Chapter 6 are specifically about prayer and how to pray. <elsewhere in scripture> the disciples’ had noticed that Jesus always prayed before important events and they asked Jesus to “teach us to pray.” We however will only look at a very small portion of this text. Let’s read from Matt 6:8-10 - 8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Let’s ask ourselves a question – who is God to you today, right now, right this minute? If you truly know Him the best answer is probably – God is! The revelation to Moses at the burning bush is I AM, THAT I AM, means God is for whatever God requires. That is why when we start cataloging the names for God and what He is able to do we can come up with over 5 single spaced pages of titles each one descriptive of who God is. Hopefully as you sit in the pew today you have a God is statement that He is teaching you about Himself today?
Point I. Now no longer assuming but stating God is, can you state that God is your Father? Perhaps your earthly father was an unworthy Father, your heavenly Father can meet every need and more! But you must learn to trust Him.
The Lord’s Prayer verses begin with a simple statement about who God is. Jesus invites us to say “Our Father” when we pray. The key to understanding the Lord’s Prayer is rightly understanding what that phrase means. When you say, “Our Father in heaven,” you are admitting you do not pray alone. The Lord’s Prayer is not a “private” prayer. The words “I” and “me” are nowhere to be found. You are admitting that you are not the only one in who has concern{s} to bring to God. To begin with the word “our” means that you are identified with and involved in a fellowship and the community of God’s children around the world. This is important because it is easy to become me-oriented when we pray. But when you pray “Our Father,” you are confessing your problems are not the only problems in the world. You are admitting that there are many others around the world who have concerns just as great as yours.
And that leads us to a crucial point. The first step in prayer is to learn to call God “Father.” In a true biblical sense, the only people who have the right to do address God as Father are those who are the children of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:26), who have been born from above, by water and the Spirit. I know it is popular today to say “We’re all God’s children” with a glibness that blurs the distinctions between those who know Jesus Christ and those who don’t. But in contrast to those who would apply the Lord’s Prayer to everyone, even to non-Christians, we declare that this is a prayer only true Christians can pray. You might say this prayer but you would not actually be praying. Remember there is a vital difference between a said faith and real faith. Real faith is confessed and believing in your heart in Christ and His atonement for your sin. There is no other kind!
Point II. Like Father, Like Son
Second, you are to call Him “Our Father’”. When you call God “Father,” you are saying there is One in heaven who hears and knows and understands and cares. Whatever a good father on earth would do for his children, that’s what God in heaven will more than do for his children. Did you understand this or have you never really thought about you are calling God your Father? Perhaps the best way for us to learn about the Father is to learn what Jesus said about Our Father-
In the Gospel of John, Chapter 14, beginning in verse 9 9 Jesus said to him<Phillip>, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
What Jesus teaches us is that He is an exact representation of the Father in heaven. Jesus is God made real in flesh and bones. If Jesus is love, God is love. How can we be sure of this well Jesus tells us in His high priestly prayer before He goes to the cross of Calvary in John Chapter 17, verse
John 17:11- Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. Here Jesus states that He and the Father are One.
So recognizing God as our Father means 3 things biblically :
a.) it refers to source or paternity or origin. God is the source of all that you have. When we sing the Doxology, we begin with the words “Praise God from whom all blessings flow“. Or as the Scripture says, “In him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:25). When you call God “Father,” you declare that your ultimate origin rests with Him.
Second, He is sovereign, the word Father speaks of parental authority. He is God and you are not. He is running the show and you are not. He is a father; you are his child. We must not use the fact of God’s love as an excuse to reject his right to rule over us. Because he is our Father “in heaven,” he has the right to do as he pleases even if his ways do not always make sense to us.
Third, when you call God “Father,” you confess that he is a God of tender loving care. There’s a Hebrew word in the Old Testament-hesed-which is translated a number of different ways. In the King James, hesed is usually translated as lovingkindness. As in “thy lovingkindness is better than life”. The newer translations take that concept and add the concept of faithfulness to it. This word hesed speaks of God’s loyal love to all His children. It is the love that keeping on loving no matter what we do or how badly we blow it or how many dumb mistakes we make. He is a God who never lets his children go. He loves his children with an everlasting love that is faithful and loyal no matter what happens.
Part 3 – Now one more part. We have in part 1 spoken about the word, Ours. And just now finished speaking about Our Father. Now we will discuss the phrases, Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Third, we pray to our Father who is “in heaven“. That’s usually a throwaway line for most of us. We tend to think it means that earth is where we are and heaven is where God is, which is somewhere in the great beyond – out there. That’s not what it means. The phrase “in heaven” refers to heaven being the center of everything, the seat of all authority, all power, all dominion and all greatness. We are on earth and are therefore limited to this little ball of dirt floating around the sun in a little corner of a galaxy called the Milky Way. And that galaxy is just one of an unimaginable number of galaxies in a universe so large it cannot be measured. Stating we are “on earth” means that we pray from a position of weakness, corruption and insignificance. God’s throne in heaven is in the seat of all authority and all power. Therefore, when you say, “Our father in heaven,” you are proclaiming that Our Father has the all authority and all power to hear you and to help you in whatever circumstance you are dealing. It is because God is in heaven. He is the source and that he has the will and power to help you.
Think of it this way:
Our = I pray with others.
Our Father = I pray to One who cares for me.
Our Father in heaven = I pray to one who has the power to help me.
Every single word is important. Every single word is crucial. “Our“ opens you up to a big view of the universe. “Father“ encourages you to believe that He who is the God of Heaven who cares- He sent His Son to die for you! “In heaven“ means that you don’t have a problem that he is unable to handle. You don’t have a need in your life that he can’t meet because he’s your Father in heaven who hears and answers prayer.
IV. Conclusion– this should give us a new way of thinking about God as our Father and it is His gift to us on Father’s Day 2024. When we come to the New Testament, we discover that Jesus called God “Father” more than 60 times. Why this enormous difference? Because the revelation of God as our personal Father is based on the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. It’s not that he wasn’t a Father to his people in the Old Testament, but that’s not the primary way He revealed Himself. Only in the New Testament do we discover that God is now the Father of those who come to the Lord Jesus Christ by faith.
This is also very good news for prodigal sons and daughters who need to return to God via repentance and acknowledging it is better to be a servant in my Father’s house that to be a slave to sin.
Understanding this about the Lord’s Prayer and having a Father in heaven also provides us an understanding that the Lord’s Prayer answers the greatest question of the universe-Is there anybody up there who cares about me? Is there anybody up there who watches over me? Is there anybody up there who knows my name? And the answer comes back-Yes. Yes. Yes. There is a God in heaven who cares about you. And he is called Our Father.
All that a good father is to his children God will be to his children when they approach him in prayer. And that is why the most profound prayer you will ever pray has only three words-“Our Heavenly Father.” Pray that and if you really understand what it means, that is the prayer and everything else is just the P.S.
Jesus made prayer simple because in the end, we are simple people. If it were difficult, most of us would forget it or mess it up somehow. Yet these simple words are profound beyond our understanding. Everything God has for us and that He is for us is wrapped in the word “Father.” When we come to Him in Jesus’ name, we are not coming to an angry God, but to a friendly Father. So don’t be afraid to talk to God. Your Father is waiting to hear from you.
Prayer- Lord God, you have called us out of darkness into your marvelous light and by grace you have blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. All things are ours because all things are yours and we are your beloved children. We claim no merit of our own but cling to the imputed righteousness of your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. We make bold to pray the Lord’s Prayer because Jesus commanded us to do so and with his own blood he opened the way into your presence. We thank you for the privilege of calling you Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
.
June 9 Sermon
Derived from The Seven Wonders of the Word of God, by Adrian Rogers. Reference Psalm 119:18, 27 & 129
1) INTRODUCTION
a) Psalm 119 deals with the Word of God.
i) Psalm 119:18-Open my eyes, that I may see
Wondrous things from Your law.
ii) Psalm 119:27- Make me understand the way of Your precepts; So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works.
iii) Psalm 119:129 - Your testimonies are wonderful; Therefore my soul keeps them.
In these passages, the writer speaks twice of wondrous things and then says that they are wonderful. We have heard of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and today’s message will look into the wonders of the Word of God and what is it? Is it really His Word?
b) Today Our great battle is actually over the Word of God. <Standard>
i) The danger is less from those who attack Christ’s church from the outside.
(1) These are like mites pecking on the church.
(a) We can see them and can scoot them away.
ii) Others internally who are more like termites, eating at the foundation.
(1) These are communists, and antichrist’s we call then progressives or liberals on the inside.<regressives>
(2) Preachers in today’s pulpits are denying the Bible and are destroying faith in the Bible.
c) The Bible is being attacked today.
i) There are those who say that there is no need to defend the Bible because the Bible will defend itself.
(1) The Bible commands us to earnestly contend for the faith in Jude Chapter –
The point of difference is what people believe about the inspiration of the Word of God.
2) Point 1- the bible is a supernatural book
a) There is no other book was written as the Bible has been written.
b) 2 Timothy 3:16- all scripture is given by inspiration of God….
i) The Greek word for “inspiration” means “God-breathed.”
(1) All scripture is God-breathed.
(a) We couldn’t speak without breath and the Bible is the breath of God.
(2) This means that God breathed the Scriptures out.
(3) The Bible is as much the Word of God as if God were here in a physical body speaking these words.
ii) Note on major caveat All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, not part of it.
c) We believe in the verbal, plenary inspiration of the Bible.
i) “Verbal” from its Latin word means “word.”
(1) This means the word-by-word inspiration of the Bible; that every word of God is pure. Proverbs 30:5
(2) Matthew 4:4- 4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”
ii) Some people believe that the Bible is inspired in its thoughts but not the words.
(1) But you cannot have accurate thoughts without accurate words.
(a) To have thoughts without words would be like trying to have mathematics without numbers.
(2) The Lord Jesus taught us that even a jot or a tittle in the Word of God is important.
(3) In the original manuscripts, every line, every point, every pen stroke, every jot and every tittle were placed there by the will and the purpose of Almighty God.
iii) All parts of Scripture is given by inspiration of God.
d) 3,808 times, the Bible states a phrase such as “God said” or “The Lord said” or “Thus saith the Lord” or “The Lord spoke.”
i) Either the Bible is the Word of God, or it is a fable because over and over again it says that this is what God says.
e) If the entire Bible is the breath of God, then why do different books sound different from each other?
i) For example, the book of James doesn’t sound like what Paul wrote.
(1) Why is the language and style so different if it’s all given by inspiration of God?
ii) This is because we can see the personalities, temperaments and characteristics of each human author ingrained within each text. This s because Almighty God is behind all of them.
iii) God used human instruments to write the Bible, but behind these human instruments was Almighty God.
(1) 2 Peter 1:20-21 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private [j]interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but [k]holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
iv) The Bible is a very human book in that we see the prayers, the praises, the fears, the victories, the yearnings, and the failures of the men who wrote each book.
v) Yet, God, in and through these men, was the one who did the speaking and the leading.
3) Point 2 -the bible is a spiritual book
a) The Bible, written by the Holy Spirit, must be interpreted by the Holy Spirit.
i) Revelation is God’s communication of truth to man.
ii) Inspiration is the recording of that revelation.
(1) Revelation and inspiration are not enough; we still need illumination to be able to understand the Word of God.
b) In Luke 24:45 it says The Lord Jesus opened their understanding so that they could understand the Scriptures as they walked to Emmaus
c) 1 Corinthians 2:14 says the natural man cannot understand the things of the Spirt of God
i) The “natural man” means the soulish man, the psychological man/fleshly man
(1) This is the man apart from the Spirit of God.
(2) He cannot understand the Bible.
He may be able to recite the names of the kings of Israel and be able to articulate the doctrines of the Bible in his own way, but he will never know the real truths of the Bible until the Holy Spirit of God opens his soul’s understanding.
ii) The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God.
(1) This is why intellectual pride is just dust when we come to the Bible and ask the Lord to speak to us.
d) Isaiah 55:7 - Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him;
i) Forsake your thoughts.
(1) Put away your intellectual pride and ask the Holy Spirit of God to teach you.
e) The Bible is a spiritual book, and we will not rip truth out of it.
We have a perfectly inspired Word of God; but until the Holy Spirit illumines us as a student of it, it will not live in our hearts.
4) Point 3 - the bible is the savior’s book
a) This is Jesus’ book because He believed it and because it presents Him.
b) Jesus Christ is the main point, central feature of the entire Bible.
i) If you read the Bible, and don’t see Jesus Christ somewhere standing in the shadows or presented in plain view, then re-read it. The Bible is about the Lord Jesus Christ.
c) Jesus spoke to the inerrancy of the Word of God.
i) John 10:35- The Lord Jesus said, the Scripture cannot be broken.
ii) John 5:39 - 39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me
(1) The Lord Jesus was describing the Old Testament for the New Testament didn’t exist
(2) The Old Testament testifies of Jesus. Don’t get the idea that the Old Testament is about Israel, and the New Testament is about the church; or that only the New Testament is about Jesus.
(3) The Lord Jesus was talking to the Jews of His day.
(4) When He mentioned Moses, He was talking about the Pentateuch.
(a) The Pentateuch are the writings of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
(5) Jesus believed that Moses wrote the Pentateuch see John 5:46
(6) Moses wrote about the Lord Jesus. Jesus is in the Old Testament, including the first five books of the Bible.
iii) The Lord Jesus put the writings of Moses and His sayings as equals.
(1) John 5:47 - 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”
iv) If Jesus is our Master. Then the servant’s view of the Bible must be the same as the Master’s.
v) Luke 24:25
(1) This is what the Lord Jesus would call us today if we don’t believe all that the Old Testament prophets said.
(2) “Fools and slow of heart” means “dull of hearing.”
vi) Luke 24:26-27
(1) He started in the Pentateuch and went through the rest of the Bible.
(2) He showed them in all of the Bible (the Old Testament) the things concerning Himself.
d) Jesus is the theme and the hero of the Bible.
i) In Genesis, He’s the promised seed.
ii) In Exodus, He’s the Passover lamb.
iii) In Leviticus, He’s that perfect sacrifice.
iv) In Numbers, He is the star out of Jacob.
v) In Deuteronomy, He’s the prophet that is greater than Moses.
vi) In Joshua, He is the Commander-in-Chief.
vii) In Judges, He is the deliverer.
viii) In Kings, Chronicles and Samuel, He is the King of kings.
ix) In Ezra, He is God’s temple.
x) In Nehemiah, He is the gate to the city.
xi) In Esther, He is the one come for such a time as this.
xii) In Job, He is the Redeemer who will stand in the last day upon the Earth.
xiii) In Psalms, He is the Good Shepherd.
xiv) In Proverbs, He is the wisdom of God.
xv) In Ecclesiastes, He is the one upon whom we attend.
xvi) In Isaiah, He is the virgin-born Son of God.
xvii) In Jeremiah, He is the righteous branch.
xviii) In the Song of Solomon, He is the one altogether lovely.
xix) In the book of Hosea, He is God’s Son called out of Egypt.
xx) In Malachi, He’s the Son of righteousness with healing in His wings.
e) There are some who will accuse you of loving the Bible too much.
i) They will accuse you of bibliolatry, which means that you’ve made an idol of the Bible; you worship the Bible. But if your love for the Bible brings you closer to Christ, then pay no attention to them. Just keep on loving the Bible.
5) Point 4 - the bible is a sovereign book
a) The Bible is the supreme authority in spiritual matters, not human reason. Don’t take the Bible and parade it past the bar of human judgment to see if you agree with it or not.
b) Conscience is not a supreme authority.
i) If you had to choose between obeying the Bible or obeying your conscience, obey the Bible. Conscience is not an infallible guide. We must look at the Bible in the light of the Holy Spirit of God, not the flashlight of public opinion.
c) Tradition is not the authority.
i) Mark 7:13 Note the Pharisees - Jesus warned of those who make the Word of God of none effect through their tradition.
d) Psalm 138:2
i) God has magnified His Word above His name. God’s character and nature and His Word are the same.
6) Point 5 - the bible is a surviving book
a) It goes on and on and on.
i) Matthew 24:35 -35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
ii) 1 Peter 1:25- But the word of the Lord endures forever.”
b) When the Earth becomes a cinder and the stars splinter and fade, the Word of God survives.
c) Don’t be concerned that the Bible doesn’t agree in every instance with science.
i) Science is constantly changing , sooner or later, will catch up with the Word of God.
d) Don’t be ashamed of the Bible.
i) It is the book of the ages. Psalm 119:89
7) Point – 6 the bible is a sustaining book
a) Not only does it survive, but it enables us to survive. Just as we are physically sustained by physical nutrients, we are spiritually sustained by the Word of God.
i) Matthew 4:4 - Bread of life - Every word that comes from God’s mouth is to our spirit what bread is to our body.
b) 1 Peter 2:2 as newborn babes desire
i) Many Christians remain baby Christians because they don’t get enough of the Word of God, and they’re not growing.
(1) Many Christians are only playing at Bible study.
(2) The only real nutrient they get is when they go to church on Sunday.
8) Point 7 - the bible is a supercharged book
a) It has incredible power.
b) John 6:63
i) We read other books, but the Bible reads us.
c) Hebrews 4:12- But the Word of God is
i) The word “quick” in this passage means that it is living, it breathes, it sings and it pulsates with power.
ii) There is power in the Word of God.
iii) It is quick and powerful and full of energy.
d) The Bible is able to penetrate and scrutinize the innermost part of our personality.
i) The Bible is called a fire because it burns. <Word burns>
ii) It is called a hammer because it crushes.
iii) It is called a sword because it cuts. Sword of truth
9) the bible IN CONCLUSION
a) The purpose of the Bible is to present Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world.
b) Romans 1:16 -16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel [c]of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
c) Check out James 1:18
Do you know Jesus personally today? If not, you can pray to Him today by asking Him to come into your life.
Call upon Jesus today. Repent (turn) from your sins, and turn to Jesus. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins, and acknowledge Him as Lord of your life.
i) Romans 3:23
ii) Romans 10:9-10
iii) Romans 10:13
iv) Acts 16:31
v) John 3:16
Derived from The Seven Wonders of the Word of God, by Adrian Rogers. Reference Psalm 119:18, 27 & 129
1) INTRODUCTION
a) Psalm 119 deals with the Word of God.
i) Psalm 119:18-Open my eyes, that I may see
Wondrous things from Your law.
ii) Psalm 119:27- Make me understand the way of Your precepts; So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works.
iii) Psalm 119:129 - Your testimonies are wonderful; Therefore my soul keeps them.
In these passages, the writer speaks twice of wondrous things and then says that they are wonderful. We have heard of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and today’s message will look into the wonders of the Word of God and what is it? Is it really His Word?
b) Today Our great battle is actually over the Word of God. <Standard>
i) The danger is less from those who attack Christ’s church from the outside.
(1) These are like mites pecking on the church.
(a) We can see them and can scoot them away.
ii) Others internally who are more like termites, eating at the foundation.
(1) These are communists, and antichrist’s we call then progressives or liberals on the inside.<regressives>
(2) Preachers in today’s pulpits are denying the Bible and are destroying faith in the Bible.
c) The Bible is being attacked today.
i) There are those who say that there is no need to defend the Bible because the Bible will defend itself.
(1) The Bible commands us to earnestly contend for the faith in Jude Chapter –
The point of difference is what people believe about the inspiration of the Word of God.
2) Point 1- the bible is a supernatural book
a) There is no other book was written as the Bible has been written.
b) 2 Timothy 3:16- all scripture is given by inspiration of God….
i) The Greek word for “inspiration” means “God-breathed.”
(1) All scripture is God-breathed.
(a) We couldn’t speak without breath and the Bible is the breath of God.
(2) This means that God breathed the Scriptures out.
(3) The Bible is as much the Word of God as if God were here in a physical body speaking these words.
ii) Note on major caveat All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, not part of it.
c) We believe in the verbal, plenary inspiration of the Bible.
i) “Verbal” from its Latin word means “word.”
(1) This means the word-by-word inspiration of the Bible; that every word of God is pure. Proverbs 30:5
(2) Matthew 4:4- 4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”
ii) Some people believe that the Bible is inspired in its thoughts but not the words.
(1) But you cannot have accurate thoughts without accurate words.
(a) To have thoughts without words would be like trying to have mathematics without numbers.
(2) The Lord Jesus taught us that even a jot or a tittle in the Word of God is important.
(3) In the original manuscripts, every line, every point, every pen stroke, every jot and every tittle were placed there by the will and the purpose of Almighty God.
iii) All parts of Scripture is given by inspiration of God.
d) 3,808 times, the Bible states a phrase such as “God said” or “The Lord said” or “Thus saith the Lord” or “The Lord spoke.”
i) Either the Bible is the Word of God, or it is a fable because over and over again it says that this is what God says.
e) If the entire Bible is the breath of God, then why do different books sound different from each other?
i) For example, the book of James doesn’t sound like what Paul wrote.
(1) Why is the language and style so different if it’s all given by inspiration of God?
ii) This is because we can see the personalities, temperaments and characteristics of each human author ingrained within each text. This s because Almighty God is behind all of them.
iii) God used human instruments to write the Bible, but behind these human instruments was Almighty God.
(1) 2 Peter 1:20-21 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private [j]interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but [k]holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
iv) The Bible is a very human book in that we see the prayers, the praises, the fears, the victories, the yearnings, and the failures of the men who wrote each book.
v) Yet, God, in and through these men, was the one who did the speaking and the leading.
3) Point 2 -the bible is a spiritual book
a) The Bible, written by the Holy Spirit, must be interpreted by the Holy Spirit.
i) Revelation is God’s communication of truth to man.
ii) Inspiration is the recording of that revelation.
(1) Revelation and inspiration are not enough; we still need illumination to be able to understand the Word of God.
b) In Luke 24:45 it says The Lord Jesus opened their understanding so that they could understand the Scriptures as they walked to Emmaus
c) 1 Corinthians 2:14 says the natural man cannot understand the things of the Spirt of God
i) The “natural man” means the soulish man, the psychological man/fleshly man
(1) This is the man apart from the Spirit of God.
(2) He cannot understand the Bible.
He may be able to recite the names of the kings of Israel and be able to articulate the doctrines of the Bible in his own way, but he will never know the real truths of the Bible until the Holy Spirit of God opens his soul’s understanding.
ii) The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God.
(1) This is why intellectual pride is just dust when we come to the Bible and ask the Lord to speak to us.
d) Isaiah 55:7 - Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him;
i) Forsake your thoughts.
(1) Put away your intellectual pride and ask the Holy Spirit of God to teach you.
e) The Bible is a spiritual book, and we will not rip truth out of it.
We have a perfectly inspired Word of God; but until the Holy Spirit illumines us as a student of it, it will not live in our hearts.
4) Point 3 - the bible is the savior’s book
a) This is Jesus’ book because He believed it and because it presents Him.
b) Jesus Christ is the main point, central feature of the entire Bible.
i) If you read the Bible, and don’t see Jesus Christ somewhere standing in the shadows or presented in plain view, then re-read it. The Bible is about the Lord Jesus Christ.
c) Jesus spoke to the inerrancy of the Word of God.
i) John 10:35- The Lord Jesus said, the Scripture cannot be broken.
ii) John 5:39 - 39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me
(1) The Lord Jesus was describing the Old Testament for the New Testament didn’t exist
(2) The Old Testament testifies of Jesus. Don’t get the idea that the Old Testament is about Israel, and the New Testament is about the church; or that only the New Testament is about Jesus.
(3) The Lord Jesus was talking to the Jews of His day.
(4) When He mentioned Moses, He was talking about the Pentateuch.
(a) The Pentateuch are the writings of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
(5) Jesus believed that Moses wrote the Pentateuch see John 5:46
(6) Moses wrote about the Lord Jesus. Jesus is in the Old Testament, including the first five books of the Bible.
iii) The Lord Jesus put the writings of Moses and His sayings as equals.
(1) John 5:47 - 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”
iv) If Jesus is our Master. Then the servant’s view of the Bible must be the same as the Master’s.
v) Luke 24:25
(1) This is what the Lord Jesus would call us today if we don’t believe all that the Old Testament prophets said.
(2) “Fools and slow of heart” means “dull of hearing.”
vi) Luke 24:26-27
(1) He started in the Pentateuch and went through the rest of the Bible.
(2) He showed them in all of the Bible (the Old Testament) the things concerning Himself.
d) Jesus is the theme and the hero of the Bible.
i) In Genesis, He’s the promised seed.
ii) In Exodus, He’s the Passover lamb.
iii) In Leviticus, He’s that perfect sacrifice.
iv) In Numbers, He is the star out of Jacob.
v) In Deuteronomy, He’s the prophet that is greater than Moses.
vi) In Joshua, He is the Commander-in-Chief.
vii) In Judges, He is the deliverer.
viii) In Kings, Chronicles and Samuel, He is the King of kings.
ix) In Ezra, He is God’s temple.
x) In Nehemiah, He is the gate to the city.
xi) In Esther, He is the one come for such a time as this.
xii) In Job, He is the Redeemer who will stand in the last day upon the Earth.
xiii) In Psalms, He is the Good Shepherd.
xiv) In Proverbs, He is the wisdom of God.
xv) In Ecclesiastes, He is the one upon whom we attend.
xvi) In Isaiah, He is the virgin-born Son of God.
xvii) In Jeremiah, He is the righteous branch.
xviii) In the Song of Solomon, He is the one altogether lovely.
xix) In the book of Hosea, He is God’s Son called out of Egypt.
xx) In Malachi, He’s the Son of righteousness with healing in His wings.
e) There are some who will accuse you of loving the Bible too much.
i) They will accuse you of bibliolatry, which means that you’ve made an idol of the Bible; you worship the Bible. But if your love for the Bible brings you closer to Christ, then pay no attention to them. Just keep on loving the Bible.
5) Point 4 - the bible is a sovereign book
a) The Bible is the supreme authority in spiritual matters, not human reason. Don’t take the Bible and parade it past the bar of human judgment to see if you agree with it or not.
b) Conscience is not a supreme authority.
i) If you had to choose between obeying the Bible or obeying your conscience, obey the Bible. Conscience is not an infallible guide. We must look at the Bible in the light of the Holy Spirit of God, not the flashlight of public opinion.
c) Tradition is not the authority.
i) Mark 7:13 Note the Pharisees - Jesus warned of those who make the Word of God of none effect through their tradition.
d) Psalm 138:2
i) God has magnified His Word above His name. God’s character and nature and His Word are the same.
6) Point 5 - the bible is a surviving book
a) It goes on and on and on.
i) Matthew 24:35 -35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
ii) 1 Peter 1:25- But the word of the Lord endures forever.”
b) When the Earth becomes a cinder and the stars splinter and fade, the Word of God survives.
c) Don’t be concerned that the Bible doesn’t agree in every instance with science.
i) Science is constantly changing , sooner or later, will catch up with the Word of God.
d) Don’t be ashamed of the Bible.
i) It is the book of the ages. Psalm 119:89
7) Point – 6 the bible is a sustaining book
a) Not only does it survive, but it enables us to survive. Just as we are physically sustained by physical nutrients, we are spiritually sustained by the Word of God.
i) Matthew 4:4 - Bread of life - Every word that comes from God’s mouth is to our spirit what bread is to our body.
b) 1 Peter 2:2 as newborn babes desire
i) Many Christians remain baby Christians because they don’t get enough of the Word of God, and they’re not growing.
(1) Many Christians are only playing at Bible study.
(2) The only real nutrient they get is when they go to church on Sunday.
8) Point 7 - the bible is a supercharged book
a) It has incredible power.
b) John 6:63
i) We read other books, but the Bible reads us.
c) Hebrews 4:12- But the Word of God is
i) The word “quick” in this passage means that it is living, it breathes, it sings and it pulsates with power.
ii) There is power in the Word of God.
iii) It is quick and powerful and full of energy.
d) The Bible is able to penetrate and scrutinize the innermost part of our personality.
i) The Bible is called a fire because it burns. <Word burns>
ii) It is called a hammer because it crushes.
iii) It is called a sword because it cuts. Sword of truth
9) the bible IN CONCLUSION
a) The purpose of the Bible is to present Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world.
b) Romans 1:16 -16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel [c]of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
c) Check out James 1:18
Do you know Jesus personally today? If not, you can pray to Him today by asking Him to come into your life.
Call upon Jesus today. Repent (turn) from your sins, and turn to Jesus. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins, and acknowledge Him as Lord of your life.
i) Romans 3:23
ii) Romans 10:9-10
iii) Romans 10:13
iv) Acts 16:31
v) John 3:16
June 2 Sermon
Until the lord returns or we die, we must live in this hostile world and face continued opposition. How can we do this? What is the secret to victory over the flesh and satanic oppression? So today as Jesus did in the upper room at Passover with the disciples; and before we today eat the bread and drink the cup of the new covenant we celebrate this meal as the blessed hope of His return and listen and study the words He spoke then to encourage, strengthen and give eternal hope to those who would remain.
Did you know It is the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, who is God in our lives? It is He who enables us to live the Christian walk. So let’s remind ourselves who this person is.
The Holy Spirit is God in person: Jesus referred to the Spirit as He and not an “it.” The Holy Spirit has a mind (Romans 8:27), a will (1 Cor 12:11), and emotional feelings (Gal5:22-23). And the Holy Spirit has a living presence and residence in the temple of every believer. We are sealed by the Spirit unto the resurrection. We are to walk, worship and witness (Acts 1:8) by the power of the Holy Spirit within us.
Now lets go to the text and read from John, Chapter 15 beginning in verse 5. We begin here for there are two I call them conditions which we must be mindful of to have these truths be present in our lives as believer.
Conditions 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you[b] will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
Now we will look at Hope personified to those who are His
11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. Love verses
14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another.
The World’s Hatred & ministry of the Holy Spirit
18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also.
Pray- may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Oh Lord my strength and my redeemer. AMEN
Going back to the start of the passage we have two primary conditions which must be met.
1. First in verse 5- Jesus is the source of all that we can and will do as believers- We need to literally understand that we are clay and moldable clay has no will of its own. Our job is to be pliable in the hands of the master for apart from Him we cannot do any kingdom work. He is the source, His is the director and He is the power
2. Verses 6- abiding. For us to be available and useful to Jesus and be His witnesses, and bond servants, we must abide in Him. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you[b] will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
These words are straight forward. You must orient you live, personal, professional and private towards Christ. You cannot compartmentalize or rationalize yourself away from Him. If he gives you life and He is the truth and the way, to be in the truth and the way – abiding in or living in the presence of Christ is critical. All the hope that follows is impossible to receive apart from Him and His love for you.
3.Ok now to the Hope. Verse 9 – God loves you and Jesus personally tells you this in this verse. Of course we also remember Jesus telling Nichodemus the same thing in John 3:16. How often does God tell you and demonstrate His love for you. He is speaking to every heart who is hearing this word. Verse 10 is the outgrowth of internalizing the love of Christ. Because you love Him you keep His commandments.
4. Verses 11 and 12 – Obedience to the Master creates joy in the heart of the bond slave- rejoicing, happiness, gladness. But this is not just any joy but His Joy awarded and given to you as a faithful believer in Christ. This joy and His love in you will enable you to love fellow believers even with all our flaws
5. Verses 13 Jesus is telling those in the upper room and you and I, why and what He is doing for us. He is laying down His life for you and I that the burden of sin might be removed from our lives to allow us renewed fellowship with our Heavenly Father.
6. Verse 14 and 15 are together a most wonderful promise. As a believer in Christ the Son of God, who is the creator and sustainer of all things is granting you elevation from being bond slaves to being friends and sons/daughters of God, if you will obediently keep His commandments. 7. If you ever wonder at the amazing grace and love of God look no further than verse 16. This verse deserves a whole sermon and study for the implications of what are said here are phenomenal – read verse 16 again 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
You did not choose Me but I chose you ought to put a stop to doubts about God’s love and salvation for you. Before God made the earth, He knew you and chose you, set you apart and as David says in psalm He knew my coming in and my going out.
Again obedience is demonstrated by keeping His commandments and thereby proving our love for Him.is coHHh
8. Verses 18- 25 describe the hatred the world feels concerning God and thereby you as you walk obedient to Jesus Christ. Life is always difficult for believers and will be until Christ returns but verse 33 provides the hope and remedy for this blight – in verse 33 Jesus says , “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Hope for today and bright expectations for tomorrow is what Jesus was giving to us. Easy no, difficult yes, but be at peace for Jesus is with us always and apart from Him we can do nothing. Hide this blessed hope in your hearts today FOR YOU will need it tomorrow.
AMEN
Until the lord returns or we die, we must live in this hostile world and face continued opposition. How can we do this? What is the secret to victory over the flesh and satanic oppression? So today as Jesus did in the upper room at Passover with the disciples; and before we today eat the bread and drink the cup of the new covenant we celebrate this meal as the blessed hope of His return and listen and study the words He spoke then to encourage, strengthen and give eternal hope to those who would remain.
Did you know It is the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, who is God in our lives? It is He who enables us to live the Christian walk. So let’s remind ourselves who this person is.
The Holy Spirit is God in person: Jesus referred to the Spirit as He and not an “it.” The Holy Spirit has a mind (Romans 8:27), a will (1 Cor 12:11), and emotional feelings (Gal5:22-23). And the Holy Spirit has a living presence and residence in the temple of every believer. We are sealed by the Spirit unto the resurrection. We are to walk, worship and witness (Acts 1:8) by the power of the Holy Spirit within us.
Now lets go to the text and read from John, Chapter 15 beginning in verse 5. We begin here for there are two I call them conditions which we must be mindful of to have these truths be present in our lives as believer.
Conditions 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you[b] will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
Now we will look at Hope personified to those who are His
11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. Love verses
14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another.
The World’s Hatred & ministry of the Holy Spirit
18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also.
Pray- may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Oh Lord my strength and my redeemer. AMEN
Going back to the start of the passage we have two primary conditions which must be met.
1. First in verse 5- Jesus is the source of all that we can and will do as believers- We need to literally understand that we are clay and moldable clay has no will of its own. Our job is to be pliable in the hands of the master for apart from Him we cannot do any kingdom work. He is the source, His is the director and He is the power
2. Verses 6- abiding. For us to be available and useful to Jesus and be His witnesses, and bond servants, we must abide in Him. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you[b] will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
These words are straight forward. You must orient you live, personal, professional and private towards Christ. You cannot compartmentalize or rationalize yourself away from Him. If he gives you life and He is the truth and the way, to be in the truth and the way – abiding in or living in the presence of Christ is critical. All the hope that follows is impossible to receive apart from Him and His love for you.
3.Ok now to the Hope. Verse 9 – God loves you and Jesus personally tells you this in this verse. Of course we also remember Jesus telling Nichodemus the same thing in John 3:16. How often does God tell you and demonstrate His love for you. He is speaking to every heart who is hearing this word. Verse 10 is the outgrowth of internalizing the love of Christ. Because you love Him you keep His commandments.
4. Verses 11 and 12 – Obedience to the Master creates joy in the heart of the bond slave- rejoicing, happiness, gladness. But this is not just any joy but His Joy awarded and given to you as a faithful believer in Christ. This joy and His love in you will enable you to love fellow believers even with all our flaws
5. Verses 13 Jesus is telling those in the upper room and you and I, why and what He is doing for us. He is laying down His life for you and I that the burden of sin might be removed from our lives to allow us renewed fellowship with our Heavenly Father.
6. Verse 14 and 15 are together a most wonderful promise. As a believer in Christ the Son of God, who is the creator and sustainer of all things is granting you elevation from being bond slaves to being friends and sons/daughters of God, if you will obediently keep His commandments. 7. If you ever wonder at the amazing grace and love of God look no further than verse 16. This verse deserves a whole sermon and study for the implications of what are said here are phenomenal – read verse 16 again 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
You did not choose Me but I chose you ought to put a stop to doubts about God’s love and salvation for you. Before God made the earth, He knew you and chose you, set you apart and as David says in psalm He knew my coming in and my going out.
Again obedience is demonstrated by keeping His commandments and thereby proving our love for Him.is coHHh
8. Verses 18- 25 describe the hatred the world feels concerning God and thereby you as you walk obedient to Jesus Christ. Life is always difficult for believers and will be until Christ returns but verse 33 provides the hope and remedy for this blight – in verse 33 Jesus says , “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Hope for today and bright expectations for tomorrow is what Jesus was giving to us. Easy no, difficult yes, but be at peace for Jesus is with us always and apart from Him we can do nothing. Hide this blessed hope in your hearts today FOR YOU will need it tomorrow.
AMEN
May 26 Sermon
What is the day of the Lord and what is its importance to us as we are living today in pretribulation America 2024? Well to begin with the day of the Lord is not just a day but is a period where we as believers will rejoice in what God is doing in us preparing us for heaven and to rule and reign with Him. For unbelievers the period is a period of devastation and destruction like has never been. There is much confusion of when and what exactly is the day of the Lord.
We read in 1st Thessalonians Chapter 4, verses that the day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night and occurs when people are crying peace and safety, when there is no peace and safety. That is when destruction comes. It says, 3then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.
I believe there is strong BIBLICAL evidence that the Day of the Lord commences the moment God initiates the rapture of His church. And this event actually commences the beginning of sorrows upon the earth.
Now understand this -The future “Day of the Lord,” which unleashes God’s wrath, spans two major events: 1) the beginning of the 7-year tribulation period (cf. Rev. 19:11–21), and 2) ends at the end of the Millennium. These two events are actually 1,000 years apart, and Peter refers to the end of the 1,000-year period in connection with the final “Day of the Lord” (cf. 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 20:7–15). IN our text here, Paul refers to that aspect of the “Day of the Lord,” which concludes the tribulation period. a thief in the night. This phrase is never used to refer to the rapture of the church. It is used of Christ’s coming in judgment on the day of the Lord at the start of the 7-year tribulation which is distinct from the rapture and it is used in conjunction with the judgment that concludes Jesus’ 1000 yr. reign on the earth (2 Pet. 3:10). As a thief comes unexpectedly and without warning, so will the day of the Lord come in both of earths final phases.
Let’s read from 2nd Thessalonians, Chapter 2, beginning with the first verse- Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of [a]Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of [b]sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits [c]as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time.
7 For the [d]mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only [e]He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. <not removed just moved out of the way> 8 And then the lawless one <Satan>will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned <did not choose God>who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Stand Fast
jump to verse 15 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our [h]epistle.
Pray Father I ask for clarity and ease of understanding as we attempt to determine what you want us to know. I need you help in Jesus name. AMEN
We need to walk back this text and ensure we are understanding what Paul is teaching.
Vs.1 & 2- Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of [a]Christ had come.
The aspect of His particular coming in view here is identified by the next phrase “our gathering together,” which conveys the idea of all believers meeting together with the Lord Jesus, referring to the rapture of the church. Soon shaken. This term has been used of an earthquake and a ship at anchor slipping its mooring in the midst of heavy winds. Along with the word “troubled,” it describes the state of alarm which gripped the church. They were greatly distressed because they had expected the Rapture, the gathering together to the Lord, to take place before the day of the Lord. They had expected to be taken to glory and heavenly rest, not left to persecution and divine wrath. They had become confused by the persecution they were experiencing, thinking they were experiencing the day of the Lord. This error was reinforced by messages to them claiming that they were indeed in the day of the Lord. Paul noted the source of these messages as “spirit,” “word,” and “letter.” A “spirit” would most likely refer to a false prophet claiming divine revelation as in 1 John 4:1–3. A “word” would refer to a sermon or speech given, while a “letter” indicated a written report. The powerful but harmful effect of this false information was gained by claiming it was from the apostle Paul (“as if from us”). Whoever was lying to them and telling them they were in the day of the Lord claimed it was from Paul. Thus this lie was given apostolic sanction. The result was shock, fear, and alarm. They had expected the Rapture before the day of the Lord. This Apostolic letter corrects the error was essential. the day of Christ. Should read day of the Lord. The idea that the Day of the Lord had already come conflicted with what Paul had taught. Paul corrected this idea in the remaining verses.
Vs.3 makes it clear that none of this can happen until . read verse 3- 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of [b]sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits [c]as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
The Anti-Christ must be revealed in the 7yr. tribulation, at the beginning in signing a treaty with Israel and after 3.5 years where he demands to be worshiped as God in the temple.
Vs. 4-5 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits [c]as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? This is the false messiah of Satan who copies all that God does. <counterfeiter> He is the Anti-Christ
Vs. 6-7 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the [d]mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only [e]He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. <not removed just stepped out of the way. This is the spirit of lawlessness already prevalent in society ( 1 John 3:4; 5:17), but still a mystery in that it is not fully revealed.
Vs. 8 -10 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
This spirit of lawlessness already exists in our society (cf. 1 John 3:4; 5:17), but still a mystery, in that it is not fully revealed, as it will be in the one who so blatantly opposes God that he blasphemously assumes the place of God on earth, which God has reserved for Jesus Christ.
The spirit of such a man is already in operation (cf. 1 John 2:18; 4:3), but the man who fully embodies that spirit has not come.
<look at America and look at our leaders- they embody the spirit of antichrist> This anti-Christ will exhibit all the traits specified in verse 9. Verse 10 tells us who will be doomed - because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved -
Now one more major point is in vs. 11- 12. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
We see growing dissention and confusion in the churches look at the failing denominations-split by Satan. Here is the issue they did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. And God is allowing now the delusion, perhaps not in full measure as in the last days. John 6:44 reigns - 44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.
Because their hearts were not inclined to receive the truth they were doomed to destruction. The time is short we need to share and shine for Jesus, praying for boldness and telling others about the times. We are allowing others to go to destruction when we know the truth, the way and the life and HIS name is JESUS
What is the day of the Lord and what is its importance to us as we are living today in pretribulation America 2024? Well to begin with the day of the Lord is not just a day but is a period where we as believers will rejoice in what God is doing in us preparing us for heaven and to rule and reign with Him. For unbelievers the period is a period of devastation and destruction like has never been. There is much confusion of when and what exactly is the day of the Lord.
We read in 1st Thessalonians Chapter 4, verses that the day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night and occurs when people are crying peace and safety, when there is no peace and safety. That is when destruction comes. It says, 3then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.
I believe there is strong BIBLICAL evidence that the Day of the Lord commences the moment God initiates the rapture of His church. And this event actually commences the beginning of sorrows upon the earth.
Now understand this -The future “Day of the Lord,” which unleashes God’s wrath, spans two major events: 1) the beginning of the 7-year tribulation period (cf. Rev. 19:11–21), and 2) ends at the end of the Millennium. These two events are actually 1,000 years apart, and Peter refers to the end of the 1,000-year period in connection with the final “Day of the Lord” (cf. 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 20:7–15). IN our text here, Paul refers to that aspect of the “Day of the Lord,” which concludes the tribulation period. a thief in the night. This phrase is never used to refer to the rapture of the church. It is used of Christ’s coming in judgment on the day of the Lord at the start of the 7-year tribulation which is distinct from the rapture and it is used in conjunction with the judgment that concludes Jesus’ 1000 yr. reign on the earth (2 Pet. 3:10). As a thief comes unexpectedly and without warning, so will the day of the Lord come in both of earths final phases.
Let’s read from 2nd Thessalonians, Chapter 2, beginning with the first verse- Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of [a]Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of [b]sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits [c]as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time.
7 For the [d]mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only [e]He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. <not removed just moved out of the way> 8 And then the lawless one <Satan>will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned <did not choose God>who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Stand Fast
jump to verse 15 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our [h]epistle.
Pray Father I ask for clarity and ease of understanding as we attempt to determine what you want us to know. I need you help in Jesus name. AMEN
We need to walk back this text and ensure we are understanding what Paul is teaching.
Vs.1 & 2- Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of [a]Christ had come.
The aspect of His particular coming in view here is identified by the next phrase “our gathering together,” which conveys the idea of all believers meeting together with the Lord Jesus, referring to the rapture of the church. Soon shaken. This term has been used of an earthquake and a ship at anchor slipping its mooring in the midst of heavy winds. Along with the word “troubled,” it describes the state of alarm which gripped the church. They were greatly distressed because they had expected the Rapture, the gathering together to the Lord, to take place before the day of the Lord. They had expected to be taken to glory and heavenly rest, not left to persecution and divine wrath. They had become confused by the persecution they were experiencing, thinking they were experiencing the day of the Lord. This error was reinforced by messages to them claiming that they were indeed in the day of the Lord. Paul noted the source of these messages as “spirit,” “word,” and “letter.” A “spirit” would most likely refer to a false prophet claiming divine revelation as in 1 John 4:1–3. A “word” would refer to a sermon or speech given, while a “letter” indicated a written report. The powerful but harmful effect of this false information was gained by claiming it was from the apostle Paul (“as if from us”). Whoever was lying to them and telling them they were in the day of the Lord claimed it was from Paul. Thus this lie was given apostolic sanction. The result was shock, fear, and alarm. They had expected the Rapture before the day of the Lord. This Apostolic letter corrects the error was essential. the day of Christ. Should read day of the Lord. The idea that the Day of the Lord had already come conflicted with what Paul had taught. Paul corrected this idea in the remaining verses.
Vs.3 makes it clear that none of this can happen until . read verse 3- 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of [b]sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits [c]as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
The Anti-Christ must be revealed in the 7yr. tribulation, at the beginning in signing a treaty with Israel and after 3.5 years where he demands to be worshiped as God in the temple.
Vs. 4-5 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits [c]as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? This is the false messiah of Satan who copies all that God does. <counterfeiter> He is the Anti-Christ
Vs. 6-7 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the [d]mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only [e]He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. <not removed just stepped out of the way. This is the spirit of lawlessness already prevalent in society ( 1 John 3:4; 5:17), but still a mystery in that it is not fully revealed.
Vs. 8 -10 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
This spirit of lawlessness already exists in our society (cf. 1 John 3:4; 5:17), but still a mystery, in that it is not fully revealed, as it will be in the one who so blatantly opposes God that he blasphemously assumes the place of God on earth, which God has reserved for Jesus Christ.
The spirit of such a man is already in operation (cf. 1 John 2:18; 4:3), but the man who fully embodies that spirit has not come.
<look at America and look at our leaders- they embody the spirit of antichrist> This anti-Christ will exhibit all the traits specified in verse 9. Verse 10 tells us who will be doomed - because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved -
Now one more major point is in vs. 11- 12. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
We see growing dissention and confusion in the churches look at the failing denominations-split by Satan. Here is the issue they did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. And God is allowing now the delusion, perhaps not in full measure as in the last days. John 6:44 reigns - 44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.
Because their hearts were not inclined to receive the truth they were doomed to destruction. The time is short we need to share and shine for Jesus, praying for boldness and telling others about the times. We are allowing others to go to destruction when we know the truth, the way and the life and HIS name is JESUS
May 19 Sermon
Based upon the Word of God in 2nd Corinthians, chapter 6, vs.17, we are commanded to: 17 Therefore
“Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
We are commanded to come out from unbelievers and be separated from them to become fully the children of our God and King and to share and shine for Jesus Christ. We are to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. (Matt.10:16). This is despite the fact that we are in the midst of wolves.
We are commanded to come out from among those who were as we were and be different. This relates back to a foundational scripture which we have used many times -2nd Corinthians 5:17, which says we are new creatures after Christ comes in and have born from above. If true then we are changed from within and therefore not the same as those in the culture or society. The person of God who is now living within us, if we listen to His leading will guide us differently from how we were to how God wants us to be.
Paul in our text in Chapter 6 is defending his ministry to those who were in Corinth. He was under attack by a group claiming his ministry was not authentic and that is the way many have presented these verses as a means of showing why he behaved the way he did and how his ministry was produced. I agree they may be read and understood that way. I also believe we can look at these verses and gain insight into how God is working in our lives and how we may use them to springboard or help us walk “in Christ.” Let’s examine our text and allow the “Teacher and Paraclete” to come and give us a “Word from the Word” to grow on and in Christ. Turn to 2 Corinthians, Chapter 6
2 For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (Isaiah 49:8)
3 We.<Paul> give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. 4 But in all things we commend <proving oneself> ourselves as ministers of God: <enduring> in much [a]patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, 5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; 6 <these righteousness traits produced in us by the Holy Spirit> by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by [b]sincere love, 7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; <regardless of external rebukes, comments, posts, words said against us, we remain true to God>9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
Skipping now to verse 17
17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
18 “I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.”
Pray – may God instruct us and teach us in the way we should go, into the truth everlasting – AMEN
If you were speech writers, verse 2 would be THE CHARGE. Why do we do what we do as Christians comes directly from Isaiah in the Old Testament - Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (Isaiah 49:8). This is what happened that Christmas eve- God came to man and He is God with us -Immanuel. This is good news and is the core of the gospel, why we have a message of power and how, but now is a time for us to choose this day who we will serve. And to go and tell for Behold the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand and His name is Jesus. This is why we issue the call now, today for the time is short and we only have today. We are not guaranteed tomorrow.
Verses 3, 4 and 5 are the behaviors we try to exhibit as we live in this world and listening to the Spirit who is within us. Read-3 We.<Paul> give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. 4 But in all things we commend <proving oneself> ourselves as ministers of God: <enduring> in much [a]patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, 5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings <in whatever sufferings and difficulties we find ourselves because we are obedient to God’s commands> This does not apply if we are sinful or become self-willed.
Verse 6 then speaks directly into the ministry of the Holy Spirit - 6 <these righteousness traits produced in us by the Holy Spirit> by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by [b]sincere love. Each of these traits are called fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:23ff. These are not natural gifts but those enabled and inspired by the Holy Spirit.
These gifts must enable us to overcome-spiritual warfare such as seeing the wrongness of Choice vs murder of the unborn; wrongness of managed care vs socialized medicine which is also murder on the basis of value to society; or sending control of our healthcare to the UN, whose agenda is to reduce America’s population by inflicting social controls through managed diseases; or destroying our economy and having a single party dictatorship with rigged elections.
We need to remember in Paul’s day they had no “rights.” They lived in Rome who had absolute authority over everything. Unless God brings revival, repentance and renewal to America we may be living in the last days of what we know as constitution democracy. So our dependency is not upon a political party, or the economy or a beneficial president but upon the grace and provision of our Lord, Our ability to operate is provided read with me the last part of verse 6 - 6 <these righteousness traits produced in us by the Holy Spirit> by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by [b]sincere love, Remember God is with us, He will never leave us or forsake us.
Here is our KEY Verse Chapter 6: verse 7 and we are given helps from God. How? Read ---1.-by the word of truth. The Scriptures, the revealed Word of God (cf. Col. 1:5; James 1:18). During his ministry, Paul nor you or I will ever be able to effectively operate beyond the boundaries of the direction and guidance of divine revelation. A word from God is imperative 2. by the power of God. Paul did not rely on his own strength nor can we when ee minister as unto the Lord. We are called and accountable to Him (see notes on 1 Cor. 1:18; 2:1–3; cf. Rom. 1:16). 3. by the<God’s> armor of righteousness. Neither Paul or you and I can fight Satan’s kingdom with human resources, but only with spiritual virtue and support (see 10:3–5; Eph. 6:10–18). 4. the right hand . . . the left. Paul and you and I, must have both offensive tools, such as the sword of the Spirit, and defensive tools, such as the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation, at our disposal to fight the good fifth of faith (see notes on Eph. 6:16, 17).
One more thing is absolutely required see verse 10 -
6:10 making many rich. The spiritual wealth Paul possessed and which we possess must be imparted to others to enable them to become spiritually (rich or) wealthy (cf. Acts 3:6). We are told to go to be His witnesses in our hometown, our state, our nation and to the ends of the earth.
Do you have the joy of the good news of Jesus? COME out from among them today. Give hope to others so they may be spiritually rich and share life in Christ with others today. For today is the day of salvation. Now is the time to receive Him for the days are short. AMEN
Based upon the Word of God in 2nd Corinthians, chapter 6, vs.17, we are commanded to: 17 Therefore
“Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
We are commanded to come out from unbelievers and be separated from them to become fully the children of our God and King and to share and shine for Jesus Christ. We are to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. (Matt.10:16). This is despite the fact that we are in the midst of wolves.
We are commanded to come out from among those who were as we were and be different. This relates back to a foundational scripture which we have used many times -2nd Corinthians 5:17, which says we are new creatures after Christ comes in and have born from above. If true then we are changed from within and therefore not the same as those in the culture or society. The person of God who is now living within us, if we listen to His leading will guide us differently from how we were to how God wants us to be.
Paul in our text in Chapter 6 is defending his ministry to those who were in Corinth. He was under attack by a group claiming his ministry was not authentic and that is the way many have presented these verses as a means of showing why he behaved the way he did and how his ministry was produced. I agree they may be read and understood that way. I also believe we can look at these verses and gain insight into how God is working in our lives and how we may use them to springboard or help us walk “in Christ.” Let’s examine our text and allow the “Teacher and Paraclete” to come and give us a “Word from the Word” to grow on and in Christ. Turn to 2 Corinthians, Chapter 6
2 For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (Isaiah 49:8)
3 We.<Paul> give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. 4 But in all things we commend <proving oneself> ourselves as ministers of God: <enduring> in much [a]patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, 5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; 6 <these righteousness traits produced in us by the Holy Spirit> by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by [b]sincere love, 7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; <regardless of external rebukes, comments, posts, words said against us, we remain true to God>9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
Skipping now to verse 17
17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
18 “I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.”
Pray – may God instruct us and teach us in the way we should go, into the truth everlasting – AMEN
If you were speech writers, verse 2 would be THE CHARGE. Why do we do what we do as Christians comes directly from Isaiah in the Old Testament - Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (Isaiah 49:8). This is what happened that Christmas eve- God came to man and He is God with us -Immanuel. This is good news and is the core of the gospel, why we have a message of power and how, but now is a time for us to choose this day who we will serve. And to go and tell for Behold the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand and His name is Jesus. This is why we issue the call now, today for the time is short and we only have today. We are not guaranteed tomorrow.
Verses 3, 4 and 5 are the behaviors we try to exhibit as we live in this world and listening to the Spirit who is within us. Read-3 We.<Paul> give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. 4 But in all things we commend <proving oneself> ourselves as ministers of God: <enduring> in much [a]patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, 5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings <in whatever sufferings and difficulties we find ourselves because we are obedient to God’s commands> This does not apply if we are sinful or become self-willed.
Verse 6 then speaks directly into the ministry of the Holy Spirit - 6 <these righteousness traits produced in us by the Holy Spirit> by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by [b]sincere love. Each of these traits are called fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:23ff. These are not natural gifts but those enabled and inspired by the Holy Spirit.
These gifts must enable us to overcome-spiritual warfare such as seeing the wrongness of Choice vs murder of the unborn; wrongness of managed care vs socialized medicine which is also murder on the basis of value to society; or sending control of our healthcare to the UN, whose agenda is to reduce America’s population by inflicting social controls through managed diseases; or destroying our economy and having a single party dictatorship with rigged elections.
We need to remember in Paul’s day they had no “rights.” They lived in Rome who had absolute authority over everything. Unless God brings revival, repentance and renewal to America we may be living in the last days of what we know as constitution democracy. So our dependency is not upon a political party, or the economy or a beneficial president but upon the grace and provision of our Lord, Our ability to operate is provided read with me the last part of verse 6 - 6 <these righteousness traits produced in us by the Holy Spirit> by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by [b]sincere love, Remember God is with us, He will never leave us or forsake us.
Here is our KEY Verse Chapter 6: verse 7 and we are given helps from God. How? Read ---1.-by the word of truth. The Scriptures, the revealed Word of God (cf. Col. 1:5; James 1:18). During his ministry, Paul nor you or I will ever be able to effectively operate beyond the boundaries of the direction and guidance of divine revelation. A word from God is imperative 2. by the power of God. Paul did not rely on his own strength nor can we when ee minister as unto the Lord. We are called and accountable to Him (see notes on 1 Cor. 1:18; 2:1–3; cf. Rom. 1:16). 3. by the<God’s> armor of righteousness. Neither Paul or you and I can fight Satan’s kingdom with human resources, but only with spiritual virtue and support (see 10:3–5; Eph. 6:10–18). 4. the right hand . . . the left. Paul and you and I, must have both offensive tools, such as the sword of the Spirit, and defensive tools, such as the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation, at our disposal to fight the good fifth of faith (see notes on Eph. 6:16, 17).
One more thing is absolutely required see verse 10 -
6:10 making many rich. The spiritual wealth Paul possessed and which we possess must be imparted to others to enable them to become spiritually (rich or) wealthy (cf. Acts 3:6). We are told to go to be His witnesses in our hometown, our state, our nation and to the ends of the earth.
Do you have the joy of the good news of Jesus? COME out from among them today. Give hope to others so they may be spiritually rich and share life in Christ with others today. For today is the day of salvation. Now is the time to receive Him for the days are short. AMEN
May 12 Sermon Mother's Day
Happy Mother’s Day 2024 to all you have been actual Mothers, to those who have been surrogate Mothers to men, boys and girls over your lifetimes. Greeting and Blessings to you from our Father in Heaven. He sends His blessings to you who are faithful in the Lord.
With all the vicious hate and warfare or lawfare we have here and abroad it is a fearsome thing to be a mother in these days. Unfortunately some mothers will be as Mary who will have a sword pierce their heart and soul because of what happens to their children when they are unable to protect them, whatever age they are. We are told that in the last days during the tribulation -Woe to those who are pregnant or nursing in those days!
We are praying for the protection of God upon Mothers today as we are in a time of extreme darkness and sins
Key verse Matthew 10:16-16 16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless[a] as doves. 17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.
The Old Testament is full of prominent characters whose lives prove God uses individuals to help grow and mature the faith of others and to see how they go on to do in some cases miraculous things. The types of relationships are diverse: family relationships, ministry-type relationships, mentoring-type relationships, as well as two prophet-king relationships. One such figure is part of the foundation story of Moses. One of those who had a direct impact on his life was his mother Jochebed. Here we’ll focus on the influence of Moses’s mother. While the biblical data is does not say a lot about Jochebed, we see that Moses’s mother was God’s direct instrument in preserving and maturing his life at a time of a treacherous threat to the emerging nation.
The preeminent world power in 1500 BC were the Egyptians. Headed up by Pharaoh Aahmes (or Amosis), they were keeping a watchful eye on the fast-growing Israelite nation and had begun oppressing and enslaving the Israelites out of fear of experiencing a revolt from within. The scripture indicates that the time came when the Pharaoh no longer remembered Joseph. The time had finally come for God to raise up a deliverer who would free his people from Egyptian bondage and lead them to the land God had promised Abraham. It would still be another 500 years until God would raise up a man after his own heart, King David, to rule the nation.
Moses’s mother, was a Levite, later identified as Jochebed (Numbers 26:59). She had married a Levite and given birth to a son. When she saw that he was a “fine” child, she hid him for three months and when she could do so no longer, she made a basket out of bulrushes and put him among the reeds by the river.
Lets’ read from Hebrews Chapter 11 beginning in verse 23, 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command.
24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the [g]passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the [h]reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures [i]in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.
Pray - may God add His blessing to the reading of His word and to our understanding and application to our lives. Amen
Here are some things which can be gleaned from this Scripture reference beginning in verse 23.
1. His parents decided to have children despite the oppression of the Egyptians. His mother and father were walking by faith and decided to obey the charge to all people - which is to be fruitful and multiply
They were walking by faith and not by sight
2. This couple chose to have multiple children and rejected fearing men and obeyed God. Note in the biblical account in Exodus Chapter 2, Miriam is already a young girl when Moses was born, so they were already having kids and they would have another after Moses whose name was Aaron. He would become a prophet and the great high priest in Israel. This family was not stymied by fear and God honored their commitment and gave them children. Fear did not overtake them, they chose to walk with and as God commanded. They relied upon God’s protection.
Remember also- children are a gift from the Lord. Note the testimony in latter part of this verse - because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command.
Not afraid is a great testimony – for she and her husband were obedient to God for their protection. And while the text does not say so God did protect and guide them, you can see the results. /And what a family they had. Three major players in the future life and restoration of the nation of Israel.
3. By faith Jochebed chose to trust God in establishing HIs future plan for Moses her son. This is evidenced by placing her child in a pitch covered reed boat in the middle of river infested with crocodiles. If God is who He says He is and He promises to protect those who are His, then this was a faith-based decision on the basis of her relationship with her God. She was and is a child of the King and she was working and doing everything she could to save her son.
4. She fought against and resisted abortion- Remember what Pharaoh told the midwives to kill all the male Jewish babies at birth. Jochebed had a choice even to conceive yet let alone give birth to a child even when the ruler of the land had dictated that the murder of Hebrew children was a desirable thing. In our day we need to remember the author of all life is the Lord God and He alone has the right to cause it to cease. Children are a gift from God. (Psalm 127:3)
5.In verses 24-26 we have another series of statements - 24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the [g]passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the [h]reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures [i]in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
If we go back to the account in Exodus chapter 3, we find that Jochebed was called back to nurse her own child until he was weaned. In those days mothers milk was highly respected and probably nursed Moses (named by Pharaoh’s daughter, meaning out of the water) until around 3 years old. So perhaps, this is my speculation- Moses mother may have been in close proximity to him for many years thereafter. What was the charge given to Jewish parents? To home school their children, read Deuteronomy, Chapter 6, 6 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
So her influence upon a growing and maturing young boy to manhood may have been upon many occasions. How else could Moses have walked by faith, choosing to identify and be afflicted with God’s people as it states in our lesson?
We can only suppose what additional things were caught by Moses and not necessarily taught. We read in these other verses and they are always preceded By faith. So by faith Moses forsook Egypt, by faith he kept the Passover and by faith through the Red Sea on dry land. By analogy we see many modern heroes of the faith actually come to faith because of praying, faithful and loving mothers. Could Moses have been deeply impressed by the life style, character and integrity of a Godly Mother? I believe the answer is yes. Her influence may have been the catalyst to turn his life to God.
Mothers – thank you for what you do, but never discount or trivialize the impact of a Godly mother and what she can accomplish in the life of her children.
Proverbs 1:8-9 says, My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother; 9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.
Amen
Happy Mother’s Day 2024 to all you have been actual Mothers, to those who have been surrogate Mothers to men, boys and girls over your lifetimes. Greeting and Blessings to you from our Father in Heaven. He sends His blessings to you who are faithful in the Lord.
With all the vicious hate and warfare or lawfare we have here and abroad it is a fearsome thing to be a mother in these days. Unfortunately some mothers will be as Mary who will have a sword pierce their heart and soul because of what happens to their children when they are unable to protect them, whatever age they are. We are told that in the last days during the tribulation -Woe to those who are pregnant or nursing in those days!
We are praying for the protection of God upon Mothers today as we are in a time of extreme darkness and sins
Key verse Matthew 10:16-16 16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless[a] as doves. 17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.
The Old Testament is full of prominent characters whose lives prove God uses individuals to help grow and mature the faith of others and to see how they go on to do in some cases miraculous things. The types of relationships are diverse: family relationships, ministry-type relationships, mentoring-type relationships, as well as two prophet-king relationships. One such figure is part of the foundation story of Moses. One of those who had a direct impact on his life was his mother Jochebed. Here we’ll focus on the influence of Moses’s mother. While the biblical data is does not say a lot about Jochebed, we see that Moses’s mother was God’s direct instrument in preserving and maturing his life at a time of a treacherous threat to the emerging nation.
The preeminent world power in 1500 BC were the Egyptians. Headed up by Pharaoh Aahmes (or Amosis), they were keeping a watchful eye on the fast-growing Israelite nation and had begun oppressing and enslaving the Israelites out of fear of experiencing a revolt from within. The scripture indicates that the time came when the Pharaoh no longer remembered Joseph. The time had finally come for God to raise up a deliverer who would free his people from Egyptian bondage and lead them to the land God had promised Abraham. It would still be another 500 years until God would raise up a man after his own heart, King David, to rule the nation.
Moses’s mother, was a Levite, later identified as Jochebed (Numbers 26:59). She had married a Levite and given birth to a son. When she saw that he was a “fine” child, she hid him for three months and when she could do so no longer, she made a basket out of bulrushes and put him among the reeds by the river.
Lets’ read from Hebrews Chapter 11 beginning in verse 23, 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command.
24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the [g]passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the [h]reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures [i]in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.
Pray - may God add His blessing to the reading of His word and to our understanding and application to our lives. Amen
Here are some things which can be gleaned from this Scripture reference beginning in verse 23.
1. His parents decided to have children despite the oppression of the Egyptians. His mother and father were walking by faith and decided to obey the charge to all people - which is to be fruitful and multiply
They were walking by faith and not by sight
2. This couple chose to have multiple children and rejected fearing men and obeyed God. Note in the biblical account in Exodus Chapter 2, Miriam is already a young girl when Moses was born, so they were already having kids and they would have another after Moses whose name was Aaron. He would become a prophet and the great high priest in Israel. This family was not stymied by fear and God honored their commitment and gave them children. Fear did not overtake them, they chose to walk with and as God commanded. They relied upon God’s protection.
Remember also- children are a gift from the Lord. Note the testimony in latter part of this verse - because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command.
Not afraid is a great testimony – for she and her husband were obedient to God for their protection. And while the text does not say so God did protect and guide them, you can see the results. /And what a family they had. Three major players in the future life and restoration of the nation of Israel.
3. By faith Jochebed chose to trust God in establishing HIs future plan for Moses her son. This is evidenced by placing her child in a pitch covered reed boat in the middle of river infested with crocodiles. If God is who He says He is and He promises to protect those who are His, then this was a faith-based decision on the basis of her relationship with her God. She was and is a child of the King and she was working and doing everything she could to save her son.
4. She fought against and resisted abortion- Remember what Pharaoh told the midwives to kill all the male Jewish babies at birth. Jochebed had a choice even to conceive yet let alone give birth to a child even when the ruler of the land had dictated that the murder of Hebrew children was a desirable thing. In our day we need to remember the author of all life is the Lord God and He alone has the right to cause it to cease. Children are a gift from God. (Psalm 127:3)
5.In verses 24-26 we have another series of statements - 24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the [g]passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the [h]reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures [i]in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
If we go back to the account in Exodus chapter 3, we find that Jochebed was called back to nurse her own child until he was weaned. In those days mothers milk was highly respected and probably nursed Moses (named by Pharaoh’s daughter, meaning out of the water) until around 3 years old. So perhaps, this is my speculation- Moses mother may have been in close proximity to him for many years thereafter. What was the charge given to Jewish parents? To home school their children, read Deuteronomy, Chapter 6, 6 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
So her influence upon a growing and maturing young boy to manhood may have been upon many occasions. How else could Moses have walked by faith, choosing to identify and be afflicted with God’s people as it states in our lesson?
We can only suppose what additional things were caught by Moses and not necessarily taught. We read in these other verses and they are always preceded By faith. So by faith Moses forsook Egypt, by faith he kept the Passover and by faith through the Red Sea on dry land. By analogy we see many modern heroes of the faith actually come to faith because of praying, faithful and loving mothers. Could Moses have been deeply impressed by the life style, character and integrity of a Godly Mother? I believe the answer is yes. Her influence may have been the catalyst to turn his life to God.
Mothers – thank you for what you do, but never discount or trivialize the impact of a Godly mother and what she can accomplish in the life of her children.
Proverbs 1:8-9 says, My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother; 9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.
Amen
May 5 Sermon
We today as believers need to walk having courageous faith. In all the ages since Jesus has departed from the earth, His disciples have had to have had courageous faith. So why or how can I make this statement? Well if we remember the words of Jesus in the gospel of John, Chapter 15 verses 19 and 20, He said to His disciples - 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
This is a word for you from the Son of God - A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you
Now checking the records of hate and persecution of Christians which began at the cross on Mount Calvary; and according to the Word of God, will continue until Jesus Christ returns to this planet earth as promised in the book of Revelation when He rules and reigns over all of earth again after the great tribulation.
We find believers of all ages have had to live boldly and with faith to survive in all the ages since Jesus departed earth. We in America have had a wonderous grace period of 200 plus years because God granted this here. But that is no longer true since 9/11 His presence and provision over America has departed. If you do not believe this then look at the TV News tonight and see all the prevalent and pervasive sin, which is in your face in each and every show. How could God continue to bless us when we have rejected Him in all our forms of Government, in our homes and more and more in our churches.
So we need to renew this call and repeat the message today from our scripture text. I repeat this is not a new message but a constant and inspired message of how we are to live in this environment. Go to Ephesians 6:10-13 - 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [b]wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [c]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Pray – Father may you find us faithful in following what you have to say concerning keeping us faithful. May we hear your call today. AMEN
Our words from scripture implore us to- be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. How then are we to be strong in the Lord? Well going down in the text a bit further we find the answer of how to put on the whole Armor of God. Verses 14 to 17 provide our answers which are in summarized as follows:
Lastly an encouragement from God found in 2nd Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
The Holy Spirit is His promise and Helper who will enable us to accomplish His purposes in our lives. Putting on the full armor and being strong in the power of His might is not easy. Without the empowering of the Holy Spirit it is impossible to do so. In human strength you will find living the courageous faith God desires is impossible. Pray then for the Holy Spirits presence as promised in 2nd Timothy 1:7- God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power- yes, His power and His love for your and Jesus has given you His peace to have a sound mind.
Walk in in this truth by seeking Him today. Remember with God all things are possible. We are in a spiritual battle and you cannot be successful apart from Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit – lean on Him and learn from Him. AMEN
We today as believers need to walk having courageous faith. In all the ages since Jesus has departed from the earth, His disciples have had to have had courageous faith. So why or how can I make this statement? Well if we remember the words of Jesus in the gospel of John, Chapter 15 verses 19 and 20, He said to His disciples - 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
This is a word for you from the Son of God - A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you
Now checking the records of hate and persecution of Christians which began at the cross on Mount Calvary; and according to the Word of God, will continue until Jesus Christ returns to this planet earth as promised in the book of Revelation when He rules and reigns over all of earth again after the great tribulation.
We find believers of all ages have had to live boldly and with faith to survive in all the ages since Jesus departed earth. We in America have had a wonderous grace period of 200 plus years because God granted this here. But that is no longer true since 9/11 His presence and provision over America has departed. If you do not believe this then look at the TV News tonight and see all the prevalent and pervasive sin, which is in your face in each and every show. How could God continue to bless us when we have rejected Him in all our forms of Government, in our homes and more and more in our churches.
So we need to renew this call and repeat the message today from our scripture text. I repeat this is not a new message but a constant and inspired message of how we are to live in this environment. Go to Ephesians 6:10-13 - 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [b]wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [c]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Pray – Father may you find us faithful in following what you have to say concerning keeping us faithful. May we hear your call today. AMEN
Our words from scripture implore us to- be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. How then are we to be strong in the Lord? Well going down in the text a bit further we find the answer of how to put on the whole Armor of God. Verses 14 to 17 provide our answers which are in summarized as follows:
- Gird your waist with truth - John 17:17 says, - 17 Sanctify[i] them by Your truth. Your word is truth. This truth I believe is all about Jesus, know Him personally and having been born from above. None of the remainder of this text can apply except to those who God has saved miraculously by grace- His grace.
- Then, Put on the breastplate of righteousness. God’s word says, our righteousness is as filthy rags. What we need is His righteousness. Check out Romans 3:22 - 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all [a]and on all who believe. So we receive the righteousness of Christ, when we ask Jesus into our hearts by faith and confess Him as Lord and Savior.
- Next, we are to have our feet shod, that is having your feet covered with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Preparation is Key. We you must go into battle fully prepared and armed with the truth. That is what Jesus did. Would you step into the lion’s den without some knowledge and experience in dealing with these types of predators? So the real questions is are you studying to put God’s Word in your heart that you might not sin against Him?
- Taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Literally trusting by faith alone, in Christ alone that God in His power and in His might is able to do all things- and there is nothing too hard for God. Hold fast to this word from God in Isaiah 55:11- So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me [c]void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
- Then in verse 17 it says 17 And take the helmet of salvation, meaning to cover your mind and heart with the hope , the assured expectation of your ongoing salvation – which is being conformed to the image of His Son (See 1st Thess. 5:8). Your salvation as promised by God is eternal and secured by His word.
- Also take the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. This is our only and sufficient weapon we have against evil, deception and perversity. God’s Word is the only needed weapon, it is infinitely more powerful than any of Satan’s. The Gr. term refers to a small weapon (6–18 in. long). It was used both defensively to fend off Satan’s attacks, and offensively to help destroy the enemy’s strategies. It is the truth of Scripture.
- Praying with all prayer and supplication for all the saints- 1) “all prayer and supplication” focuses on the variety; 2) “always” focuses on the frequency or the how often of praying (cf. Rom. 12:12; Phil. 4:6; 1 Thess. 5:17); 3) “in the Spirit” focuses on submission, as we line up with the will of God (cf. Rom. 8:26, 27); 4) “being watchful” focuses on the manner of waiting upon God (cf. Matt. 26:41; Mark 13:33); 5) “all perseverance” focuses on our being persistent (cf. Luke 11:9; 18:7, 8); and finally 6) “all saints” focuses on who we pray for continually
Lastly an encouragement from God found in 2nd Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
The Holy Spirit is His promise and Helper who will enable us to accomplish His purposes in our lives. Putting on the full armor and being strong in the power of His might is not easy. Without the empowering of the Holy Spirit it is impossible to do so. In human strength you will find living the courageous faith God desires is impossible. Pray then for the Holy Spirits presence as promised in 2nd Timothy 1:7- God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power- yes, His power and His love for your and Jesus has given you His peace to have a sound mind.
Walk in in this truth by seeking Him today. Remember with God all things are possible. We are in a spiritual battle and you cannot be successful apart from Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit – lean on Him and learn from Him. AMEN
April 28 Sermon
Repentance is needed in 2024. Look at the news daily, nightly and all that is highlighted including: murder, incest, rape; nation warring against nation; arson, robbery, sexual sin; perversion of every kind which is no longer hidden but overt<in your face>. Deception, no truth just lies and more lies, everywhere and this is happening even in churches. There is open lawlessness in every institution of government. Churches welcoming and adopting abortion, homosexuality, open borders <invasion>, allowing and encouraging gender mutilation and multiple genders as part of Dei <which is their idol>.
Each sin is a rejection of God, of His intentions and purpose for men and women. We are so far gone it appears there is no way back, but not too far for God or God’s people. We have been here before. Question - according to the Word of God, Is there anything too hard for God? The answer is No!
So where does a turn around begin? Short answer is in you and I - to become serious with God. Then extend this to the churches – many believers, then if God enables to the school house, the state houses and as He directs to a nation.
But what is true repentance? And how does it happen? We will look at Luke Chapter 15 and the parable of the Prodigal son to begin in determining the answer of what God expects in His people. Three parables in Chapter 15 a sheep, a coin and a son - all lost but all found.
The Parable of the Lost Son
11 Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with [d]prodigal living. 14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the [e]pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’
20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, [f]‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.
Pray- May God add His blessing to the reading of His Word and to our understanding and application AMEN
This story is usually called the parable of the Prodigal Son. However, the prodigal son—the reckless and wasteful son who got himself lost—is only part of the focus of the story. He’s an essential character, but the parable also includes the older brother because Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees and scribes (see 15:1-3). And a third and most essential character is the Father. But Jesus is emphasizing to these self-righteous leaders who had no compassion on the lost items to see themselves in that brother. We will focus only on the younger son today.
(15:11-13) Now the younger of the two sons had become tired of the restrictions of living at home. He wanted to spread his wings; he wanted his so-called freedom. In requesting his inheritance, it was tantamount to wishing his father were dead (15:11-12). The younger son was thus strong willed, self-indulgent, independent, unencumbered, and well-funded.
15:12. According to Deuteronomy 21:17, the older of two sons was entitled to a double portion of a father’s estate. The younger son would have therefore received one-third. His request would have been regarded as shameful to a first-century Jewish audience as it demonstrated that he was willing to end his relationship with his father in order to receive his money. And it soon became clear why he wanted to leave, this nowhere villa for somewhere bright and shiny: He squandered his estate in foolish living (15:13). A person’s heart is revealed by his credit card statement. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (12:34).
This action is a picture of all sinners (related to God the Father by creation) who waste their potential privileges and refuse any relationship with Him, choosing instead a life of sinful self-indulgence. This is what sin is.
15:13 gathered all together. The prodigal son took his share in liquid assets, and left, abandoning his father, heading into a life of sinful iniquity; called prodigal living. Not merely wasteful extravagance, but wanton immorality (v. 30). The Gr. word for “prodigal” means “dissolute” and conveys the idea of an utterly debauched lifestyle.
Then the situation changes as he wastes away his inheritance, the economy fails, famine sets in, and he is no longer privileged. He’s a broke. In Chapter15:15-17 The young man became so desperate that he accepted a job feeding pigs (15:15). Don’t miss that. This is a Jewish man accepting a job to feed unclean animals. The pods were carob pods, <inedible to humans> the fruit of the carob tree, which were used to feed livestock. And no one gave the prodigal anything to eat (15:16), the pigs were doing better than he was. And pigs are unclean to the Jew.
His acquired freedom and supposed independence had come at a high cost. Notice the emphasis on - no one gave him anything. He could not even eke out a living by begging. His situation could hardly have been more desperate. This is symbolic of the estranged sinner who is helpless in despair and without hope. Sometimes God tests us and allows us to experience a tremendous failures for that is what it takes to open our eyes to our sinfulness (15:17).
15:17-18. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,
He came to himself – he hated his sin as a fact of his life and He hated His lifestyle as a moral failure. He repented of His sin and his place in their family and said I am only worthy to be a slave/servant. This is what happens in repentance and we turn back to God- (NASB) Acts 3:19- Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;
15:20-22 This is a beautiful picture of repentance, salvation and the restoration of sinners to be saints. A destitute sinner comes to a holy God in repentance and faith with nothing to offer but desperate need. God the Father responds with love and compassion (15:20), granting the sinner all the privileges of sonship in the family and showering him with blessings—“every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ” (Eph 1:3). 15:20.
The important point is the father had not yet heard his son’s confession (see v. 21), but like the seekers for lost things in the previous two parables, His desire was to see the restoration of that which was lost. ran. The Father’s eagerness and joy at his son’s return is unmistakable. Jesus audience would have been surprised by the Father’s actions. This is the magnificent attribute of our God that sets Him apart from all false gods invented by men and demons. He is not indifferent or hostile, but a Savior by nature, longing to see sinners repent and rejoicing when they do. From Gen. 3:8 to Rev. 22:17, from the fall of man to the end of time, God has been and will be seeking to save sinners, and rejoicing each time one repents and is converted.
15:22 the father said. There is not a single word of rebuke for the past, the Father pours out his love upon the son and expresses his joy that what was lost had been found. Each of the Father’s gifts said something unique about his acceptance of the son: robe. Reserved for the guest of honor. ring. A symbol of authority. sandals. These were not usually worn by slaves, and therefore signified his full restoration as a son.
Conclusion- What is repentance to God but an expression of His everlasting and amazing love for those who willingly turn to Him.
For us - Repentance requires you and I to see ourselves as God sees us – full of sin and rebellion, and departed from Him. In most cases without any hope of redemption, morally bankrupt and realizing how lost we are because of our deeds and actions. Only by the activity of God sending His Son can we be saved and returned to the loving fellowship of the - God who so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. <Jn.3.16>
Repentance is needed in 2024. Look at the news daily, nightly and all that is highlighted including: murder, incest, rape; nation warring against nation; arson, robbery, sexual sin; perversion of every kind which is no longer hidden but overt<in your face>. Deception, no truth just lies and more lies, everywhere and this is happening even in churches. There is open lawlessness in every institution of government. Churches welcoming and adopting abortion, homosexuality, open borders <invasion>, allowing and encouraging gender mutilation and multiple genders as part of Dei <which is their idol>.
Each sin is a rejection of God, of His intentions and purpose for men and women. We are so far gone it appears there is no way back, but not too far for God or God’s people. We have been here before. Question - according to the Word of God, Is there anything too hard for God? The answer is No!
So where does a turn around begin? Short answer is in you and I - to become serious with God. Then extend this to the churches – many believers, then if God enables to the school house, the state houses and as He directs to a nation.
But what is true repentance? And how does it happen? We will look at Luke Chapter 15 and the parable of the Prodigal son to begin in determining the answer of what God expects in His people. Three parables in Chapter 15 a sheep, a coin and a son - all lost but all found.
The Parable of the Lost Son
11 Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with [d]prodigal living. 14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the [e]pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’
20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, [f]‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.
Pray- May God add His blessing to the reading of His Word and to our understanding and application AMEN
This story is usually called the parable of the Prodigal Son. However, the prodigal son—the reckless and wasteful son who got himself lost—is only part of the focus of the story. He’s an essential character, but the parable also includes the older brother because Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees and scribes (see 15:1-3). And a third and most essential character is the Father. But Jesus is emphasizing to these self-righteous leaders who had no compassion on the lost items to see themselves in that brother. We will focus only on the younger son today.
(15:11-13) Now the younger of the two sons had become tired of the restrictions of living at home. He wanted to spread his wings; he wanted his so-called freedom. In requesting his inheritance, it was tantamount to wishing his father were dead (15:11-12). The younger son was thus strong willed, self-indulgent, independent, unencumbered, and well-funded.
15:12. According to Deuteronomy 21:17, the older of two sons was entitled to a double portion of a father’s estate. The younger son would have therefore received one-third. His request would have been regarded as shameful to a first-century Jewish audience as it demonstrated that he was willing to end his relationship with his father in order to receive his money. And it soon became clear why he wanted to leave, this nowhere villa for somewhere bright and shiny: He squandered his estate in foolish living (15:13). A person’s heart is revealed by his credit card statement. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (12:34).
This action is a picture of all sinners (related to God the Father by creation) who waste their potential privileges and refuse any relationship with Him, choosing instead a life of sinful self-indulgence. This is what sin is.
15:13 gathered all together. The prodigal son took his share in liquid assets, and left, abandoning his father, heading into a life of sinful iniquity; called prodigal living. Not merely wasteful extravagance, but wanton immorality (v. 30). The Gr. word for “prodigal” means “dissolute” and conveys the idea of an utterly debauched lifestyle.
Then the situation changes as he wastes away his inheritance, the economy fails, famine sets in, and he is no longer privileged. He’s a broke. In Chapter15:15-17 The young man became so desperate that he accepted a job feeding pigs (15:15). Don’t miss that. This is a Jewish man accepting a job to feed unclean animals. The pods were carob pods, <inedible to humans> the fruit of the carob tree, which were used to feed livestock. And no one gave the prodigal anything to eat (15:16), the pigs were doing better than he was. And pigs are unclean to the Jew.
His acquired freedom and supposed independence had come at a high cost. Notice the emphasis on - no one gave him anything. He could not even eke out a living by begging. His situation could hardly have been more desperate. This is symbolic of the estranged sinner who is helpless in despair and without hope. Sometimes God tests us and allows us to experience a tremendous failures for that is what it takes to open our eyes to our sinfulness (15:17).
15:17-18. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,
He came to himself – he hated his sin as a fact of his life and He hated His lifestyle as a moral failure. He repented of His sin and his place in their family and said I am only worthy to be a slave/servant. This is what happens in repentance and we turn back to God- (NASB) Acts 3:19- Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;
15:20-22 This is a beautiful picture of repentance, salvation and the restoration of sinners to be saints. A destitute sinner comes to a holy God in repentance and faith with nothing to offer but desperate need. God the Father responds with love and compassion (15:20), granting the sinner all the privileges of sonship in the family and showering him with blessings—“every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ” (Eph 1:3). 15:20.
The important point is the father had not yet heard his son’s confession (see v. 21), but like the seekers for lost things in the previous two parables, His desire was to see the restoration of that which was lost. ran. The Father’s eagerness and joy at his son’s return is unmistakable. Jesus audience would have been surprised by the Father’s actions. This is the magnificent attribute of our God that sets Him apart from all false gods invented by men and demons. He is not indifferent or hostile, but a Savior by nature, longing to see sinners repent and rejoicing when they do. From Gen. 3:8 to Rev. 22:17, from the fall of man to the end of time, God has been and will be seeking to save sinners, and rejoicing each time one repents and is converted.
15:22 the father said. There is not a single word of rebuke for the past, the Father pours out his love upon the son and expresses his joy that what was lost had been found. Each of the Father’s gifts said something unique about his acceptance of the son: robe. Reserved for the guest of honor. ring. A symbol of authority. sandals. These were not usually worn by slaves, and therefore signified his full restoration as a son.
Conclusion- What is repentance to God but an expression of His everlasting and amazing love for those who willingly turn to Him.
For us - Repentance requires you and I to see ourselves as God sees us – full of sin and rebellion, and departed from Him. In most cases without any hope of redemption, morally bankrupt and realizing how lost we are because of our deeds and actions. Only by the activity of God sending His Son can we be saved and returned to the loving fellowship of the - God who so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. <Jn.3.16>
April 21 Sermon
Jesus in the beginning of Chapter 13 of Luke discusses and gives the disciples divine power to serve as a witness to the people of His divine authority and power as both Son of God and Son of Man who has come as messiah. Many things happen in the Chapter including the miraculous feeding of the 5000 and the Mount of Transfiguration. Sandwiched in between these two miraculous events is a passage of great significance to all who would be dedicated followers of the Master.
The passage begins with a question which all of us who would believe is Jesus are destined to answer for ourselves and for our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the question Jesus asks each of us - who do you say that I am? Not who do others say that I am, but who do you say that I am?
Let’s read from our text and Let’s stand as we honor the Word of God and its Author
Luke 9, beginning with verse 18
18 And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.”
20 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”
Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection
21 And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”
Take Up the Cross and Follow Him
23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross [b]daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”
Amen
“Who do the crowds say that I am?” Ultimately, this is the question every human being must answer and the foundation of our confession of faith (Rom. 10:9, 10). To say that Jesus is the Christ means we believe that He is God incarnate, born of a virgin, crucified unto death, buried, resurrected on the third day, and fully capable of forgiving our sins and reconciling us to Himself. By faith we believe that all He taught is true, and that we have eternal life because of Him, and all He has promised and that has been prophesied about Him will be fulfilled. Is this truly what you believe? Do you have more than just a said faith that Jesus is the Savior? Today Who do you say He is?
Well the disciples had just been commissioned to cast out demons and to pronounce the truth of the Word among men, and they were soon to experience the feeding of the 5000 which would confirm a great deal to the disciples of what He said and did was true. But you must remember that the crucifixion and the betrayal were soon to come and all would abandon Him. So what kind of faith did they have? Maybe faith a lot like we have when things are going well? Perhaps that is why Jesus is about to instruct them on what is required to have genuine faith and trust in Him. There are some pretty hard words coming to the hearts of the disciples in what follows and they may be difficult for us as well as we evaluate our ability to stand for Jesus Christ in the final days.
Let’s look at them verse by verse beginning with verse 21-22- 21 And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”
Here Jesus does what? -Jesus Predicts His own Death. The disciples have not yet fully comprehended who Jesus is and His Messiahship. Many first-century Jews expected the Messiah to be a powerful and glorious warrior who would deliver them from the political oppression of the Gentiles. Peter apparently shares this widespread Jewish view about the Messiah. In this section, Jesus supplements there understanding of the Messiah with the suffering “Son of Man” (v. 22). Jesus reveals He must pass through the cross before his glorification (vv. 22, 26). This would greatly concern the disciples since they also must deny their own lives when they follow Jesus. How about you have you counted the cost of being a disciple of Christ?
Now to verse 23- the toughie - 23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross [b]daily, and follow Me.
To deny themselves means they are to abandon their own ambitions and goals. <daily> This is quite unexpected and then the next part was to take up their cross. That means to imitate Jesus and follow His will and the will of his Father. Do you understand Discipleship demands a drastic shift in our “daily” life to accommodate the mission of Jesus, possibly even to the point of death? Here is the truth! You don’t just put on Jesus on Sunday and Wednesday night and revert to the same ole thing when you get home afterwards. His lifestyle is a radical change and transformation 0- it is new life. And after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, you and I as His disciples are called to continue His mission by representing Him as salt and light today! This has the radical potential to alter our lives and future forever and will.
Verse 24 lays this out - 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.
Think about this verse – only by giving up your life can you gain eternal life and the blessings of heaven. You see this verse actually gives context to and explains vs. 23: The understanding is this for it is only those who, like Jesus, are willing by faith to give up their own earthly and human desires and ambitions who can and will obtain the spiritual blessings that Jesus’ resurrection brings. This is a sobering thought! Where am I in this I ask myself?
Verses 25 sand 26 says, 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.
Here are the disciples. They were thinking they had the whole world in front of them. Their rabbi is the expected Jewish Messiah. The purpose of their version of Messiah is to restore the nation and drive out its enemies. Jesus is expected to bring peace, prosperity, and the respect from other kingdoms. As the Messiah's closest followers, the disciples think they would rule with Him. They believe they are following the lesson of this verse. Jesus is now telling them of the cost. It is too much for them but if they reject Him they lose more than life, they lose Jesus and a future in eternity with Him. More importantly they lose their own souls.
What a tragedy think of the rich young ruler he lost not only his money but his very soul and life eternal in heaven. Wow what a loss.
Verse 27 says, 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”- In all 3 of the Synoptic Gospels, this promise is made just prior to the Transfiguration (Mark 9:1–8; Matt 16:28). Also, the word for “kingdom” can be translated “royal splendor.” Therefore, it is natural to interpret this promise as a reference to the Transfiguration, which “some” of the disciples--Peter, James, and John— would witness only 6 days later and has been fulfilled.
Where are you with this idea today ? – And who do you say that Jesus is? Perhaps for the first time you realize there is depth to this commitment which maybe you never fully understood and have taken for granted? Jesus asks you right now to count the cost. Do you understand that in order to save your life you must lose? This is contrary to the what the world practices and is contrary to the values of self-preservation. Giving your life to Christ has potentially very high costs and requires constant prayer, study and meditation. Are you willing to give it all to Jesus? He is asking that whosoever will, will now come to receive Jesus Christ today.
Jesus in the beginning of Chapter 13 of Luke discusses and gives the disciples divine power to serve as a witness to the people of His divine authority and power as both Son of God and Son of Man who has come as messiah. Many things happen in the Chapter including the miraculous feeding of the 5000 and the Mount of Transfiguration. Sandwiched in between these two miraculous events is a passage of great significance to all who would be dedicated followers of the Master.
The passage begins with a question which all of us who would believe is Jesus are destined to answer for ourselves and for our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the question Jesus asks each of us - who do you say that I am? Not who do others say that I am, but who do you say that I am?
Let’s read from our text and Let’s stand as we honor the Word of God and its Author
Luke 9, beginning with verse 18
18 And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.”
20 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”
Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection
21 And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”
Take Up the Cross and Follow Him
23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross [b]daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”
Amen
“Who do the crowds say that I am?” Ultimately, this is the question every human being must answer and the foundation of our confession of faith (Rom. 10:9, 10). To say that Jesus is the Christ means we believe that He is God incarnate, born of a virgin, crucified unto death, buried, resurrected on the third day, and fully capable of forgiving our sins and reconciling us to Himself. By faith we believe that all He taught is true, and that we have eternal life because of Him, and all He has promised and that has been prophesied about Him will be fulfilled. Is this truly what you believe? Do you have more than just a said faith that Jesus is the Savior? Today Who do you say He is?
Well the disciples had just been commissioned to cast out demons and to pronounce the truth of the Word among men, and they were soon to experience the feeding of the 5000 which would confirm a great deal to the disciples of what He said and did was true. But you must remember that the crucifixion and the betrayal were soon to come and all would abandon Him. So what kind of faith did they have? Maybe faith a lot like we have when things are going well? Perhaps that is why Jesus is about to instruct them on what is required to have genuine faith and trust in Him. There are some pretty hard words coming to the hearts of the disciples in what follows and they may be difficult for us as well as we evaluate our ability to stand for Jesus Christ in the final days.
Let’s look at them verse by verse beginning with verse 21-22- 21 And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”
Here Jesus does what? -Jesus Predicts His own Death. The disciples have not yet fully comprehended who Jesus is and His Messiahship. Many first-century Jews expected the Messiah to be a powerful and glorious warrior who would deliver them from the political oppression of the Gentiles. Peter apparently shares this widespread Jewish view about the Messiah. In this section, Jesus supplements there understanding of the Messiah with the suffering “Son of Man” (v. 22). Jesus reveals He must pass through the cross before his glorification (vv. 22, 26). This would greatly concern the disciples since they also must deny their own lives when they follow Jesus. How about you have you counted the cost of being a disciple of Christ?
Now to verse 23- the toughie - 23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross [b]daily, and follow Me.
To deny themselves means they are to abandon their own ambitions and goals. <daily> This is quite unexpected and then the next part was to take up their cross. That means to imitate Jesus and follow His will and the will of his Father. Do you understand Discipleship demands a drastic shift in our “daily” life to accommodate the mission of Jesus, possibly even to the point of death? Here is the truth! You don’t just put on Jesus on Sunday and Wednesday night and revert to the same ole thing when you get home afterwards. His lifestyle is a radical change and transformation 0- it is new life. And after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, you and I as His disciples are called to continue His mission by representing Him as salt and light today! This has the radical potential to alter our lives and future forever and will.
Verse 24 lays this out - 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.
Think about this verse – only by giving up your life can you gain eternal life and the blessings of heaven. You see this verse actually gives context to and explains vs. 23: The understanding is this for it is only those who, like Jesus, are willing by faith to give up their own earthly and human desires and ambitions who can and will obtain the spiritual blessings that Jesus’ resurrection brings. This is a sobering thought! Where am I in this I ask myself?
Verses 25 sand 26 says, 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.
Here are the disciples. They were thinking they had the whole world in front of them. Their rabbi is the expected Jewish Messiah. The purpose of their version of Messiah is to restore the nation and drive out its enemies. Jesus is expected to bring peace, prosperity, and the respect from other kingdoms. As the Messiah's closest followers, the disciples think they would rule with Him. They believe they are following the lesson of this verse. Jesus is now telling them of the cost. It is too much for them but if they reject Him they lose more than life, they lose Jesus and a future in eternity with Him. More importantly they lose their own souls.
What a tragedy think of the rich young ruler he lost not only his money but his very soul and life eternal in heaven. Wow what a loss.
Verse 27 says, 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”- In all 3 of the Synoptic Gospels, this promise is made just prior to the Transfiguration (Mark 9:1–8; Matt 16:28). Also, the word for “kingdom” can be translated “royal splendor.” Therefore, it is natural to interpret this promise as a reference to the Transfiguration, which “some” of the disciples--Peter, James, and John— would witness only 6 days later and has been fulfilled.
Where are you with this idea today ? – And who do you say that Jesus is? Perhaps for the first time you realize there is depth to this commitment which maybe you never fully understood and have taken for granted? Jesus asks you right now to count the cost. Do you understand that in order to save your life you must lose? This is contrary to the what the world practices and is contrary to the values of self-preservation. Giving your life to Christ has potentially very high costs and requires constant prayer, study and meditation. Are you willing to give it all to Jesus? He is asking that whosoever will, will now come to receive Jesus Christ today.
Apr 14 Sermon
Jesus in the beginning of Chapter 13 of Luke discusses and gives the disciples divine power to serve as a witness to the people of His divine authority and power as both Son of God and Son of Man who has come as messiah. Many things happen in the Chapter including the miraculous feeding of the 5000 and the Mount of Transfiguration. Sandwiched in between these two miraculous events is a passage of great significance to all who would be dedicated followers of the Master.
The passage begins with a question which all of us who would believe is Jesus are destined to answer for ourselves and for our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the question Jesus asks each of us - who do you say that I am? Not who do others say that I am, but who do you say that I am?
Let’s read from our text and Let’s stand as we honor the Word of God and its Author
Luke 9, beginning with verse 18
18 And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.”
20 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”
Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection
21 And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”
Take Up the Cross and Follow Him
23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross [b]daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”
Amen
“Who do the crowds say that I am?” Ultimately, this is the question every human being must answer and the foundation of our confession of faith (Rom. 10:9, 10). To say that Jesus is the Christ means we believe that He is God incarnate, born of a virgin, crucified unto death, buried, resurrected on the third day, and fully capable of forgiving our sins and reconciling us to Himself. By faith we believe that all He taught is true, and that we have eternal life because of Him, and all He has promised and that has been prophesied about Him will be fulfilled. Is this truly what you believe? Do you have more than just a said faith that Jesus is the Savior? Today Who do you say He is?
Well the disciples had just been commissioned to cast out demons and to pronounce the truth of the Word among men, and they were soon to experience the feeding of the 5000 which would confirm a great deal to the disciples of what He said and did was true. But you must remember that the crucifixion and the betrayal were soon to come and all would abandon Him. So what kind of faith did they have? Maybe faith a lot like we have when things are going well? Perhaps that is why Jesus is about to instruct them on what is required to have genuine faith and trust in Him. There are some pretty hard words coming to the hearts of the disciples in what follows and they may be difficult for us as well as we evaluate our ability to stand for Jesus Christ in the final days.
Let’s look at them verse by verse beginning with verse 21-22- 21 And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”
Here Jesus does what? -Jesus Predicts His own Death. The disciples have not yet fully comprehended who Jesus is and His Messiahship. Many first-century Jews expected the Messiah to be a powerful and glorious warrior who would deliver them from the political oppression of the Gentiles. Peter apparently shares this widespread Jewish view about the Messiah. In this section, Jesus supplements there understanding of the Messiah with the suffering “Son of Man” (v. 22). Jesus reveals He must pass through the cross before his glorification (vv. 22, 26). This would greatly concern the disciples since they also must deny their own lives when they follow Jesus. How about you have you counted the cost of being a disciple of Christ?
Now to verse 23- the toughie - 23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross [b]daily, and follow Me.
To deny themselves means they are to abandon their own ambitions and goals. <daily> This is quite unexpected and then the next part was to take up their cross. That means to imitate Jesus and follow His will and the will of his Father. Do you understand Discipleship demands a drastic shift in our “daily” life to accommodate the mission of Jesus, possibly even to the point of death? Here is the truth! You don’t just put on Jesus on Sunday and Wednesday night and revert to the same ole thing when you get home afterwards. His lifestyle is a radical change and transformation 0- it is new life. And after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, you and I as His disciples are called to continue His mission by representing Him as salt and light today! This has the radical potential to alter our lives and future forever and will.
Verse 24 lays this out - 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.
Think about this verse – only by giving up your life can you gain eternal life and the blessings of heaven. You see this verse actually gives context to and explains vs. 23: The understanding is this for it is only those who, like Jesus, are willing by faith to give up their own earthly and human desires and ambitions who can and will obtain the spiritual blessings that Jesus’ resurrection brings. This is a sobering thought! Where am I in this I ask myself?
Verses 25 sand 26 says, 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.
Here are the disciples. They were thinking they had the whole world in front of them. Their rabbi is the expected Jewish Messiah. The purpose of their version of Messiah is to restore the nation and drive out its enemies. Jesus is expected to bring peace, prosperity, and the respect from other kingdoms. As the Messiah's closest followers, the disciples think they would rule with Him. They believe they are following the lesson of this verse. Jesus is now telling them of the cost. It is too much for them but if they reject Him they lose more than life, they lose Jesus and a future in eternity with Him. More importantly they lose their own souls.
What a tragedy think of the rich young ruler he lost not only his money but his very soul and life eternal in heaven. Wow what a loss.
Verse 27 says, 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”- In all 3 of the Synoptic Gospels, this promise is made just prior to the Transfiguration (Mark 9:1–8; Matt 16:28). Also, the word for “kingdom” can be translated “royal splendor.” Therefore, it is natural to interpret this promise as a reference to the Transfiguration, which “some” of the disciples--Peter, James, and John— would witness only 6 days later and has been fulfilled.
Where are you with this idea today ? – And who do you say that Jesus is? Perhaps for the first time you realize there is depth to this commitment which maybe you never fully understood and have taken for granted? Jesus asks you right now to count the cost. Do you understand that in order to save your life you must lose? This is contrary to the what the world practices and is contrary to the values of self-preservation. Giving your life to Christ has potentially very high costs and requires constant prayer, study and meditation. Are you willing to give it all to Jesus? He is asking that whosoever will, will now come to receive Jesus Christ today.
Jesus in the beginning of Chapter 13 of Luke discusses and gives the disciples divine power to serve as a witness to the people of His divine authority and power as both Son of God and Son of Man who has come as messiah. Many things happen in the Chapter including the miraculous feeding of the 5000 and the Mount of Transfiguration. Sandwiched in between these two miraculous events is a passage of great significance to all who would be dedicated followers of the Master.
The passage begins with a question which all of us who would believe is Jesus are destined to answer for ourselves and for our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the question Jesus asks each of us - who do you say that I am? Not who do others say that I am, but who do you say that I am?
Let’s read from our text and Let’s stand as we honor the Word of God and its Author
Luke 9, beginning with verse 18
18 And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.”
20 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”
Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection
21 And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”
Take Up the Cross and Follow Him
23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross [b]daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”
Amen
“Who do the crowds say that I am?” Ultimately, this is the question every human being must answer and the foundation of our confession of faith (Rom. 10:9, 10). To say that Jesus is the Christ means we believe that He is God incarnate, born of a virgin, crucified unto death, buried, resurrected on the third day, and fully capable of forgiving our sins and reconciling us to Himself. By faith we believe that all He taught is true, and that we have eternal life because of Him, and all He has promised and that has been prophesied about Him will be fulfilled. Is this truly what you believe? Do you have more than just a said faith that Jesus is the Savior? Today Who do you say He is?
Well the disciples had just been commissioned to cast out demons and to pronounce the truth of the Word among men, and they were soon to experience the feeding of the 5000 which would confirm a great deal to the disciples of what He said and did was true. But you must remember that the crucifixion and the betrayal were soon to come and all would abandon Him. So what kind of faith did they have? Maybe faith a lot like we have when things are going well? Perhaps that is why Jesus is about to instruct them on what is required to have genuine faith and trust in Him. There are some pretty hard words coming to the hearts of the disciples in what follows and they may be difficult for us as well as we evaluate our ability to stand for Jesus Christ in the final days.
Let’s look at them verse by verse beginning with verse 21-22- 21 And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”
Here Jesus does what? -Jesus Predicts His own Death. The disciples have not yet fully comprehended who Jesus is and His Messiahship. Many first-century Jews expected the Messiah to be a powerful and glorious warrior who would deliver them from the political oppression of the Gentiles. Peter apparently shares this widespread Jewish view about the Messiah. In this section, Jesus supplements there understanding of the Messiah with the suffering “Son of Man” (v. 22). Jesus reveals He must pass through the cross before his glorification (vv. 22, 26). This would greatly concern the disciples since they also must deny their own lives when they follow Jesus. How about you have you counted the cost of being a disciple of Christ?
Now to verse 23- the toughie - 23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross [b]daily, and follow Me.
To deny themselves means they are to abandon their own ambitions and goals. <daily> This is quite unexpected and then the next part was to take up their cross. That means to imitate Jesus and follow His will and the will of his Father. Do you understand Discipleship demands a drastic shift in our “daily” life to accommodate the mission of Jesus, possibly even to the point of death? Here is the truth! You don’t just put on Jesus on Sunday and Wednesday night and revert to the same ole thing when you get home afterwards. His lifestyle is a radical change and transformation 0- it is new life. And after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, you and I as His disciples are called to continue His mission by representing Him as salt and light today! This has the radical potential to alter our lives and future forever and will.
Verse 24 lays this out - 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.
Think about this verse – only by giving up your life can you gain eternal life and the blessings of heaven. You see this verse actually gives context to and explains vs. 23: The understanding is this for it is only those who, like Jesus, are willing by faith to give up their own earthly and human desires and ambitions who can and will obtain the spiritual blessings that Jesus’ resurrection brings. This is a sobering thought! Where am I in this I ask myself?
Verses 25 sand 26 says, 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.
Here are the disciples. They were thinking they had the whole world in front of them. Their rabbi is the expected Jewish Messiah. The purpose of their version of Messiah is to restore the nation and drive out its enemies. Jesus is expected to bring peace, prosperity, and the respect from other kingdoms. As the Messiah's closest followers, the disciples think they would rule with Him. They believe they are following the lesson of this verse. Jesus is now telling them of the cost. It is too much for them but if they reject Him they lose more than life, they lose Jesus and a future in eternity with Him. More importantly they lose their own souls.
What a tragedy think of the rich young ruler he lost not only his money but his very soul and life eternal in heaven. Wow what a loss.
Verse 27 says, 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”- In all 3 of the Synoptic Gospels, this promise is made just prior to the Transfiguration (Mark 9:1–8; Matt 16:28). Also, the word for “kingdom” can be translated “royal splendor.” Therefore, it is natural to interpret this promise as a reference to the Transfiguration, which “some” of the disciples--Peter, James, and John— would witness only 6 days later and has been fulfilled.
Where are you with this idea today ? – And who do you say that Jesus is? Perhaps for the first time you realize there is depth to this commitment which maybe you never fully understood and have taken for granted? Jesus asks you right now to count the cost. Do you understand that in order to save your life you must lose? This is contrary to the what the world practices and is contrary to the values of self-preservation. Giving your life to Christ has potentially very high costs and requires constant prayer, study and meditation. Are you willing to give it all to Jesus? He is asking that whosoever will, will now come to receive Jesus Christ today.
Easter Sermon
He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed.
We come this morning to celebrate a risen savior, as one alive from the dead. So we say, He is risen, He is risen indeed! Praise be to God Almighty He is Risen from the dead. Who is risen? Jesus <Col.1> 14 in whom we have redemption [a]through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or [b]principalities or [c]powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
This is the one we are here to say Thank you Lord God for Your indescribable gift. But do we know how wonderful and how marvelous was the gift which was given? I am not sure we do. Besides Jesus being the perfect gift, He (Jesus) is our greatest example of being a servant, no more actually, being a bondservant. Being a bondservant, that’s you and I, who willingly asked and now are expected to serve whenever, however and wherever, the Master chooses, because of the new life that lives in us.
Do you understand this? Are you with me? I ask again ,for you to have this same mind which Christ had, to serve willingly, whenever, however and wherever the Master chooses? Why do I say this? Quite simply, if Jesus paid it all, He serves as our example. Then should not his disciples, His bondservants follow Him and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all things which He has commanded? Our Lord has commissioned us and put us under His authority. What authority? Jesus authority. According to the Word of God, God says that - at all authority in heaven and in earth is given to the Jesus. And secondly Jesus defeated Satan at the cross and while Satan is still the Prince of Power of the air, he is a defeated foe destined for the fires of Hell, and Jesus reigns over the destroyer.
So our greatest example as believers is the humbled and exalted Christ. Turn with me in your bibles and look at the Letter to the Philippians, Chapter 2 verses 5 – 11, and see what Jesus has done for us.
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it [b]robbery to be equal with God, 7 but [c]made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Pray with me now- Father may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, and may Your word be hid in our hearts, that we might not sin against thee. AMEN
So where do I get this idea that we are expected to serve whenever, however and wherever, the Master chooses?
Well believe it or not I believe that is what this text states in 6 short verses in Philippians, tells of the great sacrifices Jesus made; and if He was so willing, why should be also not be willing to serve as obedient servants to our Lord. Let’s allow the Word of God, with the Holy Spirit to serve as our guide and teacher, instructing us in His truths,
1. Verse 5 says, - 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Christ is the ultimate example of selfless humility who gave Himself away for you and I. He volunteers to (Matt 11:29)
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. The mind of Christ is God centered, not man centered.
2. Verse 6 states - being in the form of God. Paul states that Jesus eternally has been, is and will be eternally God. The Gr. word for “being” is used here is a term that stresses —His Godly nature as a continuous state or condition. Paul also chose, one a particular Gr. word for “form,” that specifically denotes Jesus’ form as essential, unchanging character which is an end itself. After all don’t we say and believe that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever- He, God is unchanging – immutable.
not . . . robbery. The Gr. word is translated “robbery” here means “a thing seized by robbery.” It currently means anything clutched, embraced, or prized, and thus is sometimes translated “grasped” or “held onto.” Though Christ had all the rights, privileges, and honors as God—of which He was worthy of and could never be disqualified from—His attitude was not to cling to these things or His position, but was willing to give them up for a season because of His great love and obedience to the Father. Jesus loved us enough to go to the cross.
equal with God. This Gr. word for “equal” defines things that are exactly the same in size, quantity, quality, character, and number. In every sense, Jesus is God, and is equal to God and constantly claimed and demonstrated qualities equal to God’s during His life among us. Seven I AM statements in John.
3. Verse 7 - made Himself of no reputation. A better translation is He “emptied Himself.” This big theological word is “kenosis”; i.e., Kenosis is the doctrine of Christ’s self-emptying in His birth as a child which we call the incarnation. This was a self-denial, not a purging of Himself of deity nor an exchange of deity for humanity.
Jesus did, set aside His privileges in several areas: 1) His heavenly glory—while on earth He gave up the glory of a face-to-face relationship with God and the continuous outward display and personal enjoyment of that glory (cf. John 17:5); 2) He ceded His independent authority—during His time on earth, Christ completely submitted Himself to the will of His Father (see note on v. 8; cf. Matt. 26:39; John 5:30; Heb. 5:8);
3) He set aside divine attributes—the voluntary display of His divine nature and submitted Himself to the Holy Spirit’s direction (cf. Matt. 24:36; John 1:45–49);
4) He gave up His eternal riches—while on earth, Christ was poor and owned very little;
and 5) He ceded His very intimate and close relationship with God—He felt the Father’s wrath for human sin while on the cross (cf. Matt. 27:46; see note on 2 Cor. 5:21).
Go to the phrase- form of a bondservant. Again, Paul uses the Gr. word “form,” which indicates Jesus had the exact nature of a true servant, Jesus came to do the will of His Father (cf. Is. 52:13, 14).
In the likeness of men. Christ became more than God in a human body, but He took on all the fundamental attributes of humans, even to the extent that He identified with basic human needs and weaknesses (cf. Heb. 2:14, 17; 4:15). He became the God-Man: fully God and fully man. Son of God and Son of Man, both apply to Jesus
Now to verse 8 - in appearance as a man. This is not just a repetition of the last phrase in v. 7, but a shift from the heavenly focus to an earthly one. Christ’s humanity is described from the viewpoint of those who saw Him. Paul is stating Jesus outwardly looked like a man, but there was so much more to Him (His deity) than others recognized naturally (cf. John 6:42; 8:48).
He humbled Himself. After the humbling of his birth in a stable Jesus further humbled Himself in that He did not demand normal human rights, but subjected Himself to persecution and suffering at the hands of unbelievers (cf. Is. 53:7; Matt. 26:62–64; Mark 14:60, 61; 1 Pet. 2:23).
obedient . . . unto death. Beyond even persecution, Jesus went to the lowest point or furthest extent in His humiliation is dying as a criminal on the cross, following God’s plan for Him (cf. Matt. 26:39; Acts 2:23).
Even the death on the cross. . Even further humiliation because Jesus’ death was not by ordinary means, but was accomplished by crucifixion—the cruelest, most excruciating, most degrading form of death ever devised. The Jews hated this manner of execution
Now to Verse 9 - 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, Christ’s humiliation (vv. 5–8) and exaltation by God (vv. 9–11) are causally and inseparably linked. God highly exalted Him. Christ’s exaltation was 4-fold. The early sermons of the apostles confirm Jesus’ (1.) resurrection from the dead. They were and are eye witnesses to it . They also witnessed (2.) His new nature as He walked through walls and appeared out of nowhere, yet ate food with them. They saw (3.) His ascension into heaven and John saw Him in heaven in the book of Revelation, confirming His coronation (His position at the right hand of God), and allude to His intercession for believers (Acts 2:32, 33; 5:30, 31; cf. Eph. 1:20, 21; Heb. 4:15; 7:25, 26). Hebrews 4:14 refers to the final element, His ascension.
The (4th) and final exaltation did not concern Christ’s nature or eternal place within the Trinity, but His new identity as the God-Man (cf. John 5:22; Rom. 1:4; 14:9; 1 Cor. 15:24, 25). In addition to receiving back His glory (John 17:5), Christ’s new status as the God-Man meant God gave Him privileges He did not have prior to the incarnation. If He had not lived among men, He could not have identified with them as our interceding High-Priest. Had He not died on the cross, He could not have been elevated from that lowest degree back to heaven as the final payment substitute for sin.
Verses 10 and 11 are the victory cry and triumph for our battle on this earth that is the name above all names. Christ’s name . . . above every name. Christ’s new name which further describes His essential nature and places Him above and beyond all comparison is “Lord.” This name Lord is the NT synonym for OT descriptions of God as sovereign ruler.
Because Jesus willingly humiliated Himself now God has and will continue to exalt and praise the name of Jesus above all other names.
What is the so what for you, as a believer in Jesus Christ.
1. You are a child of the King of Kings, who was, who is and who will be forever
2. The King of Kings promises to prepare a place for you that where He is you will be also. He is preparing that place for you right now.
3. The grave is not the end, but the beginning of an eternity with God, in which He will perfect you. His death and resurrection have assured you that He will bring you to Himself. He will never leave you or forsake you
4. You have direct access to Jesus the King and God the Father in prayer at any time. He is the way and the only way to live in heaven forever. AMEN
He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed.
We come this morning to celebrate a risen savior, as one alive from the dead. So we say, He is risen, He is risen indeed! Praise be to God Almighty He is Risen from the dead. Who is risen? Jesus <Col.1> 14 in whom we have redemption [a]through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or [b]principalities or [c]powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
This is the one we are here to say Thank you Lord God for Your indescribable gift. But do we know how wonderful and how marvelous was the gift which was given? I am not sure we do. Besides Jesus being the perfect gift, He (Jesus) is our greatest example of being a servant, no more actually, being a bondservant. Being a bondservant, that’s you and I, who willingly asked and now are expected to serve whenever, however and wherever, the Master chooses, because of the new life that lives in us.
Do you understand this? Are you with me? I ask again ,for you to have this same mind which Christ had, to serve willingly, whenever, however and wherever the Master chooses? Why do I say this? Quite simply, if Jesus paid it all, He serves as our example. Then should not his disciples, His bondservants follow Him and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all things which He has commanded? Our Lord has commissioned us and put us under His authority. What authority? Jesus authority. According to the Word of God, God says that - at all authority in heaven and in earth is given to the Jesus. And secondly Jesus defeated Satan at the cross and while Satan is still the Prince of Power of the air, he is a defeated foe destined for the fires of Hell, and Jesus reigns over the destroyer.
So our greatest example as believers is the humbled and exalted Christ. Turn with me in your bibles and look at the Letter to the Philippians, Chapter 2 verses 5 – 11, and see what Jesus has done for us.
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it [b]robbery to be equal with God, 7 but [c]made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Pray with me now- Father may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, and may Your word be hid in our hearts, that we might not sin against thee. AMEN
So where do I get this idea that we are expected to serve whenever, however and wherever, the Master chooses?
Well believe it or not I believe that is what this text states in 6 short verses in Philippians, tells of the great sacrifices Jesus made; and if He was so willing, why should be also not be willing to serve as obedient servants to our Lord. Let’s allow the Word of God, with the Holy Spirit to serve as our guide and teacher, instructing us in His truths,
1. Verse 5 says, - 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Christ is the ultimate example of selfless humility who gave Himself away for you and I. He volunteers to (Matt 11:29)
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. The mind of Christ is God centered, not man centered.
2. Verse 6 states - being in the form of God. Paul states that Jesus eternally has been, is and will be eternally God. The Gr. word for “being” is used here is a term that stresses —His Godly nature as a continuous state or condition. Paul also chose, one a particular Gr. word for “form,” that specifically denotes Jesus’ form as essential, unchanging character which is an end itself. After all don’t we say and believe that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever- He, God is unchanging – immutable.
not . . . robbery. The Gr. word is translated “robbery” here means “a thing seized by robbery.” It currently means anything clutched, embraced, or prized, and thus is sometimes translated “grasped” or “held onto.” Though Christ had all the rights, privileges, and honors as God—of which He was worthy of and could never be disqualified from—His attitude was not to cling to these things or His position, but was willing to give them up for a season because of His great love and obedience to the Father. Jesus loved us enough to go to the cross.
equal with God. This Gr. word for “equal” defines things that are exactly the same in size, quantity, quality, character, and number. In every sense, Jesus is God, and is equal to God and constantly claimed and demonstrated qualities equal to God’s during His life among us. Seven I AM statements in John.
3. Verse 7 - made Himself of no reputation. A better translation is He “emptied Himself.” This big theological word is “kenosis”; i.e., Kenosis is the doctrine of Christ’s self-emptying in His birth as a child which we call the incarnation. This was a self-denial, not a purging of Himself of deity nor an exchange of deity for humanity.
Jesus did, set aside His privileges in several areas: 1) His heavenly glory—while on earth He gave up the glory of a face-to-face relationship with God and the continuous outward display and personal enjoyment of that glory (cf. John 17:5); 2) He ceded His independent authority—during His time on earth, Christ completely submitted Himself to the will of His Father (see note on v. 8; cf. Matt. 26:39; John 5:30; Heb. 5:8);
3) He set aside divine attributes—the voluntary display of His divine nature and submitted Himself to the Holy Spirit’s direction (cf. Matt. 24:36; John 1:45–49);
4) He gave up His eternal riches—while on earth, Christ was poor and owned very little;
and 5) He ceded His very intimate and close relationship with God—He felt the Father’s wrath for human sin while on the cross (cf. Matt. 27:46; see note on 2 Cor. 5:21).
Go to the phrase- form of a bondservant. Again, Paul uses the Gr. word “form,” which indicates Jesus had the exact nature of a true servant, Jesus came to do the will of His Father (cf. Is. 52:13, 14).
In the likeness of men. Christ became more than God in a human body, but He took on all the fundamental attributes of humans, even to the extent that He identified with basic human needs and weaknesses (cf. Heb. 2:14, 17; 4:15). He became the God-Man: fully God and fully man. Son of God and Son of Man, both apply to Jesus
Now to verse 8 - in appearance as a man. This is not just a repetition of the last phrase in v. 7, but a shift from the heavenly focus to an earthly one. Christ’s humanity is described from the viewpoint of those who saw Him. Paul is stating Jesus outwardly looked like a man, but there was so much more to Him (His deity) than others recognized naturally (cf. John 6:42; 8:48).
He humbled Himself. After the humbling of his birth in a stable Jesus further humbled Himself in that He did not demand normal human rights, but subjected Himself to persecution and suffering at the hands of unbelievers (cf. Is. 53:7; Matt. 26:62–64; Mark 14:60, 61; 1 Pet. 2:23).
obedient . . . unto death. Beyond even persecution, Jesus went to the lowest point or furthest extent in His humiliation is dying as a criminal on the cross, following God’s plan for Him (cf. Matt. 26:39; Acts 2:23).
Even the death on the cross. . Even further humiliation because Jesus’ death was not by ordinary means, but was accomplished by crucifixion—the cruelest, most excruciating, most degrading form of death ever devised. The Jews hated this manner of execution
Now to Verse 9 - 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, Christ’s humiliation (vv. 5–8) and exaltation by God (vv. 9–11) are causally and inseparably linked. God highly exalted Him. Christ’s exaltation was 4-fold. The early sermons of the apostles confirm Jesus’ (1.) resurrection from the dead. They were and are eye witnesses to it . They also witnessed (2.) His new nature as He walked through walls and appeared out of nowhere, yet ate food with them. They saw (3.) His ascension into heaven and John saw Him in heaven in the book of Revelation, confirming His coronation (His position at the right hand of God), and allude to His intercession for believers (Acts 2:32, 33; 5:30, 31; cf. Eph. 1:20, 21; Heb. 4:15; 7:25, 26). Hebrews 4:14 refers to the final element, His ascension.
The (4th) and final exaltation did not concern Christ’s nature or eternal place within the Trinity, but His new identity as the God-Man (cf. John 5:22; Rom. 1:4; 14:9; 1 Cor. 15:24, 25). In addition to receiving back His glory (John 17:5), Christ’s new status as the God-Man meant God gave Him privileges He did not have prior to the incarnation. If He had not lived among men, He could not have identified with them as our interceding High-Priest. Had He not died on the cross, He could not have been elevated from that lowest degree back to heaven as the final payment substitute for sin.
Verses 10 and 11 are the victory cry and triumph for our battle on this earth that is the name above all names. Christ’s name . . . above every name. Christ’s new name which further describes His essential nature and places Him above and beyond all comparison is “Lord.” This name Lord is the NT synonym for OT descriptions of God as sovereign ruler.
Because Jesus willingly humiliated Himself now God has and will continue to exalt and praise the name of Jesus above all other names.
What is the so what for you, as a believer in Jesus Christ.
1. You are a child of the King of Kings, who was, who is and who will be forever
2. The King of Kings promises to prepare a place for you that where He is you will be also. He is preparing that place for you right now.
3. The grave is not the end, but the beginning of an eternity with God, in which He will perfect you. His death and resurrection have assured you that He will bring you to Himself. He will never leave you or forsake you
4. You have direct access to Jesus the King and God the Father in prayer at any time. He is the way and the only way to live in heaven forever. AMEN
March 24 Palm Sunday Sermon
Fear is like fire it has both positive and negative aspects. Fire in its proper place keeps us warm, allows us to boil water for drinking and enables us to cook our food. We can use it to cleanse and as a means of cauterizing and healing wounds. On the other hand, a fire out of control destroys indiscriminately without regard to what it is attacking or destroying. Fear is much like fire, it has both positive and negative aspects. Scripture tells us many time that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Fear also can also be a lifesaving response in extreme danger, or it can cause us to panic and lose control of our clear thinking. So the fear of the Lord is a good thing . But the use of the word fear here is not meant as worry but as to reverently honor God.
Now we are told in Scripture to walk by faith, not by sight. (2nd Cor 5:7) Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things unseen. (Hebrews 11:1) Notice faith has substance, and it is not a fictional quality. Our faith actually has evidentiary results- that is actual proof that your faith is real
Faith is commanded by God Hebrews 11:6 says, 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Whoa, are we switching gears here? Are we talking about fear or are we talking about faith? Actually we are discussing how fear can impact our faith. You must understand if you are walking with Christ and your walk is not by faith but by sight, then fear can totally derail your walk. Then listening or harboring fear in our hearts is destructive. If our faith is weak, then fear can drive us away from God.
What does fear do? Fear causes us to distrust and doubt God. Walking by sight allows fear free reign in our hearts and minds, causing us to distrust and doubt for the Word of God. So a walk of faith requires us to reign in our feelings and believe and hold fast to the Word of God. So the injunction in scripture in 2nd Cor 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
If you went back to the garden of Eden and listened to the conversation between Eve and the devil you would find this is the same temptation which Satan provoked Eve with – “Hath God said.” Satan is a liar and deceiver from the beginning.
Let us understand something, when does fear strike us as believers? It usually happens after we have heard God speak. Let’s set the history of God’s interactions with men as we review it from the Word of God. First and foremost God is at work in the world around us, attempting to redeem lost sinful souls who are separated from Him. God is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.(2nd Peter 3:9)
No man ever came to God, God always comes to the individual first. John 6:44 speaks to this truth <44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.>So since the beginning God:
We have some good examples to choose from in the Bible. We could look at Gideon in the book of Judges Chapter 6:11-40, but specifically vs 15 after God spoke to Him. 15 So he said to Him, “O [d]my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.”
Or perhaps Moses in Exodus, Chapter 3, vs.11 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”
The point being is when God speaks it causes us to have a crisis of belief, where we have to choose to walk by faith in what we know and believe about God versus doing what our feelings and personal doubts cause us to flee. We are really then being challenged to walk by faith and not by sight.
Let’s review Gideon for a moment. He was the least in his family, and his family least in the tribe of Manasseh.
God does not despise the little things, think of David who became King. He was timid and week and God said, The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!
Gideon was weak and frail in faith and had to be continually encouraged by God was faithful and did so.
Looking further at Gideon – now the reason that Gideon was called is the Israelites had sinned and rejected God by departing from Him and worshipping other gods
In verse 12 it says 1He 2 And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!”
Gideon did not know this was God, but after he offered Him a meal offering and “fire rose out of the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. And the Angel of the Lord departed out of his sight.
Gideon then realized He had seen God, He thought He was going to die. Then the Lord said to Him you will not surely die. But Gideon remained weak is his faith but continued to walk toward God
He needed encouragement but was overcoming His fear. All who learn to walk by faith are overcomers- for they overcame their fear
Then that same night the Lord came to him and said take your father’s Bulls and tear down his alter he made to Baal- not an easy task to destroy what you Father has built. Gideon was fearful but he did so. Notice he did so at night and laid an offering of one of His bulls on the alter he constructed there to the Lord God. Gideon as fearful and thought he might be killed but he overcame his fear and obeyed but at night. He was moving toward God.
Next comes the sign of the fleece if you remember the story – Chapter 6, verse 33 & 34 says, 33 Then all the Midianites and Amalekites, the people of the East, gathered together; and they crossed over and encamped in the Valley of Jezreel. 34 But the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon; then he blew the trumpet, and the Abiezrites gathered behind him.
36 So Gideon said to God, “If You will save Israel by my hand as You have said
Then you may remember the story about the fleece first day dew only on the fleece, which God did and Gideon squeezed a bowl full of water. One day not enough day two – wet all surrounding the fleece, but the fleece was dry. God was gracious and did so for Gideon was learning to trust God.
32,000 men responded to the call of Gideon across the nation, God said too many I want the people to recognize that I defeated these people so He reduced the army first by sending all the fearful home that was 22,000. Then of the remaining 10, 000 only 300 lapped water like a dog. These God chose to secure the victory using only using trumpets, a shout and torches held by the 300.
But still Gideon was fearful but was overcoming His fears. You and I must learn to do the same thing as God leads us even through the valley of death- remember I will fear no evil for thou art with me?
So in Chapter 7, verses 10-14 God take Gideon down with his servant Purah to visit the camp and he hears them discussing a dream where Gideon leads them to victory. Gideon overcomes his fear and has a revival there in the enemy camp worshipping the Lord. Ultimately you and I need to become overcomers just like Gideon continually overcoming our fear with faith.
Go to 1 John Chapter 5.verses 4 and 5 and read with me -here is the certainty of God and His Word and this is not an idle promise - 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—[a]our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Will you come to the Lord today and allow His Spirit to live in you that you may become an overcomer, walking by faith and not by sight? Aware that God will challenge you and Satan will tempt you to not believe, but be of good cheer for Jesus has overcome the World and you work for Him. Greater is He who is in you.
AMEN
Fear is like fire it has both positive and negative aspects. Fire in its proper place keeps us warm, allows us to boil water for drinking and enables us to cook our food. We can use it to cleanse and as a means of cauterizing and healing wounds. On the other hand, a fire out of control destroys indiscriminately without regard to what it is attacking or destroying. Fear is much like fire, it has both positive and negative aspects. Scripture tells us many time that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Fear also can also be a lifesaving response in extreme danger, or it can cause us to panic and lose control of our clear thinking. So the fear of the Lord is a good thing . But the use of the word fear here is not meant as worry but as to reverently honor God.
Now we are told in Scripture to walk by faith, not by sight. (2nd Cor 5:7) Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things unseen. (Hebrews 11:1) Notice faith has substance, and it is not a fictional quality. Our faith actually has evidentiary results- that is actual proof that your faith is real
Faith is commanded by God Hebrews 11:6 says, 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Whoa, are we switching gears here? Are we talking about fear or are we talking about faith? Actually we are discussing how fear can impact our faith. You must understand if you are walking with Christ and your walk is not by faith but by sight, then fear can totally derail your walk. Then listening or harboring fear in our hearts is destructive. If our faith is weak, then fear can drive us away from God.
What does fear do? Fear causes us to distrust and doubt God. Walking by sight allows fear free reign in our hearts and minds, causing us to distrust and doubt for the Word of God. So a walk of faith requires us to reign in our feelings and believe and hold fast to the Word of God. So the injunction in scripture in 2nd Cor 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
If you went back to the garden of Eden and listened to the conversation between Eve and the devil you would find this is the same temptation which Satan provoked Eve with – “Hath God said.” Satan is a liar and deceiver from the beginning.
Let us understand something, when does fear strike us as believers? It usually happens after we have heard God speak. Let’s set the history of God’s interactions with men as we review it from the Word of God. First and foremost God is at work in the world around us, attempting to redeem lost sinful souls who are separated from Him. God is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.(2nd Peter 3:9)
No man ever came to God, God always comes to the individual first. John 6:44 speaks to this truth <44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.>So since the beginning God:
- pursues a love relationship which is real and personal.
- invites us to join Him in His Work
- Then God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, prayer, circumstances to reveal Himself, His purposes and His ways
We have some good examples to choose from in the Bible. We could look at Gideon in the book of Judges Chapter 6:11-40, but specifically vs 15 after God spoke to Him. 15 So he said to Him, “O [d]my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.”
Or perhaps Moses in Exodus, Chapter 3, vs.11 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”
The point being is when God speaks it causes us to have a crisis of belief, where we have to choose to walk by faith in what we know and believe about God versus doing what our feelings and personal doubts cause us to flee. We are really then being challenged to walk by faith and not by sight.
Let’s review Gideon for a moment. He was the least in his family, and his family least in the tribe of Manasseh.
God does not despise the little things, think of David who became King. He was timid and week and God said, The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!
Gideon was weak and frail in faith and had to be continually encouraged by God was faithful and did so.
- He was continually granted grace and given encouragement by God.
- The same was true in the life of Moses
Looking further at Gideon – now the reason that Gideon was called is the Israelites had sinned and rejected God by departing from Him and worshipping other gods
In verse 12 it says 1He 2 And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!”
Gideon did not know this was God, but after he offered Him a meal offering and “fire rose out of the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. And the Angel of the Lord departed out of his sight.
Gideon then realized He had seen God, He thought He was going to die. Then the Lord said to Him you will not surely die. But Gideon remained weak is his faith but continued to walk toward God
He needed encouragement but was overcoming His fear. All who learn to walk by faith are overcomers- for they overcame their fear
Then that same night the Lord came to him and said take your father’s Bulls and tear down his alter he made to Baal- not an easy task to destroy what you Father has built. Gideon was fearful but he did so. Notice he did so at night and laid an offering of one of His bulls on the alter he constructed there to the Lord God. Gideon as fearful and thought he might be killed but he overcame his fear and obeyed but at night. He was moving toward God.
Next comes the sign of the fleece if you remember the story – Chapter 6, verse 33 & 34 says, 33 Then all the Midianites and Amalekites, the people of the East, gathered together; and they crossed over and encamped in the Valley of Jezreel. 34 But the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon; then he blew the trumpet, and the Abiezrites gathered behind him.
36 So Gideon said to God, “If You will save Israel by my hand as You have said
Then you may remember the story about the fleece first day dew only on the fleece, which God did and Gideon squeezed a bowl full of water. One day not enough day two – wet all surrounding the fleece, but the fleece was dry. God was gracious and did so for Gideon was learning to trust God.
32,000 men responded to the call of Gideon across the nation, God said too many I want the people to recognize that I defeated these people so He reduced the army first by sending all the fearful home that was 22,000. Then of the remaining 10, 000 only 300 lapped water like a dog. These God chose to secure the victory using only using trumpets, a shout and torches held by the 300.
But still Gideon was fearful but was overcoming His fears. You and I must learn to do the same thing as God leads us even through the valley of death- remember I will fear no evil for thou art with me?
So in Chapter 7, verses 10-14 God take Gideon down with his servant Purah to visit the camp and he hears them discussing a dream where Gideon leads them to victory. Gideon overcomes his fear and has a revival there in the enemy camp worshipping the Lord. Ultimately you and I need to become overcomers just like Gideon continually overcoming our fear with faith.
Go to 1 John Chapter 5.verses 4 and 5 and read with me -here is the certainty of God and His Word and this is not an idle promise - 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—[a]our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Will you come to the Lord today and allow His Spirit to live in you that you may become an overcomer, walking by faith and not by sight? Aware that God will challenge you and Satan will tempt you to not believe, but be of good cheer for Jesus has overcome the World and you work for Him. Greater is He who is in you.
AMEN
March 17 Sermon
In Isaiah 59.14-15 it says,
14Justice is turned back, And righteousness stands afar off;
For truth is fallen in the street,
And equity cannot enter.
15 So truth fails,
And he who departs from evil makes himself a prey.
This truth we are discussing about being under siege is not some random truth, like the world says, and everyone makes their own truth. No this is God’s truth, make no mistake it is God’s Truth which is fallen in the street. Every week more sin is revealed across our nation and more lies are being told by our govt to cover them. These are people and institutions which we are supposed to trust and which are intended to serve and protect its citizens. Yet we see them and their senior leaders in govt lie daily. Justice is indeed turned back; righteous leaders don’t care about integrity or truth. Now notice what it says, For truth is fallen in the street,
And equity cannot enter.
This shoots down this entire stated goals of DEI, for equity which is given by men is a means of indoctrination and it is false. Without the word of God leading this, there is no equity. For equity cannot enter.
We are being force fed communism and socialism as being the epitome of good, While pronouncing Democracy or a Republic is bad. This fulfills Isaiah 5:20 to the tee. Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
So clearly as we are enjoined in Romans and in Judges - there is none righteous no not one, each one has gone his own way
Therefore, based upon the Word of God, we believe God is executing judgement against upon America today. You can see today in our commentary (news, internet, social media,) we are deluded, divided and have no fear of the Lord. And without the fear of the Lord there is no beginning of wisdom.
We have looked previously on several sieges being foisted upon us in America today. We are seeing; a journalistic siege, an economic siege, an academic and a political siege, an ideological siege, together with sieges medically, technically and ecclesiastically (meaning in our churches.) I believe we have a plague happening in COVID , as well. And the language of these sieges is expressed in socialism and Marxism.
Knowing then that our help cometh from the Lord and we reviewed the Book of Daniel- Chapter 1, Chapter 3 and then in Chapter 6 seeking how Daniel the three Hebrew boys stood on God’s Word in those days against the sieges of the devil and this world order.
Before proceeding further let’s define the problem, then we looked at 3 specific sieges. That summarizes our last weeks lessons
Here are 2 item to remember as we engaged today in all out spiritual warfare –
First and foremost this is where God wants us to be- on the front lines. He has called us to just a time as this.
And second, the weight of spiritual darkness across our nation is unlike anything we have seen before, but is not unlike anything which our God and our Savior have seen before. Can you imagine that day of darkness at the cross where Satan had thought he had won? That is not the real issue. If God is who He says He is and He is, then He has the power and the might to cast it into outer darkness.
The real issue facing believers in our churches is the churches of America have turned off their lights, and the pulpits are silenced to the righteousness of Christ because of a personal fear replacing our faith in Christ. Then this allows and enables others hearts to be turned away from God and we no longer hear; you lose faith, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, (Deut 30:17)
Our bibles says <From 2nd Timothy 3> But know this, that in the last days [a]perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, [b]unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! So if you church is not standing for righteousness of Christ and pursuing God what should you do – it says turn away!
Further, 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Walking day by day with the Lord in the Spirit is the only way to live righteously for Christ.
As we stated last week God’s Word tells believers who make up the churches in America that we need to take off our pajamas and put on the full armor of God. This is a firestorm and a battle for the soul and future of America. We need to speak for the truth of the Word of God and stand for the righteousness of God into a nation which is more hateful toward God and therefore us daily. This is what the church failed to do in Germany during the second world war. < Bonhoeffer>
As we have seen before, God always has a parallel for us in His Word- 2nd Chronicles 20 tells us this- It happened after this that the people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and others with them besides the Ammonites,[a] came to battle against Jehoshaphat. 2 Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from [b]Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar” (which is En Gedi). 3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set [c]himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord;
We will not read all, but the King prays and ask God are you not the God basically gave us all this, but skip now to verse 11 and 12 read, 11 here they are, rewarding us by coming to throw us out of Your possession which You have given us to inherit. 12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
Here is a mighty prescription for us today. The first thing Leaders in our churches should do is humble ourselves and pray. Proclaim a fast of the Lord and seek Him, verse 3 3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set [c]himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And it says as I paraphrase all the people of God came together to seek a word from the Lord.
Then something exciting and profound things happen. The King prays truthfully some astounding things. Go again to verse 12, 12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” 13 Now all Judah, with their little ones, their wives, and their children, stood before the Lord.
Wow 3 things –
#1. we have no power against this which is coming against us. <Jehosephat had a large army >
#2. nor do we know what to do, <He was military minded and had survived with His father King Asa>
#3. but our eyes are upon you <He could have been self-centered, but feared God>
Jehosephat had the fear of the Lord evidenced in his concern or fear of the enemy. He recognized he had no power or strategy to defeat an overwhelming army.
Jehosephat recognized in and of himself, he had no way forward for victor or perhaps just survival itself.
Perhaps Jehosephat remembered or had studied Psalm 121 just before this had happened and He remembered the key verse 2, 3 and 4.
2My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to [a]be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
But the very first step was to humble himself in prayer and fasting.
This is a message for all the churches. Let all who hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches – hear Him, if we want to see God work a miracle in our time. You have been called for this. AMEN
In Isaiah 59.14-15 it says,
14Justice is turned back, And righteousness stands afar off;
For truth is fallen in the street,
And equity cannot enter.
15 So truth fails,
And he who departs from evil makes himself a prey.
This truth we are discussing about being under siege is not some random truth, like the world says, and everyone makes their own truth. No this is God’s truth, make no mistake it is God’s Truth which is fallen in the street. Every week more sin is revealed across our nation and more lies are being told by our govt to cover them. These are people and institutions which we are supposed to trust and which are intended to serve and protect its citizens. Yet we see them and their senior leaders in govt lie daily. Justice is indeed turned back; righteous leaders don’t care about integrity or truth. Now notice what it says, For truth is fallen in the street,
And equity cannot enter.
This shoots down this entire stated goals of DEI, for equity which is given by men is a means of indoctrination and it is false. Without the word of God leading this, there is no equity. For equity cannot enter.
We are being force fed communism and socialism as being the epitome of good, While pronouncing Democracy or a Republic is bad. This fulfills Isaiah 5:20 to the tee. Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
So clearly as we are enjoined in Romans and in Judges - there is none righteous no not one, each one has gone his own way
Therefore, based upon the Word of God, we believe God is executing judgement against upon America today. You can see today in our commentary (news, internet, social media,) we are deluded, divided and have no fear of the Lord. And without the fear of the Lord there is no beginning of wisdom.
We have looked previously on several sieges being foisted upon us in America today. We are seeing; a journalistic siege, an economic siege, an academic and a political siege, an ideological siege, together with sieges medically, technically and ecclesiastically (meaning in our churches.) I believe we have a plague happening in COVID , as well. And the language of these sieges is expressed in socialism and Marxism.
Knowing then that our help cometh from the Lord and we reviewed the Book of Daniel- Chapter 1, Chapter 3 and then in Chapter 6 seeking how Daniel the three Hebrew boys stood on God’s Word in those days against the sieges of the devil and this world order.
Before proceeding further let’s define the problem, then we looked at 3 specific sieges. That summarizes our last weeks lessons
Here are 2 item to remember as we engaged today in all out spiritual warfare –
First and foremost this is where God wants us to be- on the front lines. He has called us to just a time as this.
And second, the weight of spiritual darkness across our nation is unlike anything we have seen before, but is not unlike anything which our God and our Savior have seen before. Can you imagine that day of darkness at the cross where Satan had thought he had won? That is not the real issue. If God is who He says He is and He is, then He has the power and the might to cast it into outer darkness.
The real issue facing believers in our churches is the churches of America have turned off their lights, and the pulpits are silenced to the righteousness of Christ because of a personal fear replacing our faith in Christ. Then this allows and enables others hearts to be turned away from God and we no longer hear; you lose faith, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, (Deut 30:17)
Our bibles says <From 2nd Timothy 3> But know this, that in the last days [a]perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, [b]unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! So if you church is not standing for righteousness of Christ and pursuing God what should you do – it says turn away!
Further, 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Walking day by day with the Lord in the Spirit is the only way to live righteously for Christ.
As we stated last week God’s Word tells believers who make up the churches in America that we need to take off our pajamas and put on the full armor of God. This is a firestorm and a battle for the soul and future of America. We need to speak for the truth of the Word of God and stand for the righteousness of God into a nation which is more hateful toward God and therefore us daily. This is what the church failed to do in Germany during the second world war. < Bonhoeffer>
As we have seen before, God always has a parallel for us in His Word- 2nd Chronicles 20 tells us this- It happened after this that the people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and others with them besides the Ammonites,[a] came to battle against Jehoshaphat. 2 Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from [b]Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar” (which is En Gedi). 3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set [c]himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord;
We will not read all, but the King prays and ask God are you not the God basically gave us all this, but skip now to verse 11 and 12 read, 11 here they are, rewarding us by coming to throw us out of Your possession which You have given us to inherit. 12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
Here is a mighty prescription for us today. The first thing Leaders in our churches should do is humble ourselves and pray. Proclaim a fast of the Lord and seek Him, verse 3 3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set [c]himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And it says as I paraphrase all the people of God came together to seek a word from the Lord.
Then something exciting and profound things happen. The King prays truthfully some astounding things. Go again to verse 12, 12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” 13 Now all Judah, with their little ones, their wives, and their children, stood before the Lord.
Wow 3 things –
#1. we have no power against this which is coming against us. <Jehosephat had a large army >
#2. nor do we know what to do, <He was military minded and had survived with His father King Asa>
#3. but our eyes are upon you <He could have been self-centered, but feared God>
Jehosephat had the fear of the Lord evidenced in his concern or fear of the enemy. He recognized he had no power or strategy to defeat an overwhelming army.
Jehosephat recognized in and of himself, he had no way forward for victor or perhaps just survival itself.
Perhaps Jehosephat remembered or had studied Psalm 121 just before this had happened and He remembered the key verse 2, 3 and 4.
2My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to [a]be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
But the very first step was to humble himself in prayer and fasting.
This is a message for all the churches. Let all who hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches – hear Him, if we want to see God work a miracle in our time. You have been called for this. AMEN
March 10 Sermon
Last week we discovered that in real events which can be documented that our Believer’s Faith is under siege. We are attempting to discover what exactly is a siege and if so can we acknowledged it as a siege. In many cases a siege is hard to identify because it has crept along slowly building and because we live it slowly. But for us we have seen the momentum build over the last 60 years. And the identification of the elements which constitute the siege culminated finally in COVID lockdowns, restrictions and vaccine mandates. Again all of this began in the 1960s and in some cases even earlier.
We defined a siege using a definition from Merriam – Webster - a: a military blockade of a city or fortified place to compel it to surrender; b: a persistent or serious attack .
A siege then is - a blockade of a fortified place <in this case on our hearts and mind/and upon our constitution. The desire of those who have us under siege is to compel us to surrender. I strongly believe that is what Satan and the regressives have been plotting against the United States to complete a reset for years.
The basis for our evaluation of the evidence is our bible, God’s word to us. Because God’s Word is infallible, inerrant and inspired, it is our compass. And because it is Holy Spirit/God inspired I believe it is faithful and accurate. And I believe God loves us and only wants us to know the truth. He has given us this book so we can learn about Himself, His purposes and His ways.
Ans the author, God Himself, does not change. Heb 13.8 says, 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
This means what was true in the Old Testament is true in the New Testament and unto this very day and will remain the same until Jesus bodily returns to this earth and His kingdom beyond.
We reviewed Deuteronomy 28, verses 1 -2: where God states, He will bless all those who keep His commands. And we also looked at verses 15 and beyond where God promises to execute all 40 plus versus of curses if you do not keep - His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:
The simple statement if you do not obey is prophetic, for the Old Testament documents what happens when God’s people depart. Deuteronomy 30 17-18, provides this summary 17 But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, 18 I announce to you today that you shall surely perish;
Then we provided some evidence of how America has turned from God.
America has suppressed God’s truths by:
Eliminating prayer in schools, prohibiting the reading of His Word on school campuses. Removing the Ten Commandments from the eyes of our Children and eliminating the Christian Heritage of America from History books and not using it in schools
Courthouses cannot use God’s Word and prayer in school boards and other gatherings is verboten.
Corporate Boardrooms now are woke and find Christianity as racist and exclusive and deemed as “hate speech.”
We are indoctrinating our youth that evolution is a scientific fact. We have concluded Intelligent Design as delusional.
We defined a fetus not as a child but a blob of tissue. We call abortion is a choice (which is death murder?)
Isa 59.14 says, Truth is fallen in the street. We are seeing scandal after scandal being revealed in our govt agencies. Who’s role is to protect and defend our citizens. Our senior leaders in govt lie to us daily.
Communism and or socialism is being beaten into our heads as being good, while beating in our heads that a Democracy or a Republic is bad (Good evil, Evil good?)
So the evidence is clear with just a quick look- we have departed from God.
So based upon the Word of God, I am discerning that God is executing judgement against our nation today. You see today, we are deluded, and divided because we have turned away from God and His standards. (cursed?)
What kind or types of sieges might we expect then as we walk this path of destruction away from God. Multiple according to what we are seeing; we have a journalistic siege, economic siege, an academic and political siege, an ideological siege, together with sieges medically, technically and ecclesiastically (meaning in our churches.) I believe if we take our blinders off we can relate to all these areas based upon experience. And the language of the siege is expressed in socialism and marxism.
Knowing then that our help cometh from the Lord we began reviewing the Book of Daniel- Chapter 1, verses 1-14, seeking how to behave in these times
Before proceeding further let’s define the problem, then we will look at 3 specific sieges.
We are first and foremost where God wants us to be- on the front lines. There is spiritual darkness across our nation unlike anything we have seen before. That is not the real issue. The real issue is the churches of America have turned off their lights, pulpits are silenced to the righteousness of Christ. Churches need to take off their pajamas and put on the full armor of God because this is a firestorm and battleground for the soul and future of America. This requires believers to stand in the marketplace and proclaim
1. With that as our preamble we began looking at the Academic siege by reviewing Daniel Chapter 1, verses 1 -14. Now we will summarize the highlights of our discussion but not the full portion. Here are snippets of that scripture and our discussion.
As we begin, let’s pray, may the mediations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight Oh Lord our strength and our Redeemer. AMEN
Remember Daniel 1, verses 1- 14 recount the struggles of 4 Jewish teenagers ripped from Jerusalem and sent to live in Babylon.
Do you suppose that these Jewish teenagers lives, morals and beliefs were under siege? I believe so. Shipped 900 miles from home, moved to a pagan culture, exposed to an open sexual lifestyle. Every sin and perversion was available, with no moral consequences. New rules, new practices and different leaders, sights, sounds and day for day living and routine. No mom or dad, who were probably killed before these boys left Israel as slaves to the ruler. Everything had changed for them. if you were to read with me again the first 8 verses you would find this-
A. Nebuchadnezzar defeats Jehoiakim king of Judah, notice the phrase - the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, How often do we as the church discount weather, health and other worldwide events where God is actively moving against our nation? We the church, just like the Pharisees when Jesus came are missing the activity of God. We have become spiritually blind and doing nothing. Pew sitting!
B. Next step was to bring some of the best and brightest of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, 4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and [b]literature of the Chaldeans. <underscore this>
Today we would call this indoctrination, brainwashing, Psi ops, or perhaps diversity, equity and inclusivity training so that they might replace and unlearn all they had been taught at the knees of their parents and in the temple worship. Replacing it with the new language and teaching using the language and literature of the Chaldeans. Do you see what DEI, CRT and the rest is designed to do?
C. The king purposed to groom them day by day so he appointed for them a daily provision of His delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and instituted three years of training, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king.
The schools and culture were to indoctrinate them for 3 years, and to teach the ways of Babylon and cause them to reject the ways of God. This was an Academic siege designed to drive out their truth and make it relative. This is spiritual warfare and is happening today in our schools.
Verse 8 says, But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank;
Will you <the church> purpose in your heart not to defile yourselves with the king’s delicacies with all your heart and being today?
Case number 2 is a Journalistic or disinformation and propaganda siege. Turn to Daniel 6. I will summarize using modern terms. Daniels has his house staked out by the FBI with hidden cameras and microphones, read verse 4 Chapter 6,. 4 So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him.
They are trying to catch him praying to his God, for they had managed to get the King to sign a decree that worshiping anyone but the king was forbidden. But Daniel, not to be denied, hid nothing and opened his windows and prayed aloud to his God three times daily, but note , as was his custom. Daniel was faithful to God and the king realizing the law he had signed was bogus wanted to rescue Daniel, but he could not, Daniel was thrown in the Lion’s den And we know that God rescued him.
Note the Kings’ proclamation in verse 27, He delivers and rescues,
And He works signs and wonders
In heaven and on earth,
Who has delivered Daniel from the [i]power of the lions. 28 So this Daniel prospered
Case 3 the Biblical or Ecclesiastical siege seen in Daniel Chapter 3 where Nebuchadnezzar constructed a huge golden image and demanded everyone bow to it and worship it. This of course is the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego and the fiery furnace because they refused to worship the image. And the famous scripture from Daniel 3:16-18 says, 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
A totalitarian government is stating on who, what, when, where and why to worship, non-compliance results in death. Remember Hitler Health and Safety for the Jew.
We abandoned our constitutional and god given rights for COVID for health and safety, millions died from this. Government demanded many churches complied. Virus survivability was same as all viruses. Very few churches rejected these claims and fought to remain open. Will we stand like the young Hebrews or will we capitulate?
Psalm 119:90 says, His faithfulness extends to all generations. If you believe so then why are you not pursuing Him?
Last week we discovered that in real events which can be documented that our Believer’s Faith is under siege. We are attempting to discover what exactly is a siege and if so can we acknowledged it as a siege. In many cases a siege is hard to identify because it has crept along slowly building and because we live it slowly. But for us we have seen the momentum build over the last 60 years. And the identification of the elements which constitute the siege culminated finally in COVID lockdowns, restrictions and vaccine mandates. Again all of this began in the 1960s and in some cases even earlier.
We defined a siege using a definition from Merriam – Webster - a: a military blockade of a city or fortified place to compel it to surrender; b: a persistent or serious attack .
A siege then is - a blockade of a fortified place <in this case on our hearts and mind/and upon our constitution. The desire of those who have us under siege is to compel us to surrender. I strongly believe that is what Satan and the regressives have been plotting against the United States to complete a reset for years.
The basis for our evaluation of the evidence is our bible, God’s word to us. Because God’s Word is infallible, inerrant and inspired, it is our compass. And because it is Holy Spirit/God inspired I believe it is faithful and accurate. And I believe God loves us and only wants us to know the truth. He has given us this book so we can learn about Himself, His purposes and His ways.
Ans the author, God Himself, does not change. Heb 13.8 says, 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
This means what was true in the Old Testament is true in the New Testament and unto this very day and will remain the same until Jesus bodily returns to this earth and His kingdom beyond.
We reviewed Deuteronomy 28, verses 1 -2: where God states, He will bless all those who keep His commands. And we also looked at verses 15 and beyond where God promises to execute all 40 plus versus of curses if you do not keep - His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:
The simple statement if you do not obey is prophetic, for the Old Testament documents what happens when God’s people depart. Deuteronomy 30 17-18, provides this summary 17 But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, 18 I announce to you today that you shall surely perish;
Then we provided some evidence of how America has turned from God.
America has suppressed God’s truths by:
Eliminating prayer in schools, prohibiting the reading of His Word on school campuses. Removing the Ten Commandments from the eyes of our Children and eliminating the Christian Heritage of America from History books and not using it in schools
Courthouses cannot use God’s Word and prayer in school boards and other gatherings is verboten.
Corporate Boardrooms now are woke and find Christianity as racist and exclusive and deemed as “hate speech.”
We are indoctrinating our youth that evolution is a scientific fact. We have concluded Intelligent Design as delusional.
We defined a fetus not as a child but a blob of tissue. We call abortion is a choice (which is death murder?)
Isa 59.14 says, Truth is fallen in the street. We are seeing scandal after scandal being revealed in our govt agencies. Who’s role is to protect and defend our citizens. Our senior leaders in govt lie to us daily.
Communism and or socialism is being beaten into our heads as being good, while beating in our heads that a Democracy or a Republic is bad (Good evil, Evil good?)
So the evidence is clear with just a quick look- we have departed from God.
So based upon the Word of God, I am discerning that God is executing judgement against our nation today. You see today, we are deluded, and divided because we have turned away from God and His standards. (cursed?)
What kind or types of sieges might we expect then as we walk this path of destruction away from God. Multiple according to what we are seeing; we have a journalistic siege, economic siege, an academic and political siege, an ideological siege, together with sieges medically, technically and ecclesiastically (meaning in our churches.) I believe if we take our blinders off we can relate to all these areas based upon experience. And the language of the siege is expressed in socialism and marxism.
Knowing then that our help cometh from the Lord we began reviewing the Book of Daniel- Chapter 1, verses 1-14, seeking how to behave in these times
Before proceeding further let’s define the problem, then we will look at 3 specific sieges.
We are first and foremost where God wants us to be- on the front lines. There is spiritual darkness across our nation unlike anything we have seen before. That is not the real issue. The real issue is the churches of America have turned off their lights, pulpits are silenced to the righteousness of Christ. Churches need to take off their pajamas and put on the full armor of God because this is a firestorm and battleground for the soul and future of America. This requires believers to stand in the marketplace and proclaim
1. With that as our preamble we began looking at the Academic siege by reviewing Daniel Chapter 1, verses 1 -14. Now we will summarize the highlights of our discussion but not the full portion. Here are snippets of that scripture and our discussion.
As we begin, let’s pray, may the mediations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight Oh Lord our strength and our Redeemer. AMEN
Remember Daniel 1, verses 1- 14 recount the struggles of 4 Jewish teenagers ripped from Jerusalem and sent to live in Babylon.
Do you suppose that these Jewish teenagers lives, morals and beliefs were under siege? I believe so. Shipped 900 miles from home, moved to a pagan culture, exposed to an open sexual lifestyle. Every sin and perversion was available, with no moral consequences. New rules, new practices and different leaders, sights, sounds and day for day living and routine. No mom or dad, who were probably killed before these boys left Israel as slaves to the ruler. Everything had changed for them. if you were to read with me again the first 8 verses you would find this-
A. Nebuchadnezzar defeats Jehoiakim king of Judah, notice the phrase - the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, How often do we as the church discount weather, health and other worldwide events where God is actively moving against our nation? We the church, just like the Pharisees when Jesus came are missing the activity of God. We have become spiritually blind and doing nothing. Pew sitting!
B. Next step was to bring some of the best and brightest of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, 4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and [b]literature of the Chaldeans. <underscore this>
Today we would call this indoctrination, brainwashing, Psi ops, or perhaps diversity, equity and inclusivity training so that they might replace and unlearn all they had been taught at the knees of their parents and in the temple worship. Replacing it with the new language and teaching using the language and literature of the Chaldeans. Do you see what DEI, CRT and the rest is designed to do?
C. The king purposed to groom them day by day so he appointed for them a daily provision of His delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and instituted three years of training, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king.
The schools and culture were to indoctrinate them for 3 years, and to teach the ways of Babylon and cause them to reject the ways of God. This was an Academic siege designed to drive out their truth and make it relative. This is spiritual warfare and is happening today in our schools.
Verse 8 says, But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank;
Will you <the church> purpose in your heart not to defile yourselves with the king’s delicacies with all your heart and being today?
Case number 2 is a Journalistic or disinformation and propaganda siege. Turn to Daniel 6. I will summarize using modern terms. Daniels has his house staked out by the FBI with hidden cameras and microphones, read verse 4 Chapter 6,. 4 So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him.
They are trying to catch him praying to his God, for they had managed to get the King to sign a decree that worshiping anyone but the king was forbidden. But Daniel, not to be denied, hid nothing and opened his windows and prayed aloud to his God three times daily, but note , as was his custom. Daniel was faithful to God and the king realizing the law he had signed was bogus wanted to rescue Daniel, but he could not, Daniel was thrown in the Lion’s den And we know that God rescued him.
Note the Kings’ proclamation in verse 27, He delivers and rescues,
And He works signs and wonders
In heaven and on earth,
Who has delivered Daniel from the [i]power of the lions. 28 So this Daniel prospered
Case 3 the Biblical or Ecclesiastical siege seen in Daniel Chapter 3 where Nebuchadnezzar constructed a huge golden image and demanded everyone bow to it and worship it. This of course is the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego and the fiery furnace because they refused to worship the image. And the famous scripture from Daniel 3:16-18 says, 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
A totalitarian government is stating on who, what, when, where and why to worship, non-compliance results in death. Remember Hitler Health and Safety for the Jew.
We abandoned our constitutional and god given rights for COVID for health and safety, millions died from this. Government demanded many churches complied. Virus survivability was same as all viruses. Very few churches rejected these claims and fought to remain open. Will we stand like the young Hebrews or will we capitulate?
Psalm 119:90 says, His faithfulness extends to all generations. If you believe so then why are you not pursuing Him?
March 3 Sermon
The Believer’s Faith is under siege is the course of events today, for sons and daughters of the king of kings. Many of us have never experienced a siege of if we have we have never acknowledged it as a siege, in many cases because it has crept along slowly building momentum for the last 60 years. Now some will say I haven’t been here that long and that is true but what culminated in COVID lockdowns and mandates began in the 1960s and in some cases even earlier.
So what is a siege you might be asking? From Merriam – Webster - a: a military blockade of a city or fortified place to compel it to surrender; b: a persistent or serious attack .
A siege then is - a blockade of a fortified place <our hearts and mind/constitution> to compel it to surrender or a persistent or continuous serious attack. I strongly believe that is what Satan and progressives, who are actually regressives have been plotting for the United States reset for years.
Again I am using the bible, God’s word to us as my reference and this is my conclusion. Since God’s Word is infallible, inerrant and inspired, it is my compass. And because it is Holy Spirit/God inspired I believe it is faithful and accurate. And because God loves us and only wants us to know the truth. He has given us this book so we can learn about Himself and His ways.
One other point which is vitally important is that God does not change. Heb 13.8 says, 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So God is the same for Jesus is God.
That means what was true in the Old Testament is true in the New Testament and unto this very day and until Jesus bodily returns to this earth and beyond.
So the Bible says in Deuteronomy 28, verses 1 -2: 28 “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God:
Then God states all His blessing. But then in verse 15 he makes this statement - 15 “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:
The simple statement if you do not obey is prophetic, for how many times do we read in the Old Testament history books that God’s people departed from the Living God both Israel the Northern Kingdom and of course Judah the Southern Kingdom.
Now we question have we really departed in the good ole USA from God? Well let’s check some evidence:
We have suppressed the His truth by:
Eliminating prayer in public schools, prohibiting the reading of His Word on school grounds/campuses. Removing the Ten Commandments from the eyes of our Children and removing the Christian Heritage of our nation from School books and deleting truth from our written history.
Courthouses are off limits for God’s Word and prayer as are school boards and other gatherings where someone might be offended because of His truth.
We are teaching evolution as a scientific fact and have excluded the concept of an Intelligent Designer. Our God is excluded from Educational curriculum.
A fetus is not a child but a blob of tissue. Abortion is a choice (murder?)
Truth is fallen in the street (Isa 59.14) on the basis of the performance and known scandals of our agencies, which are supposed to be protecting and defending our citizens. Our senior leadership lies to us daily. Communism and or socialism is being beaten into our heads as OK, but Democracy/a Republic is repulsive and is racist/ elitist, evil.
As would be say in a courtroom the preponderance of the evidence is overwhelming- we are guilty of turning away from God.
So God is executing Judgement against these United States. It actually began after WW II where Gen Douglas Arthur makes a prophetic statement basically saying if our hearts turn away we will fail as a nation. You are see this happening today, we are deluded, and divided because we have turned away from God and His direction.
So where do we go for Help in our time of need? Heb. 4.16 _ Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
We will not get far in this today but we will come back to this next Sunday, go to Daniel Chapter 1 and we will read how these Hebrew kids survived and actually thrived in a desperate time.
Daniel- Chapter 1, verses 1-14,
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the articles of [a]the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god.
3 Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, 4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and [b]literature of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king. 6 Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and [c]goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. 10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.”
11 So Daniel said to [d]the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.” 14 So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days
Prayer – May God grant us wisdom and understanding to apply this truth to our lives today. AMEN
DO you suppose that these Jewish teenagers lives, morals and beliefs were under siege? I believe so. Shipped 900 miles from home, moved to a pagan culture, exposed to an open sexual environment where every sin and perversion was available, with no moral consequences. New rules, new practices and different leaders, sights, sounds and day for day living and routine. No mom or dad, who were probably killed before these boys left Israel as slaves to the ruler. Everything had changed for them. Read with me again the first 8 verses
1. Nebuchadnezzar defeats Jehoiakim king of Judah, notice the phrase - the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, How often does the church discount the events where God is actively moving against our nation today? The church is missing the activity of God, just like the Pharisees when Jesus came.
2. Next step was to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, 4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and [b]literature of the Chaldeans. Today we would label this re- indoctrination, brainwashing, Psi ops, or perhaps diversity, equity and inclusive training so that they might forget all they had been taught at the knees of their parents and in the temple worship- teaching the language and literature of the Chaldeans. Do you understand this phrase?
3.Thirdly, And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king.
The schools were turned against the young men so they might be fully trained 3 years, and taught the ways of Babylon and taught to reject the ways of God.
We have set the stage for the spiritual warfare of gigantic proportions which is happening today. Is this the end for the us? Could be depending on God’s Church, for as the church goes so will go our nation.
Jesus Cry was to repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. But one word of strong encouragement is contained in verse 6, But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank;
Will you purpose in your heart to follow God with all your heart and being today? More next Sunday on Daniel and His friends.
The Believer’s Faith is under siege is the course of events today, for sons and daughters of the king of kings. Many of us have never experienced a siege of if we have we have never acknowledged it as a siege, in many cases because it has crept along slowly building momentum for the last 60 years. Now some will say I haven’t been here that long and that is true but what culminated in COVID lockdowns and mandates began in the 1960s and in some cases even earlier.
So what is a siege you might be asking? From Merriam – Webster - a: a military blockade of a city or fortified place to compel it to surrender; b: a persistent or serious attack .
A siege then is - a blockade of a fortified place <our hearts and mind/constitution> to compel it to surrender or a persistent or continuous serious attack. I strongly believe that is what Satan and progressives, who are actually regressives have been plotting for the United States reset for years.
Again I am using the bible, God’s word to us as my reference and this is my conclusion. Since God’s Word is infallible, inerrant and inspired, it is my compass. And because it is Holy Spirit/God inspired I believe it is faithful and accurate. And because God loves us and only wants us to know the truth. He has given us this book so we can learn about Himself and His ways.
One other point which is vitally important is that God does not change. Heb 13.8 says, 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So God is the same for Jesus is God.
That means what was true in the Old Testament is true in the New Testament and unto this very day and until Jesus bodily returns to this earth and beyond.
So the Bible says in Deuteronomy 28, verses 1 -2: 28 “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God:
Then God states all His blessing. But then in verse 15 he makes this statement - 15 “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:
The simple statement if you do not obey is prophetic, for how many times do we read in the Old Testament history books that God’s people departed from the Living God both Israel the Northern Kingdom and of course Judah the Southern Kingdom.
Now we question have we really departed in the good ole USA from God? Well let’s check some evidence:
We have suppressed the His truth by:
Eliminating prayer in public schools, prohibiting the reading of His Word on school grounds/campuses. Removing the Ten Commandments from the eyes of our Children and removing the Christian Heritage of our nation from School books and deleting truth from our written history.
Courthouses are off limits for God’s Word and prayer as are school boards and other gatherings where someone might be offended because of His truth.
We are teaching evolution as a scientific fact and have excluded the concept of an Intelligent Designer. Our God is excluded from Educational curriculum.
A fetus is not a child but a blob of tissue. Abortion is a choice (murder?)
Truth is fallen in the street (Isa 59.14) on the basis of the performance and known scandals of our agencies, which are supposed to be protecting and defending our citizens. Our senior leadership lies to us daily. Communism and or socialism is being beaten into our heads as OK, but Democracy/a Republic is repulsive and is racist/ elitist, evil.
As would be say in a courtroom the preponderance of the evidence is overwhelming- we are guilty of turning away from God.
So God is executing Judgement against these United States. It actually began after WW II where Gen Douglas Arthur makes a prophetic statement basically saying if our hearts turn away we will fail as a nation. You are see this happening today, we are deluded, and divided because we have turned away from God and His direction.
So where do we go for Help in our time of need? Heb. 4.16 _ Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
We will not get far in this today but we will come back to this next Sunday, go to Daniel Chapter 1 and we will read how these Hebrew kids survived and actually thrived in a desperate time.
Daniel- Chapter 1, verses 1-14,
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the articles of [a]the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god.
3 Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, 4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and [b]literature of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king. 6 Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and [c]goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. 10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.”
11 So Daniel said to [d]the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.” 14 So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days
Prayer – May God grant us wisdom and understanding to apply this truth to our lives today. AMEN
DO you suppose that these Jewish teenagers lives, morals and beliefs were under siege? I believe so. Shipped 900 miles from home, moved to a pagan culture, exposed to an open sexual environment where every sin and perversion was available, with no moral consequences. New rules, new practices and different leaders, sights, sounds and day for day living and routine. No mom or dad, who were probably killed before these boys left Israel as slaves to the ruler. Everything had changed for them. Read with me again the first 8 verses
1. Nebuchadnezzar defeats Jehoiakim king of Judah, notice the phrase - the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, How often does the church discount the events where God is actively moving against our nation today? The church is missing the activity of God, just like the Pharisees when Jesus came.
2. Next step was to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, 4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and [b]literature of the Chaldeans. Today we would label this re- indoctrination, brainwashing, Psi ops, or perhaps diversity, equity and inclusive training so that they might forget all they had been taught at the knees of their parents and in the temple worship- teaching the language and literature of the Chaldeans. Do you understand this phrase?
3.Thirdly, And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king.
The schools were turned against the young men so they might be fully trained 3 years, and taught the ways of Babylon and taught to reject the ways of God.
We have set the stage for the spiritual warfare of gigantic proportions which is happening today. Is this the end for the us? Could be depending on God’s Church, for as the church goes so will go our nation.
Jesus Cry was to repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. But one word of strong encouragement is contained in verse 6, But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank;
Will you purpose in your heart to follow God with all your heart and being today? More next Sunday on Daniel and His friends.
Feb 25 Sermon
We as Christians are supposed “to walk by faith and not by sight according” to 2nd Corinthians 5:7. Question is are we or is our faith fading and we are relying more on ourselves than on God? If this is so then according to the word of God, and these are the words of the Bible not mine, “we are departing or as some say falling away. So what do we mean by falling away or departing from God? Let’s examine scripture where we find these references about a heart that is falling away – departing from God Hosea 1:2 says, When the Lord began to speak by Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea: “Go, take yourself a wife of harlotry And children of harlotry, For the land has committed great harlotry By departing from the Lord.” We being with our text for today which is from 2nd Corinthians, chapter 5 beginning in verse 5, 5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as [c]a guarantee. 6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. The Judgment Seat of Christ In the new testament it says in Hebrews, Chapter 3 12-13, 12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but [a]exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Hardened hearts then draw away from God. This is what we call falling away or departing, in modern terms we say, backsliding away from God. How then are we to walk by faith without turning away along our journey to the celestial city of God? 9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. What being by directing our focused attention to verse 7 which is where we are starting – we are to walk by faith and not by sight. Now, the word faith appears 391 times in the Bible, 87 times in the OT and 304 times in the New Testament. Overwhelmingly we have more emphasis and instruction about faith from Jesus and the Father, delivered by the Holy Spirit in the NT. We have a very specific and directed statement in the book of Romans 240225_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +42 “What is the status of my faith in 2024?” 1 “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?” 240225_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +42 “What is the status of my faith in 2024?” “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?” beginning in chapter 1, verses 16 & 17. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel [c]of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Paul states that believers, those who have been justified/saved by the blood of Christ, are to live by faith in Christ. So how does this happen? How can we be saved? First, we need to understand we cannot be saved by ourselves. God must come to us and it is hard for us to understand this. For many of us believe that we have come to Christ but that is not what God’s word says. John 6.44 says and these are the words of Jesus, No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. If this is true then only God can deliver us and that is what He does. Go to Romans 3 for and let’s mine the word of God for its truth. Look with me at verses 10-12 10 As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. 12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” Paul is writing here to the Romans in Chapters 3-6 about the law and sin. His beginning premise from his study of God’s word and the prompting of the Holy Spirit is man is absolutely sinful by his very nature- not one, no not one is righteous and virtuous before God. But God has a plan -go to verse 23, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified [g]freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a [h]propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Verse 23 says it all, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But He has a free gift to all those who come to Him (see verse 24) by grace. Yes God, extends His grace so that we being deep in sin; we can come to Him and understand our sinfulness and need a savior. We can then ask for the redemption which comes through belief in what Jesus Christ has done by His blood atonement. Jesus has paid for our sins and God exchanges our sin for His 240225_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +42 “What is the status of my faith in 2024?” 2 “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?” 240225_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +42 “What is the status of my faith in 2024?” “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?” righteousness. So God in His forbearance passes over the sins which we have committed and implants in us a new heart, a new nature and Christ’s righteousness covers us. God then is the one and only justifier for each and every one who comes by belief, faith in Jesus Christ. But without grace we could never receive the love of Christ. So those who accept what Jesus have done by faith, believe and trust in Him. If this has happened in your life and mine then there should be some changes in our thinking and the way we live life. First, we should now understand that God loves us and took the initiative to pursue a love relationship with us which is both real and personal. Now if God loves us so what should our response be -Jesus told us, He who has My commands and keeps (obeys) them, He is the one who loves Me. So we can demonstrate our faith by being obedient to His command and making it a habit of learning and obeying. This is how we pursue a love relationship and walk by faith. Next because of our love for God, we need to believe that God will never, repeat never, express His will to you except that it is an expression of His perfect love. What does this mean? It means His will is always best. Even Jesus conformed to His Father’s perfect will is going to the cross and living a perfect life. His will to those who pursue sin unrepentantly will be discipline, judgement and wrath. If we believe God and have faith in God His will is always best, that is His nature (Jn. 3.16 and 1sr Jn. 3.16) Next if we believe in God Almighty, we need to believe and trust that He is all knowing, Jesus spoke to our Father’s ability in Luke 12, verse 7 7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. God knows when a sparrow falls and when you lose a hair on your head and He knows before it happens. So if we believe and trust that God is all knowing, Then His guidance or direction is always right. Question is do we always seek His direction by faith? What else should be believe about God? Well if we are to believe and trust that there is nothing too hard for God. Genesis 18:14 is God’s own testimony – Is anything too hard for the Lord” This was in giving a 90-year-old woman a baby past the prime of her life. And since God is all powerful then we are to believe by faith He can enable me to do His will. So learning to walk by faith begins with Knowing Him, Then loving Him by obeying Him. We are then to believe that His will is best for us. Know that HIs judgement in our lives is always right. And finally God is all powerful and He will enable me to accomplish 240225_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +42 “What is the status of my faith in 2024?” 3 “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?” 240225_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +42 “What is the status of my faith in 2024?” “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?” His will. By faith we love and obey and do His will. Being aware and obedient to these practices will enable us to walk with Jesus and to be filled with His Holy Spirit and walk by faith and not by sight. Hi ways are higher than our ways and He enable you to accomplish what He has begun. Amen
We as Christians are supposed “to walk by faith and not by sight according” to 2nd Corinthians 5:7. Question is are we or is our faith fading and we are relying more on ourselves than on God? If this is so then according to the word of God, and these are the words of the Bible not mine, “we are departing or as some say falling away. So what do we mean by falling away or departing from God? Let’s examine scripture where we find these references about a heart that is falling away – departing from God Hosea 1:2 says, When the Lord began to speak by Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea: “Go, take yourself a wife of harlotry And children of harlotry, For the land has committed great harlotry By departing from the Lord.” We being with our text for today which is from 2nd Corinthians, chapter 5 beginning in verse 5, 5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as [c]a guarantee. 6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. The Judgment Seat of Christ In the new testament it says in Hebrews, Chapter 3 12-13, 12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but [a]exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Hardened hearts then draw away from God. This is what we call falling away or departing, in modern terms we say, backsliding away from God. How then are we to walk by faith without turning away along our journey to the celestial city of God? 9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. What being by directing our focused attention to verse 7 which is where we are starting – we are to walk by faith and not by sight. Now, the word faith appears 391 times in the Bible, 87 times in the OT and 304 times in the New Testament. Overwhelmingly we have more emphasis and instruction about faith from Jesus and the Father, delivered by the Holy Spirit in the NT. We have a very specific and directed statement in the book of Romans 240225_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +42 “What is the status of my faith in 2024?” 1 “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?” 240225_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +42 “What is the status of my faith in 2024?” “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?” beginning in chapter 1, verses 16 & 17. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel [c]of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Paul states that believers, those who have been justified/saved by the blood of Christ, are to live by faith in Christ. So how does this happen? How can we be saved? First, we need to understand we cannot be saved by ourselves. God must come to us and it is hard for us to understand this. For many of us believe that we have come to Christ but that is not what God’s word says. John 6.44 says and these are the words of Jesus, No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. If this is true then only God can deliver us and that is what He does. Go to Romans 3 for and let’s mine the word of God for its truth. Look with me at verses 10-12 10 As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. 12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” Paul is writing here to the Romans in Chapters 3-6 about the law and sin. His beginning premise from his study of God’s word and the prompting of the Holy Spirit is man is absolutely sinful by his very nature- not one, no not one is righteous and virtuous before God. But God has a plan -go to verse 23, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified [g]freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a [h]propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Verse 23 says it all, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But He has a free gift to all those who come to Him (see verse 24) by grace. Yes God, extends His grace so that we being deep in sin; we can come to Him and understand our sinfulness and need a savior. We can then ask for the redemption which comes through belief in what Jesus Christ has done by His blood atonement. Jesus has paid for our sins and God exchanges our sin for His 240225_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +42 “What is the status of my faith in 2024?” 2 “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?” 240225_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +42 “What is the status of my faith in 2024?” “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?” righteousness. So God in His forbearance passes over the sins which we have committed and implants in us a new heart, a new nature and Christ’s righteousness covers us. God then is the one and only justifier for each and every one who comes by belief, faith in Jesus Christ. But without grace we could never receive the love of Christ. So those who accept what Jesus have done by faith, believe and trust in Him. If this has happened in your life and mine then there should be some changes in our thinking and the way we live life. First, we should now understand that God loves us and took the initiative to pursue a love relationship with us which is both real and personal. Now if God loves us so what should our response be -Jesus told us, He who has My commands and keeps (obeys) them, He is the one who loves Me. So we can demonstrate our faith by being obedient to His command and making it a habit of learning and obeying. This is how we pursue a love relationship and walk by faith. Next because of our love for God, we need to believe that God will never, repeat never, express His will to you except that it is an expression of His perfect love. What does this mean? It means His will is always best. Even Jesus conformed to His Father’s perfect will is going to the cross and living a perfect life. His will to those who pursue sin unrepentantly will be discipline, judgement and wrath. If we believe God and have faith in God His will is always best, that is His nature (Jn. 3.16 and 1sr Jn. 3.16) Next if we believe in God Almighty, we need to believe and trust that He is all knowing, Jesus spoke to our Father’s ability in Luke 12, verse 7 7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. God knows when a sparrow falls and when you lose a hair on your head and He knows before it happens. So if we believe and trust that God is all knowing, Then His guidance or direction is always right. Question is do we always seek His direction by faith? What else should be believe about God? Well if we are to believe and trust that there is nothing too hard for God. Genesis 18:14 is God’s own testimony – Is anything too hard for the Lord” This was in giving a 90-year-old woman a baby past the prime of her life. And since God is all powerful then we are to believe by faith He can enable me to do His will. So learning to walk by faith begins with Knowing Him, Then loving Him by obeying Him. We are then to believe that His will is best for us. Know that HIs judgement in our lives is always right. And finally God is all powerful and He will enable me to accomplish 240225_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +42 “What is the status of my faith in 2024?” 3 “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?” 240225_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +42 “What is the status of my faith in 2024?” “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?” His will. By faith we love and obey and do His will. Being aware and obedient to these practices will enable us to walk with Jesus and to be filled with His Holy Spirit and walk by faith and not by sight. Hi ways are higher than our ways and He enable you to accomplish what He has begun. Amen
Feb 18 Sermon
The challenge to all believers is what do you actually believe about your faith? Meaning what do you actually believe about being a Christian? Are you actually able to express in words what your concrete believes are in God the Father, Hos Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Or is it just a feeling and it is hard to describe for you and others to understand? One of the purposes of being called as a witness to be able to clearly express what believing in Jesus, the Bible and other elements of faith mean personally not just in feelings but in knowledge.
Many today are unable to do so or their beliefs are hazy and they cannot express and articulate what they mean. This is why many so-called Christians are being converted to secular religions and incorrect theological concepts are abounding which the word of God calls blasphemous. This is nothing new and relates to the fact that Satan is a liar and has been a liar from the beginning. The devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1st Peter 5:8).
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy John (John 10:10)
The Bible is written for believer so that you may know about God, His righteousness, His person, His salvation and many other things. But knowing about these things is only a part which engages the mind. Belief is required to engage the heart and spirit. Romans 10 says this 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”
Having head knowledge is insufficient to saved you for we live by salvation which is by God’s grace but requires faith. So todays lesson is for our strengthening and growth in faith so we like Timothy can be encouraged in the midst of the times we are living. Paul wrote these two letters to Timothy among a time of great bleakness, terror and discouragement is his own life.
Timothy who had been a strong Christian and believer in his own right was selected to pastor the church at Ephesus following Paul’s kicking off the church and ministering for a few years. Paul writes Timothy to encourage him and bolster his faith.
Turn with me to Ist Timothy Chapter 1, beginning at verse 3,
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may [a]charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from [b]sincere faith, 6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.
8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, 9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is [c]contrary to sound doctrine, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.
Glory to God for His Grace
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an [d]insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
Pray- may God lead us to a deeper understanding of what it means to have and live by faith and to be saved by grace in You. AMEN
1. VERSE 3 and 4- teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes
ERROR has crept into the church at Ephesus which were and are fables <crazy wild stories which have n merit>. Told supposedly by believers but liars.
Ephesus was the center of sexual pagan worship with temple prostitutes- suggest if you were not strong in your faith or dedicate it would be easy to be subverted - lust of the eye and lust of the flesh drew many away. Timothy had become discouraged in the midst of his ministry and Paul is wanting to correct.
More from verse 4 – disputes rather than godly edification which is through faith. Instead of applying the gospel and the truths from the bible and the teaching of Jesus for spiritual edification and living the truths in God’s Word; they were being drawn away because they did not trust or believe fully in God. <Human heart failures>
Verse 5- and 6 commandment (here) is to love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from [b]sincere faith, 6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk,
The commandment here has reference to a spiritual charge. given in vv. 3, 4 and is the spiritual virtue defined in v. 5. Timothy was to deliver this charge to the church. The goal of our preaching and teaching the truth and warning of error is to call men to a true salvation in Christ, which produces a love for God from a purified heart (2 Tim. 2:22; 1 Pet. 1:22), a cleansed conscience (Heb. 9:22; 10:14), and this produces genuine faith (Heb. 10:22). The idea of love referred to here is the love of choice and the will, which is characterized by self-denial and self-sacrifice for the benefit of others, and it is the mark of a true servant of Christ (John 13:35; Rom. 13:10; 1 John 4:7, 8; In contrast, false doctrine produces only conflict and resultant “disputes”- having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk
Verse 7 -7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.
This statement defines what they were trying to do – to reinstate the covenant of the law. These Judaizers were discounting grace and forgiveness bought by Jesus’ life, death ,burial and resurrection/ascension into heaven. You cannot be saved by the works of the law- according to Romans this leads to death. Grace extended by God enables an individual to recognize their sin and seek a savior. Apart from Jesus Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5)
desiring to be teachers. The false teachers wanted the kind of prestige enjoyed by Jewish rabbis; but they were not concerned at all about truly learning the law and teaching it to others (cf. 6:4; Matt. 23:5–7). Instead, they imposed on believers in Ephesus a legalistic heresy that offered salvation by works. Choosing self-centeredness over God centeredness and thereby denyin the sufficiency of what Christ has done.
Verse 8 & 9 - 8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, 9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
Mosaic law is in view here, not just law in general. These Jewish would-be teachers wanted to impose circumcision and the keeping of Mosaic ceremonies on the church as specific needs for salvation. They plagued the early church (see notes on Gal. 3–5; Phil. 3:1–8).
Verse 9 – t(his verse is important for believers )-9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
not made for a righteous person. Those who think they are righteous will never be saved (see Luke 5:32) - 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Because they do not understand or believe the true purpose of the law. The false teachers, with their works and system of personally achieved self-righteousness, had shown clearly that they misunderstood the law. The law is not a means to self-righteousness, but a means to self-condemnation, sin, conviction, repentance, and pleading to God for His mercy. Only with the blood of Jesus can we be saved.
Those who are “ungodly” Those who are ungodly have no regard for anything sacred, <profaners> which means they are “sinners” because they disregard God’s law. “Unholy” people are indifferent to what is right, which leads them to be the “profane,” who step on or trample what God defines as sacred (See Heb. 10.29)
Verse 10 - the violations described here are violations of the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth commandments
Practical applications of this truth.
1. We like Paul in verses 11, 12, and 13 are to be the upholders (practitioners) and defenders of sound doctrine, first in the church and then within our broader communities of influence.
2. We are to be people of the Word of God, living what we believe and say, not two faced. We are to practice what we preach and believe even in difficulty and in the dark days.
3. We are also to be people of our word, when we make a promise we are to keep it – imitators of Christ
4. We have no inherent goodness in and of ourselves. Our righteousness comes from above in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Scripture of the day is Matt 6:33- seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and His righteousness.
Be strong in faith and belief….
The challenge to all believers is what do you actually believe about your faith? Meaning what do you actually believe about being a Christian? Are you actually able to express in words what your concrete believes are in God the Father, Hos Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Or is it just a feeling and it is hard to describe for you and others to understand? One of the purposes of being called as a witness to be able to clearly express what believing in Jesus, the Bible and other elements of faith mean personally not just in feelings but in knowledge.
Many today are unable to do so or their beliefs are hazy and they cannot express and articulate what they mean. This is why many so-called Christians are being converted to secular religions and incorrect theological concepts are abounding which the word of God calls blasphemous. This is nothing new and relates to the fact that Satan is a liar and has been a liar from the beginning. The devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1st Peter 5:8).
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy John (John 10:10)
The Bible is written for believer so that you may know about God, His righteousness, His person, His salvation and many other things. But knowing about these things is only a part which engages the mind. Belief is required to engage the heart and spirit. Romans 10 says this 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”
Having head knowledge is insufficient to saved you for we live by salvation which is by God’s grace but requires faith. So todays lesson is for our strengthening and growth in faith so we like Timothy can be encouraged in the midst of the times we are living. Paul wrote these two letters to Timothy among a time of great bleakness, terror and discouragement is his own life.
Timothy who had been a strong Christian and believer in his own right was selected to pastor the church at Ephesus following Paul’s kicking off the church and ministering for a few years. Paul writes Timothy to encourage him and bolster his faith.
Turn with me to Ist Timothy Chapter 1, beginning at verse 3,
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may [a]charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from [b]sincere faith, 6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.
8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, 9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is [c]contrary to sound doctrine, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.
Glory to God for His Grace
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an [d]insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
Pray- may God lead us to a deeper understanding of what it means to have and live by faith and to be saved by grace in You. AMEN
1. VERSE 3 and 4- teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes
ERROR has crept into the church at Ephesus which were and are fables <crazy wild stories which have n merit>. Told supposedly by believers but liars.
Ephesus was the center of sexual pagan worship with temple prostitutes- suggest if you were not strong in your faith or dedicate it would be easy to be subverted - lust of the eye and lust of the flesh drew many away. Timothy had become discouraged in the midst of his ministry and Paul is wanting to correct.
More from verse 4 – disputes rather than godly edification which is through faith. Instead of applying the gospel and the truths from the bible and the teaching of Jesus for spiritual edification and living the truths in God’s Word; they were being drawn away because they did not trust or believe fully in God. <Human heart failures>
Verse 5- and 6 commandment (here) is to love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from [b]sincere faith, 6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk,
The commandment here has reference to a spiritual charge. given in vv. 3, 4 and is the spiritual virtue defined in v. 5. Timothy was to deliver this charge to the church. The goal of our preaching and teaching the truth and warning of error is to call men to a true salvation in Christ, which produces a love for God from a purified heart (2 Tim. 2:22; 1 Pet. 1:22), a cleansed conscience (Heb. 9:22; 10:14), and this produces genuine faith (Heb. 10:22). The idea of love referred to here is the love of choice and the will, which is characterized by self-denial and self-sacrifice for the benefit of others, and it is the mark of a true servant of Christ (John 13:35; Rom. 13:10; 1 John 4:7, 8; In contrast, false doctrine produces only conflict and resultant “disputes”- having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk
Verse 7 -7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.
This statement defines what they were trying to do – to reinstate the covenant of the law. These Judaizers were discounting grace and forgiveness bought by Jesus’ life, death ,burial and resurrection/ascension into heaven. You cannot be saved by the works of the law- according to Romans this leads to death. Grace extended by God enables an individual to recognize their sin and seek a savior. Apart from Jesus Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5)
desiring to be teachers. The false teachers wanted the kind of prestige enjoyed by Jewish rabbis; but they were not concerned at all about truly learning the law and teaching it to others (cf. 6:4; Matt. 23:5–7). Instead, they imposed on believers in Ephesus a legalistic heresy that offered salvation by works. Choosing self-centeredness over God centeredness and thereby denyin the sufficiency of what Christ has done.
Verse 8 & 9 - 8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, 9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
Mosaic law is in view here, not just law in general. These Jewish would-be teachers wanted to impose circumcision and the keeping of Mosaic ceremonies on the church as specific needs for salvation. They plagued the early church (see notes on Gal. 3–5; Phil. 3:1–8).
Verse 9 – t(his verse is important for believers )-9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
not made for a righteous person. Those who think they are righteous will never be saved (see Luke 5:32) - 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Because they do not understand or believe the true purpose of the law. The false teachers, with their works and system of personally achieved self-righteousness, had shown clearly that they misunderstood the law. The law is not a means to self-righteousness, but a means to self-condemnation, sin, conviction, repentance, and pleading to God for His mercy. Only with the blood of Jesus can we be saved.
Those who are “ungodly” Those who are ungodly have no regard for anything sacred, <profaners> which means they are “sinners” because they disregard God’s law. “Unholy” people are indifferent to what is right, which leads them to be the “profane,” who step on or trample what God defines as sacred (See Heb. 10.29)
Verse 10 - the violations described here are violations of the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth commandments
Practical applications of this truth.
1. We like Paul in verses 11, 12, and 13 are to be the upholders (practitioners) and defenders of sound doctrine, first in the church and then within our broader communities of influence.
2. We are to be people of the Word of God, living what we believe and say, not two faced. We are to practice what we preach and believe even in difficulty and in the dark days.
3. We are also to be people of our word, when we make a promise we are to keep it – imitators of Christ
4. We have no inherent goodness in and of ourselves. Our righteousness comes from above in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Scripture of the day is Matt 6:33- seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and His righteousness.
Be strong in faith and belief….
Feb 11 Sermon
Have you as a child of the King heard, seen, and or touched the throne of grace recently? Or has it been some time since you stood in the presence of the Lord and had a Word from Him. And you have been operating on the last revelation or encounter with Him? Have you recognized that you have been in a “dry” spell or have you just now recognized His glory has departed you? I believe that each of us needs a fresh touch from the Master more often than not. How often is usually determined by the level of desperation in our hearts and the problem, difficulty or issue which we are facing. We often can related to the music where we sing – “I need thee every hour,” but in most cases we need Him more than just hourly. Now Hebrews (4:16) says we can come freely <boldly approach> to the throne of grace because of who we are in Christ Jesus. Read with me
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy. This is how we can touch Him.Jesus says in John chapter 10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. We can hear the cry of Jesus with our hearts, spiritually.Now seeing Jesus is not a visual thing in my experience, but we see spiritually by the heart as the Holy Spirit encounters our heart through the scriptures as we study to show ourselves approved. That way we see. Now we know that many today have visions of the Lord Jesus that has not happened to me as of yet.Let’s pray and ask God to give us a fresh word today that we might hear, see, and touch the throne of grace today so we might be guided to what He wants us to do and accomplish with Him in the future. AMENRead with me from 1 John, Chapter 1, verse 1, 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that [a]your joy may be full.
Fellowship with Him and One Another5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us
Amen – May God add His blessing to the reading of His Word.If someone who you were chatting with, say a family member were to ask you, How does Jesus Christ speak and reach out in our word today, how would you answer today? Well the answers are in this text.
Verse 1- gives us the fact of what kind of a witness is provided in this scripture. It says - 1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life--
Notice the entry – That which was from the beginning, the very beginning of creation and we heard Him. We saw Him with our eyes and we looked upon Him for years and have handled Him. Notice not just a person, but a unique and holy person, who from creation until now spoke and speaks the Word of life. This person is far above a human being as you and I know them. He is the Word of life in addition to speaking the Word of Life. He is Jesus.
Verse 2 continues this theme - 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— The person who came to us is a real person <manifested>, a human but not exactly like us, for He came to us from God the Father and He brought eternal life for us. And this is a true saying because we experienced all and upon our witness as disciples through John, we are telling you.
Verse 3 follows with - 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
John is stating, I am not the only witness but I speak at this time for all the apostles and all those who have seen and heard the living Christ, that I give you a true and accurate testimony about this man, who is the Son of Man born upon this earth. We declare to you who He is. He is God and He is with God the Father and He is truly His Son. And believe and experienced it, as we had fellowship with Him. Think about this testimony it is beyond amazing. They have had fellowship with God the Father and God the Son in Jesus Christ. These are startling words for they were in the presence of God Almighty in Christ
Verse 4 -4 And these things we write to you that [a]your joy may be full. Can you imagine hearing this from John the disciple whom Jesus loved? This would have caused quite a stir in Jewish synagogues throughout the land, more so in Jerusalem, No wonder the Pharisees and Sadducees wanted to kill John and silence his witness. We see this happening in our day to witnesses concerning the election, what’s happening at the border, foreign wars, abortion and many other things. But John’s witness and writings were beyond imaginings of hate filled men. This was God reaching down to sinful men and providing salvation and rescuing us from our sinful selves. Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.
Verse 5 - 5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.
John states clearly that Jesus and God the Father are of the light. There is no evil or darkness in this Christ. They, Father and Son, are the source of all light and truth. Sin is not part of their character or make up, no matter what rumors you have heard. The Son of God is of His Father and they have brought light into our present darkness, we testify to this and have experienced this.
Verse 6 – this. Is a pivotal verse – read it 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. The truth of the matter is this – If you and I say that we have fellowship – a personal relationship with Him, meaning we claim to be part of His family. And we say we have met and are experiencing Him while we are actively sinning and practicing darkness then we lie and the truth is not in us. OOPS does that mean I cannot be a practicing homosexual and be a Christian <oxymoron>, or that abortion is a choice, or that a man can have a baby and I believe it, or that Gender is my choice <delusion>, or many other of the immoral choices within dei or CRT which are being foisted upon and separating we the people in this nation. This is all darkness from the evil one and has no place in the church. Well people claim we are not relevant today. Let’s try this on. You remember 3 men being thrown into a furnace because they would not worship the idol? What did they say? Chapter 3, Daniel, verses 16 -16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” God preserved them and the Jews. Jesus says in Matthew 18,
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Relevant to whom the World? Jesus says I have overcome the World. Do you believe Jesus and His Word or do you believe the world?
Verse 7 - 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
True fellowship can only be if we are together and “in Christ,” as Paul teaches. To have fellowship together without the truth living in us is impossible. We can only be cleansed and free from sin if we have received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior – having been born of water and the blood from above. There can be no hidden darkness within us in true biblical Christ enabled fellowship, where we have been cleansed by His blood. Verse 8 foot stomps this truth.
These are words of life and the truth we need to live by them and use them to measure our lives. Are you doing so today? These are words from the Holy Spirit, who is God. He wants to speak a word into your life this day. Hear these truths, live them and use them as you seek to allow Him to apply them in you from this day forward. AMEN
Have you as a child of the King heard, seen, and or touched the throne of grace recently? Or has it been some time since you stood in the presence of the Lord and had a Word from Him. And you have been operating on the last revelation or encounter with Him? Have you recognized that you have been in a “dry” spell or have you just now recognized His glory has departed you? I believe that each of us needs a fresh touch from the Master more often than not. How often is usually determined by the level of desperation in our hearts and the problem, difficulty or issue which we are facing. We often can related to the music where we sing – “I need thee every hour,” but in most cases we need Him more than just hourly. Now Hebrews (4:16) says we can come freely <boldly approach> to the throne of grace because of who we are in Christ Jesus. Read with me
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy. This is how we can touch Him.Jesus says in John chapter 10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. We can hear the cry of Jesus with our hearts, spiritually.Now seeing Jesus is not a visual thing in my experience, but we see spiritually by the heart as the Holy Spirit encounters our heart through the scriptures as we study to show ourselves approved. That way we see. Now we know that many today have visions of the Lord Jesus that has not happened to me as of yet.Let’s pray and ask God to give us a fresh word today that we might hear, see, and touch the throne of grace today so we might be guided to what He wants us to do and accomplish with Him in the future. AMENRead with me from 1 John, Chapter 1, verse 1, 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that [a]your joy may be full.
Fellowship with Him and One Another5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us
Amen – May God add His blessing to the reading of His Word.If someone who you were chatting with, say a family member were to ask you, How does Jesus Christ speak and reach out in our word today, how would you answer today? Well the answers are in this text.
Verse 1- gives us the fact of what kind of a witness is provided in this scripture. It says - 1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life--
Notice the entry – That which was from the beginning, the very beginning of creation and we heard Him. We saw Him with our eyes and we looked upon Him for years and have handled Him. Notice not just a person, but a unique and holy person, who from creation until now spoke and speaks the Word of life. This person is far above a human being as you and I know them. He is the Word of life in addition to speaking the Word of Life. He is Jesus.
Verse 2 continues this theme - 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— The person who came to us is a real person <manifested>, a human but not exactly like us, for He came to us from God the Father and He brought eternal life for us. And this is a true saying because we experienced all and upon our witness as disciples through John, we are telling you.
Verse 3 follows with - 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
John is stating, I am not the only witness but I speak at this time for all the apostles and all those who have seen and heard the living Christ, that I give you a true and accurate testimony about this man, who is the Son of Man born upon this earth. We declare to you who He is. He is God and He is with God the Father and He is truly His Son. And believe and experienced it, as we had fellowship with Him. Think about this testimony it is beyond amazing. They have had fellowship with God the Father and God the Son in Jesus Christ. These are startling words for they were in the presence of God Almighty in Christ
Verse 4 -4 And these things we write to you that [a]your joy may be full. Can you imagine hearing this from John the disciple whom Jesus loved? This would have caused quite a stir in Jewish synagogues throughout the land, more so in Jerusalem, No wonder the Pharisees and Sadducees wanted to kill John and silence his witness. We see this happening in our day to witnesses concerning the election, what’s happening at the border, foreign wars, abortion and many other things. But John’s witness and writings were beyond imaginings of hate filled men. This was God reaching down to sinful men and providing salvation and rescuing us from our sinful selves. Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.
Verse 5 - 5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.
John states clearly that Jesus and God the Father are of the light. There is no evil or darkness in this Christ. They, Father and Son, are the source of all light and truth. Sin is not part of their character or make up, no matter what rumors you have heard. The Son of God is of His Father and they have brought light into our present darkness, we testify to this and have experienced this.
Verse 6 – this. Is a pivotal verse – read it 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. The truth of the matter is this – If you and I say that we have fellowship – a personal relationship with Him, meaning we claim to be part of His family. And we say we have met and are experiencing Him while we are actively sinning and practicing darkness then we lie and the truth is not in us. OOPS does that mean I cannot be a practicing homosexual and be a Christian <oxymoron>, or that abortion is a choice, or that a man can have a baby and I believe it, or that Gender is my choice <delusion>, or many other of the immoral choices within dei or CRT which are being foisted upon and separating we the people in this nation. This is all darkness from the evil one and has no place in the church. Well people claim we are not relevant today. Let’s try this on. You remember 3 men being thrown into a furnace because they would not worship the idol? What did they say? Chapter 3, Daniel, verses 16 -16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” God preserved them and the Jews. Jesus says in Matthew 18,
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Relevant to whom the World? Jesus says I have overcome the World. Do you believe Jesus and His Word or do you believe the world?
Verse 7 - 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
True fellowship can only be if we are together and “in Christ,” as Paul teaches. To have fellowship together without the truth living in us is impossible. We can only be cleansed and free from sin if we have received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior – having been born of water and the blood from above. There can be no hidden darkness within us in true biblical Christ enabled fellowship, where we have been cleansed by His blood. Verse 8 foot stomps this truth.
These are words of life and the truth we need to live by them and use them to measure our lives. Are you doing so today? These are words from the Holy Spirit, who is God. He wants to speak a word into your life this day. Hear these truths, live them and use them as you seek to allow Him to apply them in you from this day forward. AMEN
Feb 4 Sermon
Ever been discouraged and depressed as a believer? Well guess what you don’t need to be. Did you know that God has called you by name, and ordained you – meaning He has set you apart and He has given you new life in His Son. And think about this He has put the Word of Life within you to share with others. He placed His Holy Spirit so that you could be born from above. And as He told Nichodemus you needed to born of water and the blood, and you have>So welcome to the kingdom of God or some say the kingdom of Heaven. So maybe today we need some inspiration and to do so a good place to inhabit is the book of Psalms.
As the psalmist would say He has lifted up your head and honored you by calling you by name. He extended grace to you so that you might recognize your lost condition and illuminated your heart so that you could by faith believe He is the Son of God and He is your savior and Lord. You and I are then invested with the Word of Life- Jesus living in you and I. Do you understand the privilege you have because of what God has invested in you?
So let’s get down to the nitty gritty- and find out God promises blessings and encouragement to those who will walk in His ways
Psalm 1 speaks to us. Psalm 1 says,
1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the [a]ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he [b]meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the [c]rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
May God add His blessing to His Word and to our understanding. AMEN
Psalm 1 gives us a view of two different men. First the Godly man and second the Godless man. Psalm 1 begins with a blessing and ends with a curse. Psalm 1 is psalm of Christ. The first half is about the saint and the second half is about the sinner.
Blessed is transposed to mean happy verse 1- the Godly man’s path is separated from the world- 1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the [a]ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
He does not listen to the ungodly man, nor follow his leading.
He does not linger with the sinful man. There is nothing wrong with being friendly with lost men and women. This verse means not to participate in sinful activities. Abraham, Lot, Peter stood around and sinned
He does not laugh at the scornful man. The ungodly man has his counsel, the sinner has his way and the scornful has his set notice the progression in backsliding- walking, standing, sitting. We might think of the seat of the scornful as the chair of the professors, who rain scorn and disrepute upon God and His Word-. Scribes and Pharisees of Jesus day.
B. The godly man’s pleasure vs 2. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he [b]meditates day and night.
1.He is satisfied with the Word of God. He has a different counselor than the ungodly man, he finds different company than the sinful man, and has a different cause than the scornful man.
2. The Word of God has claimed his full attention- in it he meditates day and night. Carries it in his heart-prays it out loud and engages if fully not just silently
C. The Godly man’s prosperity – He is situated by the waters Vs 3
Meditation on the Word of God releases the river of God’s Spirit so that believers can be refreshed and revitalized. Seven things mark the life of those who reside by the river
· His prominence – he is like a “tree.”
· His permanence – like a tree planted. He had a deep and hidden life
· His position – He is planted by the river of waters. No drought, bleakness or barrenness can affect him or her. He has unfailing access to the source.
· His productivity – he brings forth fruit. He is a blessing to everyone.
· His propriety – He is not a freak, he does not worry about the fruit but as the Spirit leads so will it come
· His perpetuity – His leaf shall not wither. Nothing will affect or impact His life. He is secure.
· His prosperity – whatsoever He doeth shall prosper. His entire life, family, business and all other interactions will be in the Lord.
The Godless Man – it is not so.
Vs 4. He is driven, leaves God out of his life
Vs. 5 He is doomed- the sinner has no standing before a just God for He sent His Son as a free gift.
Vs. 6 He is damned. The way of the ungodly shall perish. There are two paths one narrow and difficult and one wide and broad leading to destruction. By nature and practice our we <humans> naturally seek the broad path which leads to destruction. Jesus comes that you may have life and have it more abundantly, have you opened your heart to Him today?
Where do you stand in this psalm, are you a tree of righteousness? Do you see the righteous man has the words of life given from above? Where is the treasure of your heart right now? Will you give it all to Jesus right now?
Ever been discouraged and depressed as a believer? Well guess what you don’t need to be. Did you know that God has called you by name, and ordained you – meaning He has set you apart and He has given you new life in His Son. And think about this He has put the Word of Life within you to share with others. He placed His Holy Spirit so that you could be born from above. And as He told Nichodemus you needed to born of water and the blood, and you have>So welcome to the kingdom of God or some say the kingdom of Heaven. So maybe today we need some inspiration and to do so a good place to inhabit is the book of Psalms.
As the psalmist would say He has lifted up your head and honored you by calling you by name. He extended grace to you so that you might recognize your lost condition and illuminated your heart so that you could by faith believe He is the Son of God and He is your savior and Lord. You and I are then invested with the Word of Life- Jesus living in you and I. Do you understand the privilege you have because of what God has invested in you?
So let’s get down to the nitty gritty- and find out God promises blessings and encouragement to those who will walk in His ways
Psalm 1 speaks to us. Psalm 1 says,
1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the [a]ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he [b]meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the [c]rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
May God add His blessing to His Word and to our understanding. AMEN
Psalm 1 gives us a view of two different men. First the Godly man and second the Godless man. Psalm 1 begins with a blessing and ends with a curse. Psalm 1 is psalm of Christ. The first half is about the saint and the second half is about the sinner.
Blessed is transposed to mean happy verse 1- the Godly man’s path is separated from the world- 1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the [a]ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
He does not listen to the ungodly man, nor follow his leading.
He does not linger with the sinful man. There is nothing wrong with being friendly with lost men and women. This verse means not to participate in sinful activities. Abraham, Lot, Peter stood around and sinned
He does not laugh at the scornful man. The ungodly man has his counsel, the sinner has his way and the scornful has his set notice the progression in backsliding- walking, standing, sitting. We might think of the seat of the scornful as the chair of the professors, who rain scorn and disrepute upon God and His Word-. Scribes and Pharisees of Jesus day.
B. The godly man’s pleasure vs 2. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he [b]meditates day and night.
1.He is satisfied with the Word of God. He has a different counselor than the ungodly man, he finds different company than the sinful man, and has a different cause than the scornful man.
2. The Word of God has claimed his full attention- in it he meditates day and night. Carries it in his heart-prays it out loud and engages if fully not just silently
C. The Godly man’s prosperity – He is situated by the waters Vs 3
Meditation on the Word of God releases the river of God’s Spirit so that believers can be refreshed and revitalized. Seven things mark the life of those who reside by the river
· His prominence – he is like a “tree.”
· His permanence – like a tree planted. He had a deep and hidden life
· His position – He is planted by the river of waters. No drought, bleakness or barrenness can affect him or her. He has unfailing access to the source.
· His productivity – he brings forth fruit. He is a blessing to everyone.
· His propriety – He is not a freak, he does not worry about the fruit but as the Spirit leads so will it come
· His perpetuity – His leaf shall not wither. Nothing will affect or impact His life. He is secure.
· His prosperity – whatsoever He doeth shall prosper. His entire life, family, business and all other interactions will be in the Lord.
The Godless Man – it is not so.
Vs 4. He is driven, leaves God out of his life
Vs. 5 He is doomed- the sinner has no standing before a just God for He sent His Son as a free gift.
Vs. 6 He is damned. The way of the ungodly shall perish. There are two paths one narrow and difficult and one wide and broad leading to destruction. By nature and practice our we <humans> naturally seek the broad path which leads to destruction. Jesus comes that you may have life and have it more abundantly, have you opened your heart to Him today?
Where do you stand in this psalm, are you a tree of righteousness? Do you see the righteous man has the words of life given from above? Where is the treasure of your heart right now? Will you give it all to Jesus right now?
Jan 28 Sermon
We have a great transition between the Old Testament and the New Testament it is the book of Malachi. From Malachi to the coming of the John the Baptist there are 400 years of the silence of God.
There is often a dispute as to whom is the actual author of this book, convention has it that most of the prophets identify themselves like Malachi did at the beginning of the book. For our purposes it is settled that Malachi was a real prophet, during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. He came to deliver a reprimand against the Jews who apparently had already strayed from the deliverances of God and the rebuilding of the 2nd temple and the walls of Jerusalem.
Here are some of the accusations contained in the book. To begin with Malachi sets forth his prophecy in the form of a dispute, employing the question-and-answer method. The LORD’s accusations against His people were frequently met by cynical questions from the people (1:2, 6, 7; 2:17; 3:7, 8, 13). At other times, the prophet presented himself as God’s advocate in a lawsuit, asking rhetorical questions to the people based on their defiant criticisms (1:6, 8, 9; 2:10, 15; 3:2).
Malachi accuses the priests and the people on at least 6 counts of willful sin: 1) repudiating God’s love (1:2–5); 2) refusing God His due honor (1:6–2:9); 3) rejecting God’s faithfulness (2:10–16); 4) redefining God’s righteousness (2:17–3:6); 5) robbing God’s riches (3:7–12); and 6) reviling God’s grace (3:13–15). There are 3 interludes in which Malachi rendered God’s judgment: 1) to the priests (2:1–9); 2) to the nation (3:1–6); and 3) to the remnant (3:16–4:6).
You might ask what is the value of studying this book. Good question! I believe this book speaks to the continuing pursuit of God to a people who He loves despite their sin. Oh yes judgement is promised to those who reject Him, but love and salvation is promised to those who love Him. These promises of God span from the Old Testament where they are indeed promises to the New Testament where they are fulfilled by the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to provide salvation to those who would believe and confess. The same promises were made to the remnant of Israel here. God would have a book of remembrance to remind Him of the faithful who would honor Him and love Him.
Now all this background and tells you what are in the previous 3 Chapters, lets read now from Malachi Chapter 4 [a]“Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the Lord Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. 2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. 3 Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty.
4 “Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel.
5 “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. 6 He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.”
PRAYER - May God add His blessing to the reading of His word and to our understanding an application so that its truth may live in our hearts. AMEN
Let’s begin at the beginning with verse 1. ]“Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the Lord Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. the day is coming. These first 3 verses continue the thought of the closing verses of the previous chapter, elaborating on God’s punishment of the wicked and His deliverance of the godly (cf. 3:1–5). This reference to the day of the Lord (cf. Is. 13:6; Joel 2:11, 31; Zeph. 1:14) is injected 4 times into the prophet’s final words (3:17; 4:1, 3, 5). It anticipated the return of the Lord Jesus will be in judgment as referred to in the book of Revelation Rev. 19:11–21).
Burning like an oven. Adding to the imagery of a refining fire spoken of in Chapter 3:2, Malachi speaks of God’s judgment as a destructive fire that swiftly and totally consumes with excessive heat with the proud of 3:15). The destruction force of the fire extends to the very roots, which are normally protected by their location, underground provides a vivid, proverbial picture of the totality of this destruction . All who refuse to repent will be cast into the fire of hell Rev. 20:11–15
The very first statement by the prophet in Chapter 1 verse 2 is this from God-2 “I have loved you,” says the Lord.
“But you ask, ‘How have you loved us?’
God’s saving love and grace have been rejected by the people He loves and because of this rejection discipline and judgement are promised. Isn’t it amazing that the creatures who were created by God, reject in their arrogance the very one who create them. Do you not see the very problem with the sin nature and how it sets itself against the One who loves him or her? Amazing !
But despite this rejection of God look at verse 2- 2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.
What a promise for God to those who revere and honor God.
This is a very doleful way to end the Old Testament, but is a book of future expectations. I believe there is a strong emphasis should on verse 2 of this chapter: “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings;” The Old Testament does not close with only a curse. It closes with a great hope that, although the sun has gone down and it is very dark spiritually, there is a new day coming. We are living now in the night of sin, and the world is dark. It seems that we are at the darkest moment today. But there is coming a day when the Sun of Righteousness will rise and spiritual light will break upon this entire planet.
That Sun of Righteousness is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. Pay attention to something that is very remarkable and very important. In the Old Testament Christ is presented as the Sun of Righteousness. In the New Testament He’s presented in a different way altogether. There He is presented to us as the Bright and Morning Star. Listen to Him as He speaks in Revelation 22:16, and this concludes Revelation: “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” “The root and the offspring of David” means that He is the King who will reign on this earth, but He is also something else—“the bright and morning star,” which is something new.
It is interesting that man’s attention has always been drawn to the heavens. Right now there are probably more people in this country who are interested in the horoscope and the star under which they were born than are interested in the Bible, the Word of God. To those who are playing with the zodiac and its signs, this is something which is evil and occult. We’re seeing today the worship of Satan as we’ve never seen it before. It is quite interesting that research shows that some years ago only 3 percent of those interviewed believed in a personal devil. More recently the percentage had jumped to above 48 percent who believe and are convinced that there is a devil. Some are not convinced that there is a God to whom they are responsible, but they believe in the devil.
Today scientists are making a greater study of the heavens than they have ever made before. Scripture does turn man’s attention repeatedly to the heavens. Psalm 8 reads: “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” (Ps. 8:3–4).
Man happens to be the astronomer. He’s the one who can view all of this and can give praise and glory to God. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork” (Ps. 19:1).
The Old Testament closes here in Malachi with God directing man to look toward the heavens, and it is well that man looks up. Malachi closes with a thud: “Lest I come and smite the earth with a curse,” and the curtain comes down before the human story is over. Darkness closes in on man, but the play is not over. There are the good guys and the bad guys, and the good guys haven’t won yet. God says, “Look up at the heavens your redemption draweth nigh. It is important that you see. He says, “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.” This is a promise of a sunrise. There is a song that says that the world is waiting for a sunrise—and I believe it is—but the church is waiting for something else.
In one sense Malachi is the most disappointing book in the world if it stands by itself. But it points to the heavens, and it speaks of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Sun of Righteousness. This is a fitting figure for Him because He comes to usher in a new day and to end the night of man’s sin. The Day of the Lord is coming, and His kingdom will be established upon the earth. in Isaiah 60:19 we read: “The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.”
It is of note that in the first coming of Jesus for salvation His coming was announced by a star of wonder, a star of light, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading still proceeding, guide us by your holy light. The second coming of Jesus to judgement will be as the Sun of Righteousness, the Bright and Morning star. The star is the sign of the coming of Christ to take His church out of the world, and the sun is the sign of His second coming to the earth to establish His kingdom upon this earth.
Going now to verses 3 &4 we read 3 Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty.
4 “Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel. When Jesus comes to this earth to establish His kingdom, the. wicked will be put down. He will break them into pieces like a potter’s vessel. That is the language of Scripture.
And in verse 4 following this prophecy by Malachi, Israel is going to exist a period in which heaven is silent. God will not be speaking to Israel. There will appear another Zechariah [Zacharias] four hundred years later. He will be serving in the temple when the angel Gabriel will appear to him to announce the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5–25). The silence of four hundred years will then be broken. In the interim Israel is to remember the Law of Moses. It is to be their life; it will be God’s Word for them. They are under the Mosaic system unit Christ comes.
Verse 5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.
Revelation speaks of two witnesses who are to appear in the last days Rev. 11:3–12. I do not know who the second witness will be, but I am almost sure that one of them will be Elijah. At the Passover Feast, in the orthodox Jew’s home, a chair is set at the table in which no one sits. It is for Elijah who is to come. When John the Baptist appeared, the Jews thought he was Elijah, but John the Baptist was not Elijah in any sense of the word. The Scriptures do say that he could have been, but he wasn’t—and that’s the important thing. If Christ had established His kingdom, then John would have been Elijah. John the Baptist was not the fulfillment of this prophecy because he was announcing the Messiah, the Savior of the world. John said, “… Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). That is a little different from announcing the great and terrible Day of the Lord that is coming.
Your future is not in stars out there and neither is your present. If you want help for the present, you need to receive Jesus Christ and learn to live victoriously for Him who said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulations but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Are you defeated and discouraged? There’s no help in the stars. You’re nothing in the world but a pagan and a heathen if you believe that. Look to Jesus. It’s not some magic formula; it’s not lady luck; it’s not chance; it’s not fatalism; it’s not superstition. If you are defeated by life, if you are overcome by some habit—drink, dishonesty, temper, sex, or materialism—if you are cold and indifferent to spiritual things, may I say to you, He is the only answer and the promise for a bright and eternal future. Come unto Him today. Amen
We have a great transition between the Old Testament and the New Testament it is the book of Malachi. From Malachi to the coming of the John the Baptist there are 400 years of the silence of God.
There is often a dispute as to whom is the actual author of this book, convention has it that most of the prophets identify themselves like Malachi did at the beginning of the book. For our purposes it is settled that Malachi was a real prophet, during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. He came to deliver a reprimand against the Jews who apparently had already strayed from the deliverances of God and the rebuilding of the 2nd temple and the walls of Jerusalem.
Here are some of the accusations contained in the book. To begin with Malachi sets forth his prophecy in the form of a dispute, employing the question-and-answer method. The LORD’s accusations against His people were frequently met by cynical questions from the people (1:2, 6, 7; 2:17; 3:7, 8, 13). At other times, the prophet presented himself as God’s advocate in a lawsuit, asking rhetorical questions to the people based on their defiant criticisms (1:6, 8, 9; 2:10, 15; 3:2).
Malachi accuses the priests and the people on at least 6 counts of willful sin: 1) repudiating God’s love (1:2–5); 2) refusing God His due honor (1:6–2:9); 3) rejecting God’s faithfulness (2:10–16); 4) redefining God’s righteousness (2:17–3:6); 5) robbing God’s riches (3:7–12); and 6) reviling God’s grace (3:13–15). There are 3 interludes in which Malachi rendered God’s judgment: 1) to the priests (2:1–9); 2) to the nation (3:1–6); and 3) to the remnant (3:16–4:6).
You might ask what is the value of studying this book. Good question! I believe this book speaks to the continuing pursuit of God to a people who He loves despite their sin. Oh yes judgement is promised to those who reject Him, but love and salvation is promised to those who love Him. These promises of God span from the Old Testament where they are indeed promises to the New Testament where they are fulfilled by the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to provide salvation to those who would believe and confess. The same promises were made to the remnant of Israel here. God would have a book of remembrance to remind Him of the faithful who would honor Him and love Him.
Now all this background and tells you what are in the previous 3 Chapters, lets read now from Malachi Chapter 4 [a]“Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the Lord Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. 2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. 3 Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty.
4 “Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel.
5 “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. 6 He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.”
PRAYER - May God add His blessing to the reading of His word and to our understanding an application so that its truth may live in our hearts. AMEN
Let’s begin at the beginning with verse 1. ]“Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the Lord Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. the day is coming. These first 3 verses continue the thought of the closing verses of the previous chapter, elaborating on God’s punishment of the wicked and His deliverance of the godly (cf. 3:1–5). This reference to the day of the Lord (cf. Is. 13:6; Joel 2:11, 31; Zeph. 1:14) is injected 4 times into the prophet’s final words (3:17; 4:1, 3, 5). It anticipated the return of the Lord Jesus will be in judgment as referred to in the book of Revelation Rev. 19:11–21).
Burning like an oven. Adding to the imagery of a refining fire spoken of in Chapter 3:2, Malachi speaks of God’s judgment as a destructive fire that swiftly and totally consumes with excessive heat with the proud of 3:15). The destruction force of the fire extends to the very roots, which are normally protected by their location, underground provides a vivid, proverbial picture of the totality of this destruction . All who refuse to repent will be cast into the fire of hell Rev. 20:11–15
The very first statement by the prophet in Chapter 1 verse 2 is this from God-2 “I have loved you,” says the Lord.
“But you ask, ‘How have you loved us?’
God’s saving love and grace have been rejected by the people He loves and because of this rejection discipline and judgement are promised. Isn’t it amazing that the creatures who were created by God, reject in their arrogance the very one who create them. Do you not see the very problem with the sin nature and how it sets itself against the One who loves him or her? Amazing !
But despite this rejection of God look at verse 2- 2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.
What a promise for God to those who revere and honor God.
This is a very doleful way to end the Old Testament, but is a book of future expectations. I believe there is a strong emphasis should on verse 2 of this chapter: “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings;” The Old Testament does not close with only a curse. It closes with a great hope that, although the sun has gone down and it is very dark spiritually, there is a new day coming. We are living now in the night of sin, and the world is dark. It seems that we are at the darkest moment today. But there is coming a day when the Sun of Righteousness will rise and spiritual light will break upon this entire planet.
That Sun of Righteousness is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. Pay attention to something that is very remarkable and very important. In the Old Testament Christ is presented as the Sun of Righteousness. In the New Testament He’s presented in a different way altogether. There He is presented to us as the Bright and Morning Star. Listen to Him as He speaks in Revelation 22:16, and this concludes Revelation: “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” “The root and the offspring of David” means that He is the King who will reign on this earth, but He is also something else—“the bright and morning star,” which is something new.
It is interesting that man’s attention has always been drawn to the heavens. Right now there are probably more people in this country who are interested in the horoscope and the star under which they were born than are interested in the Bible, the Word of God. To those who are playing with the zodiac and its signs, this is something which is evil and occult. We’re seeing today the worship of Satan as we’ve never seen it before. It is quite interesting that research shows that some years ago only 3 percent of those interviewed believed in a personal devil. More recently the percentage had jumped to above 48 percent who believe and are convinced that there is a devil. Some are not convinced that there is a God to whom they are responsible, but they believe in the devil.
Today scientists are making a greater study of the heavens than they have ever made before. Scripture does turn man’s attention repeatedly to the heavens. Psalm 8 reads: “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” (Ps. 8:3–4).
Man happens to be the astronomer. He’s the one who can view all of this and can give praise and glory to God. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork” (Ps. 19:1).
The Old Testament closes here in Malachi with God directing man to look toward the heavens, and it is well that man looks up. Malachi closes with a thud: “Lest I come and smite the earth with a curse,” and the curtain comes down before the human story is over. Darkness closes in on man, but the play is not over. There are the good guys and the bad guys, and the good guys haven’t won yet. God says, “Look up at the heavens your redemption draweth nigh. It is important that you see. He says, “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.” This is a promise of a sunrise. There is a song that says that the world is waiting for a sunrise—and I believe it is—but the church is waiting for something else.
In one sense Malachi is the most disappointing book in the world if it stands by itself. But it points to the heavens, and it speaks of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Sun of Righteousness. This is a fitting figure for Him because He comes to usher in a new day and to end the night of man’s sin. The Day of the Lord is coming, and His kingdom will be established upon the earth. in Isaiah 60:19 we read: “The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.”
It is of note that in the first coming of Jesus for salvation His coming was announced by a star of wonder, a star of light, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading still proceeding, guide us by your holy light. The second coming of Jesus to judgement will be as the Sun of Righteousness, the Bright and Morning star. The star is the sign of the coming of Christ to take His church out of the world, and the sun is the sign of His second coming to the earth to establish His kingdom upon this earth.
Going now to verses 3 &4 we read 3 Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty.
4 “Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel. When Jesus comes to this earth to establish His kingdom, the. wicked will be put down. He will break them into pieces like a potter’s vessel. That is the language of Scripture.
And in verse 4 following this prophecy by Malachi, Israel is going to exist a period in which heaven is silent. God will not be speaking to Israel. There will appear another Zechariah [Zacharias] four hundred years later. He will be serving in the temple when the angel Gabriel will appear to him to announce the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5–25). The silence of four hundred years will then be broken. In the interim Israel is to remember the Law of Moses. It is to be their life; it will be God’s Word for them. They are under the Mosaic system unit Christ comes.
Verse 5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.
Revelation speaks of two witnesses who are to appear in the last days Rev. 11:3–12. I do not know who the second witness will be, but I am almost sure that one of them will be Elijah. At the Passover Feast, in the orthodox Jew’s home, a chair is set at the table in which no one sits. It is for Elijah who is to come. When John the Baptist appeared, the Jews thought he was Elijah, but John the Baptist was not Elijah in any sense of the word. The Scriptures do say that he could have been, but he wasn’t—and that’s the important thing. If Christ had established His kingdom, then John would have been Elijah. John the Baptist was not the fulfillment of this prophecy because he was announcing the Messiah, the Savior of the world. John said, “… Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). That is a little different from announcing the great and terrible Day of the Lord that is coming.
Your future is not in stars out there and neither is your present. If you want help for the present, you need to receive Jesus Christ and learn to live victoriously for Him who said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulations but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Are you defeated and discouraged? There’s no help in the stars. You’re nothing in the world but a pagan and a heathen if you believe that. Look to Jesus. It’s not some magic formula; it’s not lady luck; it’s not chance; it’s not fatalism; it’s not superstition. If you are defeated by life, if you are overcome by some habit—drink, dishonesty, temper, sex, or materialism—if you are cold and indifferent to spiritual things, may I say to you, He is the only answer and the promise for a bright and eternal future. Come unto Him today. Amen
Jan 21 Sermon
Have you ever thought about who God
actually is and what He is capable of in our
lives? Many of us have sung a song called –
Our God is an awesome God, but do you
really believe it?
God of course is a triune God, with the
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That is the three
in one. One God with three individual but
united essences. If you just begin with this
idea you can see just how difficult it is to
know about God.
But God wants you to know about Himself
so He wrote a book to help you understand
who He is. It states what He wants and how
to operate in and with Him. He may be a
mystery but He is a revealed mystery who
loves and cares for His creation-and as the
old recruiting poster says – this means you.
And He loves us with an everlasting love. I
was captured this week with the idea of the
eyes of the Lord described in Proverbs 15:3
The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
Keeping watch on the evil and the good.
Point #1. Do you just look at these words
and you find anything unusual? It says the
eyes of the Lord are everywhere- there is no
escape from His presence in all of creation.
This is affirmed in the Psalms {139}and in
the teachings of Jesus. Now note that He is
watching all of creation keeping tabs on the
evil and the good. There is nothing that
escapes the eyes of God and He is not
looking at the surface it says in 1 st Samuel,
Chapter 16:7 For [d] the Lord does not see as
man sees; for man looks at the outward
appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
And if you understand what the bible says
about the human heart “The
heart is deceitful above
all things, And desperately wicked; Who
can know it?
So our great God in heaven looks at the core
of human beings and notes the evil and the
good. God is not limited by time or space
and so He is virtually present at all times
across all time and space. The temple in
Jerusalem or the tent of meeting could never
contain His presence- He is an awesome
God. We use the term omnipresent to
describe this trait. So the Lord is in this
place, right now. Now note this distinction
He is everywhere but He is not physically in
the parts of His creation. He built it and He
operates it and He is spiritually in present in
His kingdom.
Point # II. Now notice this verse Proverbs
5:21- For the ways of man are before the
eyes of the Lord,
And He [ i ] ponders all his paths.
According to this verse there is nothing
hidden from God. Now the first thing we
need to note is the ways of God are not the
ways of Men. God’s ways are always
higher that man’s ways (Isa. 55:8-9 -
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says
the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the
earth, So are My ways higher than your
ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Our thoughts and ways are not anywhere
close to the wisdom and knowledge of God
and most are tainted with sin.
So our human actions correspond to our
heart whether our actions and intention be
good or evil. God knows the heart of men
and He ponders all our paths. This means
He knows where our thoughts, actions and
intents are leading. This trait of God who is
super perceptive and all-knowing is called
omniscience. The God you serve is
perpetual, intentional and knows the future.
We serve an awesome God who understands
240121_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +38
“The Eyes of the Lord in 2024?”
“Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?”
2
240121_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +38
“The Eyes of the Lord in 2024?”
“Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?”
where our choices and actions are leading
even if we don’t.
Point III. Deuteronomy 11:12 (Israel) is a
land for which the Lord your God
cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are
always on it, from the beginning of the year
to the very end of the year. This verse
speaks of the awesome power of God who
has the ability to preserve, protect and
defend. God has set sights on Jerusalem and
Israel. He never tires, slumbers or sleeps,
and His arm never grows weary and His
blessings and mercies are renewed morning
by morning. God who is creator and judge
has the power to speak a word and it comes
into being. And in this power of creation,
He is able to bring anything He chooses into
being. Elsewhere in scripture it says His
people {Israel}are the apple of His eye. This
power is called omnipotence, meaning He is
all powerful. He who created the universes,
the cosmos of universes and planted His
very own people in the middle of them
whether Jew or Christian is the same God
who knew we needed a savior and in the
midst of our sinfulness sent His only
begotten Son. This is the awesome power of
God unto creation, salvation and preserving
that which is His eternally, This is the God
we serve.
Point #4. 2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro
throughout the whole earth, to show Himself
strong on behalf of those whose
heart is loyal to Him.” (to strongly support
those whose heart is completely His.)
The Lord our God is a covenant creator and
a covenant keeper. A biblical covenant is an
agreement between a greater {God} and a
lesser {man}. It is God who initiates and
establishes the covenant agreement with His
creation – man. Not only is God the initiator,
He is the only one who is able to preserve,
protect and defend the covenants which He
has made. Men have continually
disregarded and denied the covenants of
God for themselves.
But notice this particular promise
the eyes of the Lord run to and fro
throughout the whole earth to strongly
support those whose heart is completely His.
God is looking for a person, a particular
people or a nation whose heart is committed
to Him. If you were to read Deuteronomy
Chapter 28 verses 1-14, you get a complete
idea of all the blessing that will be incurred
because you are walking righteously before
the Lord and obeying His commandments in
His covenant. The promises sound too good
to be true but looking at the Old Testament
we see the power of God to protect a nation
who has God for their leader.
Jesus says many things which are similar.
How about Matthew 6:33, 3 But seek first the
kingdom of God and His righteousness, and
all these things shall be added to you.
So being right in the eyes of the Lord in has
many benefits, look to Genesis 6:8 - But
Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. It
says elsewhere in Genesis, that Noah was a
just man, perfect in his
generations. Noah walked with God.
In Psalm 34:15 it says,
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their cry. God sees
the righteous and He attends to their voices
and needs
In Proverbs 22:12 it says,
The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge,
But He overthrows the words of the
faithless.
240121_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +38
“The Eyes of the Lord in 2024?”
“Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?”
3
240121_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +38
“The Eyes of the Lord in 2024?”
“Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?”
Here it speaks of how God rewards faith for
without faith it is impossible to please God,
He who comes God believes that He is and
that He is a rewarder of those who diligently
seek Him.
I have several more examples of what the
eyes of the Lord see and How our amazing
God responds to obedience, disobedience,
evil, but let’s close with this from the
New Testament – Peter does a good job of
summing what we have been speaking
about in 1 Peter 3:12.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the
righteous, And His ears are open to their
prayers; But the face of the Lord is against
those who do evil.”
Peter who knew reconciliation and
forgiveness were possible even after a
massive melt down in denying the Lord
Jesus Christ. Peter was restored because of
the Love of God. Jesus even predicted
Peter’s failure and told Him beforehand but
Peter refused the truth from the Son of God.
Jesus restored Peter by asking Him, do you
love Me, and if so feed My sheep. God did
not reject Peter but restored Him in love.
Jesus did the same thing with the murdering
Saul of Tarsus and called Him Paul. Saying
He was to suffer many thing for my Name
before the gentiles.
So God’s eyes are upon us and God is
present everywhere is this created universe.
<omnipresent>He has the power to save to
the uttermost and the power to set us free
from the law of sin and death. Neither height
nor depth…nor any created thing shall be
able to separate us from the Love of God in
Christ Jesus our Lord<omnipotence> God
has the power to do anything – we ask the
question is there anything too hard for
Him?
God’s ways are not our ways. They are so
much higher and different and His thoughts
are not our thoughts. He knows the future
and the present and is omniscient <all
knowing>.
Perhaps today we need to reevaluate what
we think we know and believe about God
almighty? Peter did, Paul did
Our God is mighty to save – Put your
trust and faith in Him today.
I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me. Phil.4.13
And my God shall supply all your need
according to His riches in glory by Christ
Jesus. Phil. 4.19
Extra verses concerning the eyes of the
Lord.
1. Deuteronomy 13:18 because you have
listened to the voice of the Lord your
God, to keep all His commandments
which I command you today, to
do what is right in the eyes of the
Lord your God.
2. 1 Kings 15:11 Asa did what was right
in the eyes of the Lord, as did his
father David.
3. 1 Kings 16:25 Omri did evil
in the eyes of the Lord, and did worse
than all who were before him.
4. 2 Chronicles 29:6 - For our fathers
have trespassed and done evil
in the eyes of the Lord our God; they
have forsaken Him, have turned their
faces away from the dwelling place of
the Lord, and turned their backs on
Him.
5. Zechariah 4:10 -For who has despised
the day of small things? For these
seven rejoice to see The plumb line in
240121_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +38
“The Eyes of the Lord in 2024?”
“Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?”
4
240121_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +38
“The Eyes of the Lord in 2024?”
“Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?”
the hand of Zerubbabel. They
are the eyes of the Lord, Which scan
to and fro throughout the whole earth.”
Have you ever thought about who God
actually is and what He is capable of in our
lives? Many of us have sung a song called –
Our God is an awesome God, but do you
really believe it?
God of course is a triune God, with the
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That is the three
in one. One God with three individual but
united essences. If you just begin with this
idea you can see just how difficult it is to
know about God.
But God wants you to know about Himself
so He wrote a book to help you understand
who He is. It states what He wants and how
to operate in and with Him. He may be a
mystery but He is a revealed mystery who
loves and cares for His creation-and as the
old recruiting poster says – this means you.
And He loves us with an everlasting love. I
was captured this week with the idea of the
eyes of the Lord described in Proverbs 15:3
The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
Keeping watch on the evil and the good.
Point #1. Do you just look at these words
and you find anything unusual? It says the
eyes of the Lord are everywhere- there is no
escape from His presence in all of creation.
This is affirmed in the Psalms {139}and in
the teachings of Jesus. Now note that He is
watching all of creation keeping tabs on the
evil and the good. There is nothing that
escapes the eyes of God and He is not
looking at the surface it says in 1 st Samuel,
Chapter 16:7 For [d] the Lord does not see as
man sees; for man looks at the outward
appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
And if you understand what the bible says
about the human heart “The
heart is deceitful above
all things, And desperately wicked; Who
can know it?
So our great God in heaven looks at the core
of human beings and notes the evil and the
good. God is not limited by time or space
and so He is virtually present at all times
across all time and space. The temple in
Jerusalem or the tent of meeting could never
contain His presence- He is an awesome
God. We use the term omnipresent to
describe this trait. So the Lord is in this
place, right now. Now note this distinction
He is everywhere but He is not physically in
the parts of His creation. He built it and He
operates it and He is spiritually in present in
His kingdom.
Point # II. Now notice this verse Proverbs
5:21- For the ways of man are before the
eyes of the Lord,
And He [ i ] ponders all his paths.
According to this verse there is nothing
hidden from God. Now the first thing we
need to note is the ways of God are not the
ways of Men. God’s ways are always
higher that man’s ways (Isa. 55:8-9 -
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says
the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the
earth, So are My ways higher than your
ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Our thoughts and ways are not anywhere
close to the wisdom and knowledge of God
and most are tainted with sin.
So our human actions correspond to our
heart whether our actions and intention be
good or evil. God knows the heart of men
and He ponders all our paths. This means
He knows where our thoughts, actions and
intents are leading. This trait of God who is
super perceptive and all-knowing is called
omniscience. The God you serve is
perpetual, intentional and knows the future.
We serve an awesome God who understands
240121_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +38
“The Eyes of the Lord in 2024?”
“Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?”
2
240121_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +38
“The Eyes of the Lord in 2024?”
“Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?”
where our choices and actions are leading
even if we don’t.
Point III. Deuteronomy 11:12 (Israel) is a
land for which the Lord your God
cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are
always on it, from the beginning of the year
to the very end of the year. This verse
speaks of the awesome power of God who
has the ability to preserve, protect and
defend. God has set sights on Jerusalem and
Israel. He never tires, slumbers or sleeps,
and His arm never grows weary and His
blessings and mercies are renewed morning
by morning. God who is creator and judge
has the power to speak a word and it comes
into being. And in this power of creation,
He is able to bring anything He chooses into
being. Elsewhere in scripture it says His
people {Israel}are the apple of His eye. This
power is called omnipotence, meaning He is
all powerful. He who created the universes,
the cosmos of universes and planted His
very own people in the middle of them
whether Jew or Christian is the same God
who knew we needed a savior and in the
midst of our sinfulness sent His only
begotten Son. This is the awesome power of
God unto creation, salvation and preserving
that which is His eternally, This is the God
we serve.
Point #4. 2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro
throughout the whole earth, to show Himself
strong on behalf of those whose
heart is loyal to Him.” (to strongly support
those whose heart is completely His.)
The Lord our God is a covenant creator and
a covenant keeper. A biblical covenant is an
agreement between a greater {God} and a
lesser {man}. It is God who initiates and
establishes the covenant agreement with His
creation – man. Not only is God the initiator,
He is the only one who is able to preserve,
protect and defend the covenants which He
has made. Men have continually
disregarded and denied the covenants of
God for themselves.
But notice this particular promise
the eyes of the Lord run to and fro
throughout the whole earth to strongly
support those whose heart is completely His.
God is looking for a person, a particular
people or a nation whose heart is committed
to Him. If you were to read Deuteronomy
Chapter 28 verses 1-14, you get a complete
idea of all the blessing that will be incurred
because you are walking righteously before
the Lord and obeying His commandments in
His covenant. The promises sound too good
to be true but looking at the Old Testament
we see the power of God to protect a nation
who has God for their leader.
Jesus says many things which are similar.
How about Matthew 6:33, 3 But seek first the
kingdom of God and His righteousness, and
all these things shall be added to you.
So being right in the eyes of the Lord in has
many benefits, look to Genesis 6:8 - But
Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. It
says elsewhere in Genesis, that Noah was a
just man, perfect in his
generations. Noah walked with God.
In Psalm 34:15 it says,
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their cry. God sees
the righteous and He attends to their voices
and needs
In Proverbs 22:12 it says,
The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge,
But He overthrows the words of the
faithless.
240121_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +38
“The Eyes of the Lord in 2024?”
“Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?”
3
240121_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +38
“The Eyes of the Lord in 2024?”
“Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?”
Here it speaks of how God rewards faith for
without faith it is impossible to please God,
He who comes God believes that He is and
that He is a rewarder of those who diligently
seek Him.
I have several more examples of what the
eyes of the Lord see and How our amazing
God responds to obedience, disobedience,
evil, but let’s close with this from the
New Testament – Peter does a good job of
summing what we have been speaking
about in 1 Peter 3:12.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the
righteous, And His ears are open to their
prayers; But the face of the Lord is against
those who do evil.”
Peter who knew reconciliation and
forgiveness were possible even after a
massive melt down in denying the Lord
Jesus Christ. Peter was restored because of
the Love of God. Jesus even predicted
Peter’s failure and told Him beforehand but
Peter refused the truth from the Son of God.
Jesus restored Peter by asking Him, do you
love Me, and if so feed My sheep. God did
not reject Peter but restored Him in love.
Jesus did the same thing with the murdering
Saul of Tarsus and called Him Paul. Saying
He was to suffer many thing for my Name
before the gentiles.
So God’s eyes are upon us and God is
present everywhere is this created universe.
<omnipresent>He has the power to save to
the uttermost and the power to set us free
from the law of sin and death. Neither height
nor depth…nor any created thing shall be
able to separate us from the Love of God in
Christ Jesus our Lord<omnipotence> God
has the power to do anything – we ask the
question is there anything too hard for
Him?
God’s ways are not our ways. They are so
much higher and different and His thoughts
are not our thoughts. He knows the future
and the present and is omniscient <all
knowing>.
Perhaps today we need to reevaluate what
we think we know and believe about God
almighty? Peter did, Paul did
Our God is mighty to save – Put your
trust and faith in Him today.
I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me. Phil.4.13
And my God shall supply all your need
according to His riches in glory by Christ
Jesus. Phil. 4.19
Extra verses concerning the eyes of the
Lord.
1. Deuteronomy 13:18 because you have
listened to the voice of the Lord your
God, to keep all His commandments
which I command you today, to
do what is right in the eyes of the
Lord your God.
2. 1 Kings 15:11 Asa did what was right
in the eyes of the Lord, as did his
father David.
3. 1 Kings 16:25 Omri did evil
in the eyes of the Lord, and did worse
than all who were before him.
4. 2 Chronicles 29:6 - For our fathers
have trespassed and done evil
in the eyes of the Lord our God; they
have forsaken Him, have turned their
faces away from the dwelling place of
the Lord, and turned their backs on
Him.
5. Zechariah 4:10 -For who has despised
the day of small things? For these
seven rejoice to see The plumb line in
240121_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +38
“The Eyes of the Lord in 2024?”
“Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?”
4
240121_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +38
“The Eyes of the Lord in 2024?”
“Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?”
the hand of Zerubbabel. They
are the eyes of the Lord, Which scan
to and fro throughout the whole earth.”
Jan 14 Sermon
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.
We begin by asking, “What is the special character of biblical hope?” And we answer: Biblical hope is not finger-crossing. It is a confident expectation of good things to come. Hebrews (6:11).calls it the “full assurance of hope” (6:11).
Then we should ask, “Why can sinners like us be confident that a holy God will work for us and make our future bright?” And we find the answer with two words: grace and gospel. Paul says that “God our Father loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace” (2 Thessalonians 2:16). And he urges us not to shift from the hope of the gospel (Colossians 1:23). So the grace of God and the good news of Christ crucified for sins and raised from the dead are the reasons that sinners like you and me can hope in God and have a confident expectation that the future will be good for us.
So exactly what is it that we are hoping for as biblical believers? Our answer is taken from Titus 2:13.
. . . awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
What is the content of our blessed hope according to this verse? THE APPEARING OF OUR GREAT GOD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. We set our hope on the second coming of our Lord.
Today - world scholars would and do deny the reality of Christ’s death, burial, resurrection and second coming which is your future hope. Who does so? Well people such as Carl Sagan, and Rudolph Bultmann and many other letter scholars and even professing believers.
Lee us encourage our hearts this morning that the blessed hope of all who believe is THE APPEARING OF OUR GREAT GOD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. Vs 13
Did you notice in our text there are two appearances of Jesus Christ?
Look at our text in Titus 2 that there are two appearances of Jesus Christ — one called an appearing of grace, the other called an appearing of glory.
In Verse 11: “For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men.” That is the first coming of Christ — the appearance of grace.
Then verse 13: 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ That is the second coming of Christ — the appearance of glory.
First comes Jesus by grace, and then He comes in glory. In Paul’s mind these two events. This is why the modern man’s rejection of a real second coming is an attack at the very center of our faith, namely, the first coming of Christ to die for sins. The Christ who will come in glory is the same Christ who came in grace.
Verse 14 describes specifically how that grace appeared — 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” So when the grace of God appeared in history about 2,000 years ago, it appeared as a real man, who really died to redeem us from sin and to make us zealous, or passionate, for good deeds. This was the aim or purpose of the appearance of God’s grace in Jesus Christ.
That same aim of grace is described in verse 12 as well: “The grace of God appeared training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world.” That is the same as saying (in v. 14) that Christ aimed to purify us and make us zealous for good deeds.
So verses 12 and 14 are like a sandwich which surrounds verse 13. Both verses describe the aim and effect of God’s grace as it appeared in the first coming of Jesus Christ. The meat in the middle of the sandwich is our blessed hope (v. 13). What God’s grace has begun in our lives through the first coming of Christ his glory he will complete in our lives through the second coming of Christ.
Scripture tells us - By grace are you saved by faith and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God not of works lest any man should boast (Eph 2:8-9)
Remember this -Jesus came to conquer! He did conquer! He will not be denied the fruit of his work. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. God made it. He redeemed it. He will have it. He has not evaporated into some never-to-be-touched-again realm of the spirit. Jesus is reigning at the Father’s right hand until the time for the restoration of all things. He is coming again
What should this blessed hope mean to you? According to Hebrews, Chapter 9:27-28 - Just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
Christ is coming for those who eagerly await Him. His work began upon His birth and was completed upon the cross – where He cried – it is finished. The saving work of Christ completed – the second coming is setting the capstone on World History and the completion of God’s final plan. This will be a fact in History, which is His story.
Now down to brass tacks- This morning do you and I eagerly await the coming of Christ? And I don’t mean: Do you believe in the doctrine? Do you eagerly await him? This is a crucial test of your faith. And so the preciousness of Christ is the evidence of your faith. (see 1 Peter 2:7) And the anticipation of his coming is the evidence of his preciousness. And therefore you can test the level of your faith by whether you are eagerly waiting His coming.
Are you really trusting in the finished work of Christ or is this just an idea which is something beautiful to ponder? Is so then perhaps you may want to reconsider what you believe about the Word of God? Do you fully trust in it?
Christ’s coming is worthy of our eager expectation - close by trying to show from Titus 2:13 that the coming of Christ is worthy of our great and eager expectation. I pray that God will touch us and make us greatly desire His appearing.
Paul says that the appearance of the grace of God at Christ’s first coming trains us to wait eagerly for “our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Note three things
1. It Is our Blessed Hope
We should eagerly await the appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ because this is our BLESSED hope. A blessed hope is the opposite of a cursed hope. So the first reason to be eager for this great day is that it will mean blessing and not cursing.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). There is only blessing for those who are in Christ Jesus. As awesome as the coming of Christ will be, there will be no curse in it for Christians. Notice what Christ is called in this verse: “the great God and SAVIOR!” Savior! Not merely Judge.
2. It Is a Visible Hope- this event will be seen by all.
It is the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Ever since the Son of God became a man, men and women have wanted to see Jesus. Philip said to Nathaniel, “Come and see!” Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree because he wanted to see! The Greeks said to his disciple, “Sir, we would see Jesus!” The apostle Paul wrote, “Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face!” And John seems to make everything hang on this one hope: “It does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see Him as He is.”
3. It Is a Glorious Hope
It is “the appearing of THE GLORY of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Listen to John’s attempt to put this into words in Revelation:
I saw . . . one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden girdle round his breast; his head and his hair were white as white wool, white as snow; his eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined as in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of many waters; in his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth issued a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. (Revelation 1:13–16)
Do you strongly hope for the appearing of Christ? If not, confess your sin; repent and pray for the awakening of your heart; and set yourself to meditate on the blessedness, visibility, and glory of the coming of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, till He come.
AMEN
Outline and some textual content courtesy of John Piper. May 18.1986
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.
We begin by asking, “What is the special character of biblical hope?” And we answer: Biblical hope is not finger-crossing. It is a confident expectation of good things to come. Hebrews (6:11).calls it the “full assurance of hope” (6:11).
Then we should ask, “Why can sinners like us be confident that a holy God will work for us and make our future bright?” And we find the answer with two words: grace and gospel. Paul says that “God our Father loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace” (2 Thessalonians 2:16). And he urges us not to shift from the hope of the gospel (Colossians 1:23). So the grace of God and the good news of Christ crucified for sins and raised from the dead are the reasons that sinners like you and me can hope in God and have a confident expectation that the future will be good for us.
So exactly what is it that we are hoping for as biblical believers? Our answer is taken from Titus 2:13.
. . . awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
What is the content of our blessed hope according to this verse? THE APPEARING OF OUR GREAT GOD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. We set our hope on the second coming of our Lord.
Today - world scholars would and do deny the reality of Christ’s death, burial, resurrection and second coming which is your future hope. Who does so? Well people such as Carl Sagan, and Rudolph Bultmann and many other letter scholars and even professing believers.
Lee us encourage our hearts this morning that the blessed hope of all who believe is THE APPEARING OF OUR GREAT GOD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. Vs 13
Did you notice in our text there are two appearances of Jesus Christ?
Look at our text in Titus 2 that there are two appearances of Jesus Christ — one called an appearing of grace, the other called an appearing of glory.
In Verse 11: “For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men.” That is the first coming of Christ — the appearance of grace.
Then verse 13: 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ That is the second coming of Christ — the appearance of glory.
First comes Jesus by grace, and then He comes in glory. In Paul’s mind these two events. This is why the modern man’s rejection of a real second coming is an attack at the very center of our faith, namely, the first coming of Christ to die for sins. The Christ who will come in glory is the same Christ who came in grace.
Verse 14 describes specifically how that grace appeared — 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” So when the grace of God appeared in history about 2,000 years ago, it appeared as a real man, who really died to redeem us from sin and to make us zealous, or passionate, for good deeds. This was the aim or purpose of the appearance of God’s grace in Jesus Christ.
That same aim of grace is described in verse 12 as well: “The grace of God appeared training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world.” That is the same as saying (in v. 14) that Christ aimed to purify us and make us zealous for good deeds.
So verses 12 and 14 are like a sandwich which surrounds verse 13. Both verses describe the aim and effect of God’s grace as it appeared in the first coming of Jesus Christ. The meat in the middle of the sandwich is our blessed hope (v. 13). What God’s grace has begun in our lives through the first coming of Christ his glory he will complete in our lives through the second coming of Christ.
Scripture tells us - By grace are you saved by faith and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God not of works lest any man should boast (Eph 2:8-9)
Remember this -Jesus came to conquer! He did conquer! He will not be denied the fruit of his work. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. God made it. He redeemed it. He will have it. He has not evaporated into some never-to-be-touched-again realm of the spirit. Jesus is reigning at the Father’s right hand until the time for the restoration of all things. He is coming again
What should this blessed hope mean to you? According to Hebrews, Chapter 9:27-28 - Just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
Christ is coming for those who eagerly await Him. His work began upon His birth and was completed upon the cross – where He cried – it is finished. The saving work of Christ completed – the second coming is setting the capstone on World History and the completion of God’s final plan. This will be a fact in History, which is His story.
Now down to brass tacks- This morning do you and I eagerly await the coming of Christ? And I don’t mean: Do you believe in the doctrine? Do you eagerly await him? This is a crucial test of your faith. And so the preciousness of Christ is the evidence of your faith. (see 1 Peter 2:7) And the anticipation of his coming is the evidence of his preciousness. And therefore you can test the level of your faith by whether you are eagerly waiting His coming.
Are you really trusting in the finished work of Christ or is this just an idea which is something beautiful to ponder? Is so then perhaps you may want to reconsider what you believe about the Word of God? Do you fully trust in it?
Christ’s coming is worthy of our eager expectation - close by trying to show from Titus 2:13 that the coming of Christ is worthy of our great and eager expectation. I pray that God will touch us and make us greatly desire His appearing.
Paul says that the appearance of the grace of God at Christ’s first coming trains us to wait eagerly for “our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Note three things
1. It Is our Blessed Hope
We should eagerly await the appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ because this is our BLESSED hope. A blessed hope is the opposite of a cursed hope. So the first reason to be eager for this great day is that it will mean blessing and not cursing.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). There is only blessing for those who are in Christ Jesus. As awesome as the coming of Christ will be, there will be no curse in it for Christians. Notice what Christ is called in this verse: “the great God and SAVIOR!” Savior! Not merely Judge.
2. It Is a Visible Hope- this event will be seen by all.
It is the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Ever since the Son of God became a man, men and women have wanted to see Jesus. Philip said to Nathaniel, “Come and see!” Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree because he wanted to see! The Greeks said to his disciple, “Sir, we would see Jesus!” The apostle Paul wrote, “Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face!” And John seems to make everything hang on this one hope: “It does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see Him as He is.”
3. It Is a Glorious Hope
It is “the appearing of THE GLORY of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Listen to John’s attempt to put this into words in Revelation:
I saw . . . one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden girdle round his breast; his head and his hair were white as white wool, white as snow; his eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined as in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of many waters; in his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth issued a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. (Revelation 1:13–16)
Do you strongly hope for the appearing of Christ? If not, confess your sin; repent and pray for the awakening of your heart; and set yourself to meditate on the blessedness, visibility, and glory of the coming of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, till He come.
AMEN
Outline and some textual content courtesy of John Piper. May 18.1986
Jan 7 Sermon 2024
Are you willing to become new in Christ in 2024? What is your vision for OBC in the coming year? How can you help the church meet these goals?
Ephesians 4:11-24
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the [e]edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
The New Man <what we should be becoming>
17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as [f]the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God,<due to sin> because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness <hardness> of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Vs 11-12 God in Jesus Christ gave skills to and through the church .Only 12 Apostles who had actually been and instructed by Jesus, and one out of time Saul of Tarsus who became Paul the disciple. Prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are present in the ministry today
As stated the purpose of these skills is for equipping us for the work of ministry to others to share Christ and other part is to edify or instruct the Church is doing its work on earth.
How long vs.13 says till we all come to the unity of faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the statue of the fullness of Christ.
Faith here refers to the body of revealed truth that constitutes Biblical teaching, featuring the complete and unique content of the gospel. Oneness and harmony amongst believers are possible only when they are built on the foundation of His sound doctrine. Now, the knowledge of the Son of God. This does not refer to salvation knowledge, but to the deep knowledge of Christ that a believer comes to have through prayer, faithful study of His Word, and obedience to His commands.
The fullness of Christ. God wants every believer to manifest the qualities of His Son, who is Himself the standard for their spiritual maturity and perfection. See Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18; Col. 1:28, 29.
Vs.14 If we are perfected in the renewing of our minds we will need to know and to practice discernment concerning the Truths in God’s Word. Then doctrine of a contrary nature will be detected and rejected as contrary to the explicit Word of God – Andy Stanley’s departure is an exemplar
Now to the key verse, vs. 15 - 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ--
Evangelism is most effective when the truth about God and what He has done is proclaimed in love. This can be accomplished only by the spiritually mature believer who is thoroughly equipped in and unto sound doctrine. Without spiritual maturity, the truth can be cold and love little more than sentimentality, meaning the term is used but there is no love just ego and pride. grow up . . . into Him. Believers in Christ must be completely yielded and obedient to the Lord’s will, subject to His controlling power and Christlike in all areas of their lives (cf. Gal. 2:20; Phil. 1:21). the head. Given the picture of the church as a body whose head is Christ, “head” is used in the sense of The authoritative leader who leads, guides, and commands.
The goal of salvation is to have us all become new men and women in Christ just like 2 Corinthians 5:17 states – becoming new creations.
Now He describes what you were previously
• that you should no longer walk as [f]the rest of the Gentiles walk, with futile minds
• having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the blindness of their heart;
• They have given themselves over to unbridled sin
Now He enters with what you can be with the help of the Holy Spirit who is in you for without <or apart from> Him you can do nothing (Jn.15.5).
So accordingly,
20 But you have not so learned Christ,
• 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus. Jesus is the Word (Jn.1.1)
• you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,
• be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness
• you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness
Romans 12:1-2 says, I beseech[a] you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your [b]reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Our aim is to share Jesus Christ and shine with the light that is in us by speaking the truth in love to others in 2024. Pray to be filled with the Spirit of God to do His work. AMEN
Are you willing to become new in Christ in 2024? What is your vision for OBC in the coming year? How can you help the church meet these goals?
Ephesians 4:11-24
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the [e]edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
The New Man <what we should be becoming>
17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as [f]the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God,<due to sin> because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness <hardness> of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Vs 11-12 God in Jesus Christ gave skills to and through the church .Only 12 Apostles who had actually been and instructed by Jesus, and one out of time Saul of Tarsus who became Paul the disciple. Prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are present in the ministry today
As stated the purpose of these skills is for equipping us for the work of ministry to others to share Christ and other part is to edify or instruct the Church is doing its work on earth.
How long vs.13 says till we all come to the unity of faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the statue of the fullness of Christ.
Faith here refers to the body of revealed truth that constitutes Biblical teaching, featuring the complete and unique content of the gospel. Oneness and harmony amongst believers are possible only when they are built on the foundation of His sound doctrine. Now, the knowledge of the Son of God. This does not refer to salvation knowledge, but to the deep knowledge of Christ that a believer comes to have through prayer, faithful study of His Word, and obedience to His commands.
The fullness of Christ. God wants every believer to manifest the qualities of His Son, who is Himself the standard for their spiritual maturity and perfection. See Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18; Col. 1:28, 29.
Vs.14 If we are perfected in the renewing of our minds we will need to know and to practice discernment concerning the Truths in God’s Word. Then doctrine of a contrary nature will be detected and rejected as contrary to the explicit Word of God – Andy Stanley’s departure is an exemplar
Now to the key verse, vs. 15 - 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ--
Evangelism is most effective when the truth about God and what He has done is proclaimed in love. This can be accomplished only by the spiritually mature believer who is thoroughly equipped in and unto sound doctrine. Without spiritual maturity, the truth can be cold and love little more than sentimentality, meaning the term is used but there is no love just ego and pride. grow up . . . into Him. Believers in Christ must be completely yielded and obedient to the Lord’s will, subject to His controlling power and Christlike in all areas of their lives (cf. Gal. 2:20; Phil. 1:21). the head. Given the picture of the church as a body whose head is Christ, “head” is used in the sense of The authoritative leader who leads, guides, and commands.
The goal of salvation is to have us all become new men and women in Christ just like 2 Corinthians 5:17 states – becoming new creations.
Now He describes what you were previously
• that you should no longer walk as [f]the rest of the Gentiles walk, with futile minds
• having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the blindness of their heart;
• They have given themselves over to unbridled sin
Now He enters with what you can be with the help of the Holy Spirit who is in you for without <or apart from> Him you can do nothing (Jn.15.5).
So accordingly,
20 But you have not so learned Christ,
• 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus. Jesus is the Word (Jn.1.1)
• you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,
• be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness
• you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness
Romans 12:1-2 says, I beseech[a] you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your [b]reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Our aim is to share Jesus Christ and shine with the light that is in us by speaking the truth in love to others in 2024. Pray to be filled with the Spirit of God to do His work. AMEN
Dec 31 Sermon
Opportunities in 2024. Do you understand the blessing and charter you have been given as you sit in this worship service today? God in his grace and mercy has granted to each of us the opportunity to be His servant and be obedient to His call for another year. Now, we don’t know how long we have in this new year until He comes or He calls us to Himself; but the fact that God is giving you breath, strength and resources for His service might startle you even though you are saved, born and again and are trying to allow God to lead you. We should realize that God has a plan for your life. But it is not your plan – you don’t own it God does and many of us have already begun plotting what we intend to do in the new year- many churches do the same thing. Do you understand that is selfish, self-centered and has shut God and the Holy Spirit’s leading right out the door? And if we do this we will miss the opportunities that God is going to bring before us, which He wants us to be about. OOPS- do you mean we will miss the blessing and miraculous workings of God for our own self-directed eagerness? Yes is the answer and what a waste.
So we need to focus on experiencing the presence and activity of God’s, who will lead us to see the opportunities which He wants. I personally believe that 2024 has the potential to have a richness and blessing which we cannot anticipate other than to believe that is what God in Christ Jesus wants for our church.
Oakland Baptist Church and we as a body of believers need to have a vision - Proverbs 29:18 says - Where there is no revelation <prophetic vision>, the people cast off restraint;
that means the vision is revealed to us by God and is not our wants
But happy <blessed> is he who keeps the law. We will be pleased and blessed if we keep to His vision.
I believe the vision for Oakland Baptist Church in 2024 should be to seek and to serve God for His purposes in 2024. This will cause us to make a personal commitment to share and shine for Jesus this coming year
To share Jesus means you become more devoted to the study and practice of the Word of God and its truths; it also means to seek Him in prayer and to hear His voice, which will result in our being available for active service day by day.
If we do this then the love of Christ will shine out through our hearts and
So the vision for OBC is to seek and to serve the Lord Jesus for His purposes in 2024. Then we will be available to share and shine as we walk by faith day by day.
You say great but how will this be possible as I live and function in a nation and a society which is increasingly more sinful, depraved and deluded and rejecting God?
To get some practical help in making this real in our lives, let us go to 1st Corinthians 13 and read this chapter. It is only 13 verses long with the punch line at the end – faith, hope and love remain but the greatest of these is love. I read from the NKJV for reference. Let us read,
1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body [a]to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not [b]puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, [c]thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is [d]perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Prayer- God we have just read your truth, open the eyes of our hearts that we may understand, believe and give us the vision to be faithful servants in this year to come- AMEN
Now many people read this as love poetry and as an expression of what love is supposed to be and how it should function. Which is ok but in this Chapter Paul is actually admonishing the church at Corinth for bad and destructive behaviors. The church was focusing on the status of individual spiritual gifts and fighting within as to individual status. In other words the classical children’s game of I am better than you are because I have and you don’t. Do you remember the nonsense of these games? I do. Anyhow, this competition was dividing the church at Corinth, ruining their fellowship and unity internally and destroying their witness and effectiveness as ministers of light for God. So Paul pens this letter of correction to them to set them straight.
I believe if we look at the Spirit filled direction Paul was giving them, there is direction for us and our obedience today. Lets look at what Paul was saying and see how it applies for opportunities for today.
In Chapter 13, the word "love" (agape ) is used referring to the deep and abiding affection of God and Christ for each other (Jn 15:10; 17:26) and for us (1Jn 4:9). It is also used of Christians in their relationship with one another (e.g., Jn 13:34-35). Christians are to love, because they belong to God.
In writing about tongues and prophecy (13:1-3), Paul is trying to counteract the excessive emphasis the Corinthians had on these gifts, which was destroying their love for Christ and for their fellow believers. This is one of the purposes of this letter but I don’t believe it is where God is leading us in our lesson today.
There are 4 distinct sections in this chapter. Verses 1-3, verses 4 to 7, verses 8 to 10 and verses 11-13, with special emphasis on verse 13.
I. In verses 1-3 without God’s love being our motivating factor we have nothing to share or give. And it is not human love which can achieve God’s work, it is agape or God’s love which he is describing. His love is so far above us we cannot fathom or sustain it. It is a parallel to what we see in the book of James concerning works. We cannot earn or work or do anything which will get us into heaven. If we attempt to serve and be obedient to God and serve others in our own strength and self-love we will undoubtedly fail for a clanging gong or sounding brass is hollow and empty and cannot sustain. We <can only> love God <and know Him> because He first loved us (1 Jn.4.19) (Jn.3.16) (Jn.15.5)
1st John 4:8 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
It is evident all through scripture that we can only love if God is in us.
So we need to grow in love in 2024 and to produce more fruit and do His will we must learn to love more completely.
II. Verses 4 to 7 tells about what is love and also what does not constitute love. Here true Christian love is described in both positive and negative terms. Its positive characteristics are patience (slow to become resentful), kindness, delight in the truth, and a protective, trusting, hopeful, and persevering attitude. Verses 4b-6a state love's negative characteristics. "Is not rude", Love "keeps no record of wrongs";. Love does not rejoice in evil, in which it has no part; but it does "rejoice with" the truth, with which it is aligned.
Further, love covers the faults of others rather than delighting in them (v.7). Love is trusting, optimistic, and willing to endure persecution In short, it "perseveres". Question is do we exhibit this kind of love as believers. Is there room for improving that should be our goal? We can only be transformed by the enduring presence of the Holy Spirt. He will enable us to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove <live out or exhibit> what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)
This love requires us to learn to walk in the Spirit and study the Word of God in 2024, both individually and as the church of believers.
III. Verses 8 to 10 speaks to the transient or temporary nature of all these gifts which are causing dissention. Gifts such as speaking in tongues, knowledge, prophecies and the like are identified. God is using Paul to tell believers, all these will fail eventually, when that which is perfect has come. And here is the punch line- but love never fails. This means that love endures eternally.
When we fully embrace the fact that the God’s love is what saved us, His love caused Him to send us a savior. And Jesus love for us made Him willing to suffer persecution for the joy which was set before Him and endure the cross. But it was God’s love which has been shed abroad in our hearts when we received Christ as savior. Romans 5:5 says this, Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For 2024 we need to focus on that which endures which the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord and He is our hope for today, tomorrow and for eternity.
Part IV verses 11-13, talks about growing in Christian maturity. Paul's illustration of a child's thoughts and speech, real but inadequately conceived and expressed in comparison with those of mature persons (v.11), speaks to the difference between the Christian's present understanding and expression of spiritual things and the perfect understanding and expression he or she will have in idea is that of an imperfect reflection seen in a polished metal mirror (cf. Jas 1:23) of the ancient world in contrast with seeing the Lord face to face (cf. Ge 32:30; Nu 12:8. Paul's thought in verse 12b may be: today through the Word of God, I know in part; then, in the presence of the Lord, I will know God more fully. So we should seek Him more fully as we become more vested in our faith.
But the three remain- Faith – 1. to grow in our faith and confidence is God (Heb 11.6). God is always angry when we exhibit a lack of faith. Jesus castigated His disciples continually for their continued lack of faith. What we Jesus have you do in 2024 to walk in faith?
2. Hope – for God is the God of Hope and we need to continue to place our trust and confidence in Him regardless of our circumstances. Romans 15:13 says, Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. Love- but the greatest of these is love in learning and allowing the Holy Spirit to grow us in love for Him, for one another and for others in 2024.
Amen
Opportunities in 2024. Do you understand the blessing and charter you have been given as you sit in this worship service today? God in his grace and mercy has granted to each of us the opportunity to be His servant and be obedient to His call for another year. Now, we don’t know how long we have in this new year until He comes or He calls us to Himself; but the fact that God is giving you breath, strength and resources for His service might startle you even though you are saved, born and again and are trying to allow God to lead you. We should realize that God has a plan for your life. But it is not your plan – you don’t own it God does and many of us have already begun plotting what we intend to do in the new year- many churches do the same thing. Do you understand that is selfish, self-centered and has shut God and the Holy Spirit’s leading right out the door? And if we do this we will miss the opportunities that God is going to bring before us, which He wants us to be about. OOPS- do you mean we will miss the blessing and miraculous workings of God for our own self-directed eagerness? Yes is the answer and what a waste.
So we need to focus on experiencing the presence and activity of God’s, who will lead us to see the opportunities which He wants. I personally believe that 2024 has the potential to have a richness and blessing which we cannot anticipate other than to believe that is what God in Christ Jesus wants for our church.
Oakland Baptist Church and we as a body of believers need to have a vision - Proverbs 29:18 says - Where there is no revelation <prophetic vision>, the people cast off restraint;
that means the vision is revealed to us by God and is not our wants
But happy <blessed> is he who keeps the law. We will be pleased and blessed if we keep to His vision.
I believe the vision for Oakland Baptist Church in 2024 should be to seek and to serve God for His purposes in 2024. This will cause us to make a personal commitment to share and shine for Jesus this coming year
To share Jesus means you become more devoted to the study and practice of the Word of God and its truths; it also means to seek Him in prayer and to hear His voice, which will result in our being available for active service day by day.
If we do this then the love of Christ will shine out through our hearts and
So the vision for OBC is to seek and to serve the Lord Jesus for His purposes in 2024. Then we will be available to share and shine as we walk by faith day by day.
You say great but how will this be possible as I live and function in a nation and a society which is increasingly more sinful, depraved and deluded and rejecting God?
To get some practical help in making this real in our lives, let us go to 1st Corinthians 13 and read this chapter. It is only 13 verses long with the punch line at the end – faith, hope and love remain but the greatest of these is love. I read from the NKJV for reference. Let us read,
1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body [a]to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not [b]puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, [c]thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is [d]perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Prayer- God we have just read your truth, open the eyes of our hearts that we may understand, believe and give us the vision to be faithful servants in this year to come- AMEN
Now many people read this as love poetry and as an expression of what love is supposed to be and how it should function. Which is ok but in this Chapter Paul is actually admonishing the church at Corinth for bad and destructive behaviors. The church was focusing on the status of individual spiritual gifts and fighting within as to individual status. In other words the classical children’s game of I am better than you are because I have and you don’t. Do you remember the nonsense of these games? I do. Anyhow, this competition was dividing the church at Corinth, ruining their fellowship and unity internally and destroying their witness and effectiveness as ministers of light for God. So Paul pens this letter of correction to them to set them straight.
I believe if we look at the Spirit filled direction Paul was giving them, there is direction for us and our obedience today. Lets look at what Paul was saying and see how it applies for opportunities for today.
In Chapter 13, the word "love" (agape ) is used referring to the deep and abiding affection of God and Christ for each other (Jn 15:10; 17:26) and for us (1Jn 4:9). It is also used of Christians in their relationship with one another (e.g., Jn 13:34-35). Christians are to love, because they belong to God.
In writing about tongues and prophecy (13:1-3), Paul is trying to counteract the excessive emphasis the Corinthians had on these gifts, which was destroying their love for Christ and for their fellow believers. This is one of the purposes of this letter but I don’t believe it is where God is leading us in our lesson today.
There are 4 distinct sections in this chapter. Verses 1-3, verses 4 to 7, verses 8 to 10 and verses 11-13, with special emphasis on verse 13.
I. In verses 1-3 without God’s love being our motivating factor we have nothing to share or give. And it is not human love which can achieve God’s work, it is agape or God’s love which he is describing. His love is so far above us we cannot fathom or sustain it. It is a parallel to what we see in the book of James concerning works. We cannot earn or work or do anything which will get us into heaven. If we attempt to serve and be obedient to God and serve others in our own strength and self-love we will undoubtedly fail for a clanging gong or sounding brass is hollow and empty and cannot sustain. We <can only> love God <and know Him> because He first loved us (1 Jn.4.19) (Jn.3.16) (Jn.15.5)
1st John 4:8 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
It is evident all through scripture that we can only love if God is in us.
So we need to grow in love in 2024 and to produce more fruit and do His will we must learn to love more completely.
II. Verses 4 to 7 tells about what is love and also what does not constitute love. Here true Christian love is described in both positive and negative terms. Its positive characteristics are patience (slow to become resentful), kindness, delight in the truth, and a protective, trusting, hopeful, and persevering attitude. Verses 4b-6a state love's negative characteristics. "Is not rude", Love "keeps no record of wrongs";. Love does not rejoice in evil, in which it has no part; but it does "rejoice with" the truth, with which it is aligned.
Further, love covers the faults of others rather than delighting in them (v.7). Love is trusting, optimistic, and willing to endure persecution In short, it "perseveres". Question is do we exhibit this kind of love as believers. Is there room for improving that should be our goal? We can only be transformed by the enduring presence of the Holy Spirt. He will enable us to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove <live out or exhibit> what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)
This love requires us to learn to walk in the Spirit and study the Word of God in 2024, both individually and as the church of believers.
III. Verses 8 to 10 speaks to the transient or temporary nature of all these gifts which are causing dissention. Gifts such as speaking in tongues, knowledge, prophecies and the like are identified. God is using Paul to tell believers, all these will fail eventually, when that which is perfect has come. And here is the punch line- but love never fails. This means that love endures eternally.
When we fully embrace the fact that the God’s love is what saved us, His love caused Him to send us a savior. And Jesus love for us made Him willing to suffer persecution for the joy which was set before Him and endure the cross. But it was God’s love which has been shed abroad in our hearts when we received Christ as savior. Romans 5:5 says this, Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For 2024 we need to focus on that which endures which the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord and He is our hope for today, tomorrow and for eternity.
Part IV verses 11-13, talks about growing in Christian maturity. Paul's illustration of a child's thoughts and speech, real but inadequately conceived and expressed in comparison with those of mature persons (v.11), speaks to the difference between the Christian's present understanding and expression of spiritual things and the perfect understanding and expression he or she will have in idea is that of an imperfect reflection seen in a polished metal mirror (cf. Jas 1:23) of the ancient world in contrast with seeing the Lord face to face (cf. Ge 32:30; Nu 12:8. Paul's thought in verse 12b may be: today through the Word of God, I know in part; then, in the presence of the Lord, I will know God more fully. So we should seek Him more fully as we become more vested in our faith.
But the three remain- Faith – 1. to grow in our faith and confidence is God (Heb 11.6). God is always angry when we exhibit a lack of faith. Jesus castigated His disciples continually for their continued lack of faith. What we Jesus have you do in 2024 to walk in faith?
2. Hope – for God is the God of Hope and we need to continue to place our trust and confidence in Him regardless of our circumstances. Romans 15:13 says, Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. Love- but the greatest of these is love in learning and allowing the Holy Spirit to grow us in love for Him, for one another and for others in 2024.
Amen
Dec 24 Sermon Christmas Eve
I want to talk about the wonder of that first Christmas eve. Darkness was across the face of the Earth almost in parallel with what it was like at creation. But the darkness here at Jesus birth was not so much physical as spiritual. It is very much like it is today, with so much evil, disinformation, hatred, murder, and sexual licentiousness. Yes it was a dark night, the night of His coming into the world. But this darkness is representative of the evil which surrounded the nation. An evil which perpetual as we read the books of the Old Testament leading up to the birth of Jesus. There was 400 years between the last Word from the Lord in Malachi and the coming of the Light of Jesus. 400 years of no revelation from God.
What does light represent? I believe there is so much light given at the birth of Jesus because light represents the Glory and holiness of God, in His beauty and His Majesty. The introduction of light into the beginning of Jesus life and ministry is a response to the prophet foretelling of Him and His arrival and presents us with a major shift in the life of Israel and especially for us who were not of the nation of Israel.
As we begin our journey to look at the light which came at Christmas and the coming of the great light, I would like to anchor our thoughts and understanding to one verse, in Ephesians, Chapter 1 and verse 11. Here is what it says, 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will. I pray you will meditate on the reality of this verse for it struck me like a bullet to the heart. The key phrase is according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.
All things in our lives and in this world operate according to this concept. What concept? according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.
So, there is nothing in this life and in our lives that does not function within this concept. God is working all things out according to the counsel of His will. Yes you have free choice but God according to Romans works all thing for good, regardless of your choices.
So the God who saw our lives before creation, and the God who knew that in His perfect garden, we would sin, and who led a rebellious nation still pursues all things according to the counsel of His will, for His purpose and by His ways.
This is the omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient God who is over all. He brings light to destroy and defeat the sins of this world.
So let’s walk through His Word, even though the light comes first and foremost in Genesis 1 we will begin Genesis 3 with the fall of Man as he hides from God who is walking in the cool of the evening calling for Adam. Sin and darkness have now saturated God’s perfect creation. There in Chapter 3, God promises to defeat the head of the snake and restore this relationship. But it will take generations for this to be accomplished
God’s people and God’s purpose were never defeated n=by our sin, even while we chose to depart from the ways of God and to no longer honor His covenant. Sacrificing Him to the values of a sinful world, just like we are doing in our days. We have departed as a nation and are warring against God. You must realize this is a spiritual war and will only be won on our knees, through obedience and sharing the truth and shining with the light from within.
So what story does God tell through the light of His Word After and in the midst of sin God gives the prophet in Isaiah 9:2
The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.
Israel because of their sins rejected the truth but God was planning through His grace to send the light into the world to save a people for Himself. A great light meaning a messiah was to come because God shined the light
So where do we find mention of the light of His coming?
Matthew 2
2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, [a]wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” {a star representing the light}
Go to verse 9
9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star <the light > which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
<do you see the response to the light of the star, which is the promise of His coming, with exceeding great joy. Shouldn’t that be our response? So wise men see the light and walk to find it source. But even before that who did God send the light to first? The poorest and most lowly of society- Shepherds, the outcasts from the temple who was always unclean by the religious authorities.
Go to Luke, Chapter 2.
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And [b]behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
Choirs of angels showed up quoting the words of Isaiah We have testimony to this in Matthew 4:16
The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.”
In John, chapter 8:12 It says, Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (you will have light in you)
In John 9:5, Jesus says, As long as I am in the world I am the light of the world.” As long as the Spirit of God is present in you and I and in this world then the light of the world is present
Further in John 11:9, Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. The light in you is the presence of God. He is ensuring if you listen and obey you will not fall utterly.
Christ Jesus’ eternal light continues on and has the same impact today as it did when Jesus was here, see In Acts 22:6, it says “Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me.
Paul is testifying that after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus to heaven many years earlier. He, Paul, is struck to the ground by the light of Christ and his life is transformed completely.
So this Christmas is the light of Christ shining in your life and in your home. If His light is not shining in your hearts you will miss Christmas. We are to called to shine with light from above. Will you join me this Christmas in celebrating the life of Christ from within?
Merry Christmas to you and if you want to know more about the light, see me soon.
Amen
I want to talk about the wonder of that first Christmas eve. Darkness was across the face of the Earth almost in parallel with what it was like at creation. But the darkness here at Jesus birth was not so much physical as spiritual. It is very much like it is today, with so much evil, disinformation, hatred, murder, and sexual licentiousness. Yes it was a dark night, the night of His coming into the world. But this darkness is representative of the evil which surrounded the nation. An evil which perpetual as we read the books of the Old Testament leading up to the birth of Jesus. There was 400 years between the last Word from the Lord in Malachi and the coming of the Light of Jesus. 400 years of no revelation from God.
What does light represent? I believe there is so much light given at the birth of Jesus because light represents the Glory and holiness of God, in His beauty and His Majesty. The introduction of light into the beginning of Jesus life and ministry is a response to the prophet foretelling of Him and His arrival and presents us with a major shift in the life of Israel and especially for us who were not of the nation of Israel.
As we begin our journey to look at the light which came at Christmas and the coming of the great light, I would like to anchor our thoughts and understanding to one verse, in Ephesians, Chapter 1 and verse 11. Here is what it says, 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will. I pray you will meditate on the reality of this verse for it struck me like a bullet to the heart. The key phrase is according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.
All things in our lives and in this world operate according to this concept. What concept? according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.
So, there is nothing in this life and in our lives that does not function within this concept. God is working all things out according to the counsel of His will. Yes you have free choice but God according to Romans works all thing for good, regardless of your choices.
So the God who saw our lives before creation, and the God who knew that in His perfect garden, we would sin, and who led a rebellious nation still pursues all things according to the counsel of His will, for His purpose and by His ways.
This is the omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient God who is over all. He brings light to destroy and defeat the sins of this world.
So let’s walk through His Word, even though the light comes first and foremost in Genesis 1 we will begin Genesis 3 with the fall of Man as he hides from God who is walking in the cool of the evening calling for Adam. Sin and darkness have now saturated God’s perfect creation. There in Chapter 3, God promises to defeat the head of the snake and restore this relationship. But it will take generations for this to be accomplished
God’s people and God’s purpose were never defeated n=by our sin, even while we chose to depart from the ways of God and to no longer honor His covenant. Sacrificing Him to the values of a sinful world, just like we are doing in our days. We have departed as a nation and are warring against God. You must realize this is a spiritual war and will only be won on our knees, through obedience and sharing the truth and shining with the light from within.
So what story does God tell through the light of His Word After and in the midst of sin God gives the prophet in Isaiah 9:2
The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.
Israel because of their sins rejected the truth but God was planning through His grace to send the light into the world to save a people for Himself. A great light meaning a messiah was to come because God shined the light
So where do we find mention of the light of His coming?
Matthew 2
2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, [a]wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” {a star representing the light}
Go to verse 9
9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star <the light > which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
<do you see the response to the light of the star, which is the promise of His coming, with exceeding great joy. Shouldn’t that be our response? So wise men see the light and walk to find it source. But even before that who did God send the light to first? The poorest and most lowly of society- Shepherds, the outcasts from the temple who was always unclean by the religious authorities.
Go to Luke, Chapter 2.
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And [b]behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
Choirs of angels showed up quoting the words of Isaiah We have testimony to this in Matthew 4:16
The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.”
In John, chapter 8:12 It says, Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (you will have light in you)
In John 9:5, Jesus says, As long as I am in the world I am the light of the world.” As long as the Spirit of God is present in you and I and in this world then the light of the world is present
Further in John 11:9, Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. The light in you is the presence of God. He is ensuring if you listen and obey you will not fall utterly.
Christ Jesus’ eternal light continues on and has the same impact today as it did when Jesus was here, see In Acts 22:6, it says “Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me.
Paul is testifying that after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus to heaven many years earlier. He, Paul, is struck to the ground by the light of Christ and his life is transformed completely.
So this Christmas is the light of Christ shining in your life and in your home. If His light is not shining in your hearts you will miss Christmas. We are to called to shine with light from above. Will you join me this Christmas in celebrating the life of Christ from within?
Merry Christmas to you and if you want to know more about the light, see me soon.
Amen
Dec 17 Sermon
“Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14
The educated man is ignorant, the strong man is weak, and the wealthy man is poor who doesn’t understand the true meaning of Christmas. And each one fears something in their life.
Tell me what benefit is it to men on the moon or on Mars if we can’t get Christ in our hearts? What good is it to know astronomy, and how the heavens move, and not know Jesus, the Bright and Morning Star, and how to be assured of going to Heaven? What good is it to know botany and the study of nature and its functions and not know Jesus, Heaven’s sweetest rose, the Rose of Sharon, who can perfume any life? What good is it to know all history, yet not know that history is His story? What good is it to know geology and the ages of rocks and not know Jesus, the Rock of Ages? “For it is in Him we live and move and have our being”
Jesus was not just another child. He was not just the Galilean peasant, the great teacher. He was supernatural and He is God
The first Christmas God sent a package to earth. This package was a gift of deity wrapped up in humanity. What a marvelous thing this is. It’s supernatural.
You and I will not understand Christmas until we understand that this child was born of a virgin. This child is supernaturally birthed and is the very Son of God. Never forget this. Read the words of Isaiah 9:6-7. Let his prophecy about this child speak to you today.
The name Immanuel reminds us of this glorious promise of our eternal Father to His people. He is not a remote or distant God, but a God who is “with us.” This promise of the Lord’s sustaining presence has sustained many in their grief and devastation.“
Repeatedly in the Old Testament books, we are reminded that God is with His people. After the death of Moses, Joshua is faced with the frightening prospect of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, which is full of pagan tribes. Here is the promise to Joshua: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
(Joshua 1:9).
Facing overwhelming armies, King Jehoshaphat is told, “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. … the Lord will be with you” (2 Chronicles 20:17). Similarly, King Hezekiah, facing the mass of Assyrians, is again told not to be afraid or dismayed, for “with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles” (2 Chronicles 32:8). The Psalmist repeats that even in the valley of the shadow of death, God’s people should fear no evil, “for Thou are with me” (Psalm 23:4).
Psalm 46 states in verse 10 than being anxious and afraid, we are told: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Peace in the midst of turmoil and confusion? Yes. We can trust our God, knowing that He is “a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1) and is with us.
Should then we be surprised that one of the wonderful descriptive names given to our Savior is Immanuel. Matthew’s gospel account quotes from Isaiah 7:14, In Matthew, Chapter 1 verse 23 he writes, “‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.’ “God with us” is one of the essential truths of Christmas. A truth that dispels loneliness and fear, brings comfort to our grieving hearts and provides peace to our anxious souls. With the arrival of God’s Son to Earth at Christmas, we celebrate that the great, eternal, awesome God who is now with us: Immanuel.
So the promise of Immanuel – God with us is delivered by Jesus as we live “in Him.” What does this mean, this having Jesus in our hearts? It means He:
1. Relieves man’s greatest fear
2. Solves man’s greatest need
3. Provides God’s greatest gift
4 Delivers a promise that no one else can match.
As we study God’s Word we will find the answers to these things. So number Point # 1 - Immanuel relieves man’s greatest fear. Man’s greatest fear is the fear of being alone. Many psychological studies and examination of men and women in total isolation provides insight into the human condition of what happens when we are totally isolated and alone with no interaction. The history of prisoners of war who were kept in isolation, whether it be the Korean war, Vietnam or more recent examples of people being totally isolated for over 438 days provides insight into what happens in the heart, mind and spirits of those kept. Many of those POWs actually committed suicide by losing heart and their touch with reality. They simply gave up and pulled a blanket over their heads and willed themselves to die. Many people hallucinate, demonstrate highly fearful and self-destructive behaviors, schizophrenia an lose touch with reality. God created men and women to interact with Him and have a personal relationship with Him. Many have died in their sins because they do not know the God who promises to be in us and with us. His name is Immanuel. Remember all the verses we just examined Joshua, Jehoshaphat, Moses, Hezekiah, all faced fearful and difficult circumstances and had to be reminded them that God would never leave them or forsake them. So having been saved by grace through faith and having calling upon the name of Jesus by whosoever will, allows the gift of Immanuel <God with us > to overcome our fear of being alone, because Jesus Christ is always present. Remember what God said in Genesis 2:18, " And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” We were never meant to live and function in isolation and the third but most essential part of this relationship is God as Immanuel is the apex of the triangle.
Point #2- Immanuel solves man’s greatest need. The bible is quite clear about what our need is. We have a chronic and incurable disease which is called by sin. Because of the fall of man we have a sin nature, which we are born with. The bible says quite clearly that, “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 2:23). “The wages of sin is death” according to Romans 6:23 and none of us is righteous no not one and so none of all could ever stand in the presence of God on the basis of what we had done or served or given to God. But the miracle of grace which was given by God was a savior called Jesus, who from ages past was called Immanuel – God with us. The miracle of miracles is that God sent His Son in the midst of a sinful, God hating and rejecting people. Romans 5:8 should be written on the walls of your heart. It says that “8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Without Immanuel there would be no forgiveness of sins, meaning none of us would receive salvation through justification of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. So Immanuel when He is received by faith into the heart of a sinner saved by grace, has paid the sin debt, given you salvation by grace through faith and has eternally made you a child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lord. The promise in John 14 is that where He is you will be also from the day, date, hour, minute and second your received Him. This is Immanuel God with us.
Point #3 -Immanuel provides us God’s greatest gift perpetually and eternally.
The very second you by faith ask to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, you are asking Immanuel, God with us, to come in and take up permanent residence in your lives not just for a moment but for eternity.
God does what you cannot do He seals you into Himself by the Holy Spirit of promise for eternity. He actually gives you a part of Himself as earnest <down payment> for your future redemption and translation into the Kingdom of Heaven. He does this not because of any merit on your part but He is providing Him your next step of salvation which is sanctification _ meaning I am being saved
Let’s understand something those who choose not to receive God in the Lord Jesus Christ do so deliberately. According to the Word of God, in Romans 1:20- 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and [g]Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
As a second measure God gives each of us a conscience to help us train our minds and find the truth. In Romans Chapter 2 it says in verses 14 to 16: for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel. So there is no excuse. When men and women, boys and girls refuse the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ it has eternal and supernatural consequences. You are committing the unpardonable sin of rejecting the Holy Spirit of God.
Read Romans Chapter 6 vs 19-20 , good there proof of the truth. You will find there that Jesus has move His temple from a building to the human heart – for you are the temple of the Holy Spirit and you are not your own. You have been bought with the price of blood that comes from Immanuel’s veins.
Point #4 – Jesus as Immanuel, forever delivers a promise which no one else can deliver. He gives us the Philippians 4:6-8, 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
No one else can give us the mind of Christ. AMEN
Jesus our Immanuel
'
“Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14
The educated man is ignorant, the strong man is weak, and the wealthy man is poor who doesn’t understand the true meaning of Christmas. And each one fears something in their life.
Tell me what benefit is it to men on the moon or on Mars if we can’t get Christ in our hearts? What good is it to know astronomy, and how the heavens move, and not know Jesus, the Bright and Morning Star, and how to be assured of going to Heaven? What good is it to know botany and the study of nature and its functions and not know Jesus, Heaven’s sweetest rose, the Rose of Sharon, who can perfume any life? What good is it to know all history, yet not know that history is His story? What good is it to know geology and the ages of rocks and not know Jesus, the Rock of Ages? “For it is in Him we live and move and have our being”
Jesus was not just another child. He was not just the Galilean peasant, the great teacher. He was supernatural and He is God
The first Christmas God sent a package to earth. This package was a gift of deity wrapped up in humanity. What a marvelous thing this is. It’s supernatural.
You and I will not understand Christmas until we understand that this child was born of a virgin. This child is supernaturally birthed and is the very Son of God. Never forget this. Read the words of Isaiah 9:6-7. Let his prophecy about this child speak to you today.
The name Immanuel reminds us of this glorious promise of our eternal Father to His people. He is not a remote or distant God, but a God who is “with us.” This promise of the Lord’s sustaining presence has sustained many in their grief and devastation.“
Repeatedly in the Old Testament books, we are reminded that God is with His people. After the death of Moses, Joshua is faced with the frightening prospect of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, which is full of pagan tribes. Here is the promise to Joshua: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
(Joshua 1:9).
Facing overwhelming armies, King Jehoshaphat is told, “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. … the Lord will be with you” (2 Chronicles 20:17). Similarly, King Hezekiah, facing the mass of Assyrians, is again told not to be afraid or dismayed, for “with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles” (2 Chronicles 32:8). The Psalmist repeats that even in the valley of the shadow of death, God’s people should fear no evil, “for Thou are with me” (Psalm 23:4).
Psalm 46 states in verse 10 than being anxious and afraid, we are told: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Peace in the midst of turmoil and confusion? Yes. We can trust our God, knowing that He is “a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1) and is with us.
Should then we be surprised that one of the wonderful descriptive names given to our Savior is Immanuel. Matthew’s gospel account quotes from Isaiah 7:14, In Matthew, Chapter 1 verse 23 he writes, “‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.’ “God with us” is one of the essential truths of Christmas. A truth that dispels loneliness and fear, brings comfort to our grieving hearts and provides peace to our anxious souls. With the arrival of God’s Son to Earth at Christmas, we celebrate that the great, eternal, awesome God who is now with us: Immanuel.
So the promise of Immanuel – God with us is delivered by Jesus as we live “in Him.” What does this mean, this having Jesus in our hearts? It means He:
1. Relieves man’s greatest fear
2. Solves man’s greatest need
3. Provides God’s greatest gift
4 Delivers a promise that no one else can match.
As we study God’s Word we will find the answers to these things. So number Point # 1 - Immanuel relieves man’s greatest fear. Man’s greatest fear is the fear of being alone. Many psychological studies and examination of men and women in total isolation provides insight into the human condition of what happens when we are totally isolated and alone with no interaction. The history of prisoners of war who were kept in isolation, whether it be the Korean war, Vietnam or more recent examples of people being totally isolated for over 438 days provides insight into what happens in the heart, mind and spirits of those kept. Many of those POWs actually committed suicide by losing heart and their touch with reality. They simply gave up and pulled a blanket over their heads and willed themselves to die. Many people hallucinate, demonstrate highly fearful and self-destructive behaviors, schizophrenia an lose touch with reality. God created men and women to interact with Him and have a personal relationship with Him. Many have died in their sins because they do not know the God who promises to be in us and with us. His name is Immanuel. Remember all the verses we just examined Joshua, Jehoshaphat, Moses, Hezekiah, all faced fearful and difficult circumstances and had to be reminded them that God would never leave them or forsake them. So having been saved by grace through faith and having calling upon the name of Jesus by whosoever will, allows the gift of Immanuel <God with us > to overcome our fear of being alone, because Jesus Christ is always present. Remember what God said in Genesis 2:18, " And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” We were never meant to live and function in isolation and the third but most essential part of this relationship is God as Immanuel is the apex of the triangle.
Point #2- Immanuel solves man’s greatest need. The bible is quite clear about what our need is. We have a chronic and incurable disease which is called by sin. Because of the fall of man we have a sin nature, which we are born with. The bible says quite clearly that, “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 2:23). “The wages of sin is death” according to Romans 6:23 and none of us is righteous no not one and so none of all could ever stand in the presence of God on the basis of what we had done or served or given to God. But the miracle of grace which was given by God was a savior called Jesus, who from ages past was called Immanuel – God with us. The miracle of miracles is that God sent His Son in the midst of a sinful, God hating and rejecting people. Romans 5:8 should be written on the walls of your heart. It says that “8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Without Immanuel there would be no forgiveness of sins, meaning none of us would receive salvation through justification of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. So Immanuel when He is received by faith into the heart of a sinner saved by grace, has paid the sin debt, given you salvation by grace through faith and has eternally made you a child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lord. The promise in John 14 is that where He is you will be also from the day, date, hour, minute and second your received Him. This is Immanuel God with us.
Point #3 -Immanuel provides us God’s greatest gift perpetually and eternally.
The very second you by faith ask to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, you are asking Immanuel, God with us, to come in and take up permanent residence in your lives not just for a moment but for eternity.
God does what you cannot do He seals you into Himself by the Holy Spirit of promise for eternity. He actually gives you a part of Himself as earnest <down payment> for your future redemption and translation into the Kingdom of Heaven. He does this not because of any merit on your part but He is providing Him your next step of salvation which is sanctification _ meaning I am being saved
Let’s understand something those who choose not to receive God in the Lord Jesus Christ do so deliberately. According to the Word of God, in Romans 1:20- 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and [g]Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
As a second measure God gives each of us a conscience to help us train our minds and find the truth. In Romans Chapter 2 it says in verses 14 to 16: for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel. So there is no excuse. When men and women, boys and girls refuse the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ it has eternal and supernatural consequences. You are committing the unpardonable sin of rejecting the Holy Spirit of God.
Read Romans Chapter 6 vs 19-20 , good there proof of the truth. You will find there that Jesus has move His temple from a building to the human heart – for you are the temple of the Holy Spirit and you are not your own. You have been bought with the price of blood that comes from Immanuel’s veins.
Point #4 – Jesus as Immanuel, forever delivers a promise which no one else can deliver. He gives us the Philippians 4:6-8, 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
No one else can give us the mind of Christ. AMEN
Jesus our Immanuel
'
Dec 10 Sermon
Do you really know and appreciate our God, the Almighty God of the heavens? I am not so sure that I do. For all of a sudden, He gives me a word, or a phrase or a circumstance which I can relate to what He has done or has been doing, back since my childhood. The other day He took me reminiscing about something I used to do as a child for amusement in church? I now know that by my immature and ignorant response I did not understand that He was trying to speak to my heart; but I was nowhere and in no way inclined to listen or respond. Just too immature and blind to acknowledge His ways. But now I can see He had been working way back when in my life.
So now, He has given me this idea about blindness. Not physical blindness but spiritual blindness; and then He associates that with the idea of His name is Wonderful. Next, He builds a picture of how this all comes together at the advent or the birth date of His Son. Hopefully you will see and understand this in our lesson for today.
Did you ever stop to consider that Almighty God, the maker of heaven and earth, is the great orchestrator and He does not miss a single detail in His creation and linking all things perfectly. You could start by just looking at the timing of the birth of Jesus. We will not do that here but it might be good as you prepare for your Christmas.
We will begin in Isaiah Chapter 9, just verse 2, to begin with, and then we will later discuss verses 6 and 7. Read verse 2 with me,
2The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined.
May God bless His Word to our hearts and our understanding. AMEN
Remember with me, God in creation separated the darkness from the light and called them day and night. Here in Isaiah’s text the prophet is talking about the spiritual darkness created by sin. Which is very much like we have in our world today. We have read passages with similar messages from Jesus speaking in Matt. Chapter 24, Paul in his letters to the Churches, Jude and his letter, John and the prophets together all speak about sin and the spiritual darkness. You can go to the Gospel of John Chapter 1 where Jesus is called the light shining in the darkness, and the darkness could not comprehend or overshadow/dampen it or put it out.
Spiritual darkness is rampant in our world – many people question -why are we here? What are we made for? Is there really a God and I have read the Bible and not understood it or I have no interest in God, heaven or Jesus.
This is the beauty, the majesty and the wonder of Christmas that God, that on a dark night, in a time of great famine for the Word of God – 400 years since God had intervened; in a place where the spiritual and political leadership, and those supposed to be serving the people were all corrupt, having lost their heart for God and were spiritually blind. Why because they had reject God’s rule, making impure tithes, worshiping other Gods and sacrificing their children to idols- very much like we are doing today. Satan is a liar from the beginning and his objective is to destroy in hell what God has created for good.(Jn.8.44)
But darkness of the spirit creates despair, destroys hope and diminishes faith in God and in His plan and purpose “to give you a future and a hope.” Many in our world are living in that place today with all the drug use, addiction to cell phones, pornography and ever other vice which removes us for the pain of living in this world and at this time.
But God has a plan and it begins in verse 6 of Chapter 9 O Isaiah, please read;
6 For unto us a Child is born, <not just any baby>
Unto us a Son is given; <Son of God>
And the government will be upon His shoulder. <rulership of this world>
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Let’s only focus today on verse 6 and the first phrase of verse 7 only.
Isaiah’s message is that God is going to send someone, Who? His only holy and perfect Son is whom He will send. His Son who created all, so He will rule all creation and all created beings. That perfect and right rulership begins in a transformed human heart which has been purified and cleansed so it can even recognize or receive the truth, and by faith repent, then believe and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and the Son of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
So in His perfect timing of absolute darkness – night; He comes the light of our world - Jesus Christ and His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
These terms could also be used to describe the unity between God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Wonderful is Jesus name, His name is Wonderful. Counselor could also relate to the Holy Spirit and Mighty God and Everlasting Father to God the Father and again Prince of Peace to Jesus Himself.
Have you ever considered Jesus as Wonderful? Wonderful is an adjective. The definition of is:
So God planned for Jesus to come in the middle of the night, in the darkness representing the spiritual darkness and they saw a great star in the East announcing His birth and the Magi followed the light to find the savior of all those willing to receive the gift of His Son and that He is Wonderful, splendid, astonishing, outside anything you could ever imagine.
We close with this story from the book of Judges about the birth of Sampson – gee another special baby. When Mrs. Manoah, who was barren told Mr. Manoah <her name is never told in the book> that a “man” came today and told her she would bear a son and he was to be a “Nazarite from birth.” Manoah said show me the man and the man, just happened to be “the Angel of the Lord.” A pre-incarnate visit from the Son of God, who we call Jesus. We read in
Judges Chapter 13: 17-18, . 17 Then Manoah said to the Angel of the Lord, “What is Your name, that when Your words come to pass we may honor You?”
18 And the Angel of the Lord said to him, “Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?”
And the person called Wonderful is the Spiritual and soon to be physical Light of the World and darkness flees and fears the light. He wants to be the light of your life will you surrender to Him today?
God has a plan for your life, a perfect plan. Will you walk with Him today to discover His will for your life? I believe you’ll find that the package He prepares for you and the life He lives in you will be astonishing and forever a blessing starting from today, for today is the day of Salvation AMEN
Do you really know and appreciate our God, the Almighty God of the heavens? I am not so sure that I do. For all of a sudden, He gives me a word, or a phrase or a circumstance which I can relate to what He has done or has been doing, back since my childhood. The other day He took me reminiscing about something I used to do as a child for amusement in church? I now know that by my immature and ignorant response I did not understand that He was trying to speak to my heart; but I was nowhere and in no way inclined to listen or respond. Just too immature and blind to acknowledge His ways. But now I can see He had been working way back when in my life.
So now, He has given me this idea about blindness. Not physical blindness but spiritual blindness; and then He associates that with the idea of His name is Wonderful. Next, He builds a picture of how this all comes together at the advent or the birth date of His Son. Hopefully you will see and understand this in our lesson for today.
Did you ever stop to consider that Almighty God, the maker of heaven and earth, is the great orchestrator and He does not miss a single detail in His creation and linking all things perfectly. You could start by just looking at the timing of the birth of Jesus. We will not do that here but it might be good as you prepare for your Christmas.
We will begin in Isaiah Chapter 9, just verse 2, to begin with, and then we will later discuss verses 6 and 7. Read verse 2 with me,
2The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined.
May God bless His Word to our hearts and our understanding. AMEN
Remember with me, God in creation separated the darkness from the light and called them day and night. Here in Isaiah’s text the prophet is talking about the spiritual darkness created by sin. Which is very much like we have in our world today. We have read passages with similar messages from Jesus speaking in Matt. Chapter 24, Paul in his letters to the Churches, Jude and his letter, John and the prophets together all speak about sin and the spiritual darkness. You can go to the Gospel of John Chapter 1 where Jesus is called the light shining in the darkness, and the darkness could not comprehend or overshadow/dampen it or put it out.
Spiritual darkness is rampant in our world – many people question -why are we here? What are we made for? Is there really a God and I have read the Bible and not understood it or I have no interest in God, heaven or Jesus.
This is the beauty, the majesty and the wonder of Christmas that God, that on a dark night, in a time of great famine for the Word of God – 400 years since God had intervened; in a place where the spiritual and political leadership, and those supposed to be serving the people were all corrupt, having lost their heart for God and were spiritually blind. Why because they had reject God’s rule, making impure tithes, worshiping other Gods and sacrificing their children to idols- very much like we are doing today. Satan is a liar from the beginning and his objective is to destroy in hell what God has created for good.(Jn.8.44)
But darkness of the spirit creates despair, destroys hope and diminishes faith in God and in His plan and purpose “to give you a future and a hope.” Many in our world are living in that place today with all the drug use, addiction to cell phones, pornography and ever other vice which removes us for the pain of living in this world and at this time.
But God has a plan and it begins in verse 6 of Chapter 9 O Isaiah, please read;
6 For unto us a Child is born, <not just any baby>
Unto us a Son is given; <Son of God>
And the government will be upon His shoulder. <rulership of this world>
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Let’s only focus today on verse 6 and the first phrase of verse 7 only.
Isaiah’s message is that God is going to send someone, Who? His only holy and perfect Son is whom He will send. His Son who created all, so He will rule all creation and all created beings. That perfect and right rulership begins in a transformed human heart which has been purified and cleansed so it can even recognize or receive the truth, and by faith repent, then believe and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and the Son of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
So in His perfect timing of absolute darkness – night; He comes the light of our world - Jesus Christ and His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
These terms could also be used to describe the unity between God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Wonderful is Jesus name, His name is Wonderful. Counselor could also relate to the Holy Spirit and Mighty God and Everlasting Father to God the Father and again Prince of Peace to Jesus Himself.
Have you ever considered Jesus as Wonderful? Wonderful is an adjective. The definition of is:
- Admirable or very good; excellent or splendid.
- Capable of eliciting wonder; astonishing.
- Adapted to excite wonder or admiration; surprising; strange; astonishing.
So God planned for Jesus to come in the middle of the night, in the darkness representing the spiritual darkness and they saw a great star in the East announcing His birth and the Magi followed the light to find the savior of all those willing to receive the gift of His Son and that He is Wonderful, splendid, astonishing, outside anything you could ever imagine.
We close with this story from the book of Judges about the birth of Sampson – gee another special baby. When Mrs. Manoah, who was barren told Mr. Manoah <her name is never told in the book> that a “man” came today and told her she would bear a son and he was to be a “Nazarite from birth.” Manoah said show me the man and the man, just happened to be “the Angel of the Lord.” A pre-incarnate visit from the Son of God, who we call Jesus. We read in
Judges Chapter 13: 17-18, . 17 Then Manoah said to the Angel of the Lord, “What is Your name, that when Your words come to pass we may honor You?”
18 And the Angel of the Lord said to him, “Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?”
And the person called Wonderful is the Spiritual and soon to be physical Light of the World and darkness flees and fears the light. He wants to be the light of your life will you surrender to Him today?
God has a plan for your life, a perfect plan. Will you walk with Him today to discover His will for your life? I believe you’ll find that the package He prepares for you and the life He lives in you will be astonishing and forever a blessing starting from today, for today is the day of Salvation AMEN
Dec 3 Christmas Program Sermon
One of the great lines from the story, T’was the night before Christmas and all through the house, is the ending where Santa says, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. Meaning may the gifts and the season please you and give you rest.
The expectation of the watchers that night was that there was a real Santa Clause who provided great gifts for all the children. This is a great and powerful belief, but there is one which is a whole lot better and more lasting than any gift which may be left under the green and sparkling lights of our Christmas tree. This Gift comes from our Father in heaven who uniquely created each one of us and that gift is a person and His name is Jesus – the Son of God. The gift that comes through trusting Him and believing and asking Jesus into our hearts is an everlasting and transforming gift which is unimaginable.
In the Bible in the book of Acts Chapter 9, when we read this text we see the awesome reality of an encounter with the risen and glorified Christ and the gifts He imparts.
If you will allow me to paraphrase some of the events in Chapter 9, it begins essentially as an event having two players. The main character is Saul of Tarsus who will soon become Paul the Apostle and a little know individual called Ananias. Now this is not the Ananias the high priest many of us think about who was part of the priesthood. This Ananias was the faithful mall-town servant of the Lord in Damascus.
Saul in on the way to Damascus to put those disbelieving Christians in jail for being deniers of the rightful laws of Judaism. According to what Paul knew before encountering Jesus, they had to earn their way into heaven my keeping the law and temple worship, purifying themselves according to the law of Moses, not by having faith and trusting in some dead criminal, who had died on a Roman cross. To be hung on a tree according to His bible was to be accursed of God. So Saul/Paul is thinking he is earning merit badges for heaven by persecuting people of the Way – which we now call Christians.
But a funny thing happens on the way to Damascus- Jesus comes and encounters Saul of Tarsus and changes everything. This fire breathing dragon of the Jewish Temple leadership in verses 3 through 6 is thrown down to the ground, blinded by the light of Jesus glorious presence and told to go wait for further instructions on the street called – no less straight.
Now Saul has been laid low and there has been a significant change in his attitude. For after Jesus spoke to Saul, he addressed Him as Lord. Saul recognized that this one whom he thought was dead was actually alive and He was God.
Secondly Saul realized what he was doing in having believers killed and imprisoned was not God’s will. He was so blinded to the truth He could not recognize the truth .
Third, because of his confusion Saul asked Jesus what was He to do. Jesus said Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Ananias then enters the picture for as a faithful servant of the Lord, he is told by Jesus to go and tell Saul what he is to do for the Lord Jesus Christ. Never discount what you may be called to do for the Lord which has eternal significance. You can and should read in Acts, Chapter9, verses 15 to 19, what Jesus commanded Saul to go and do.
{15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children[c] of Israel.16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”}
Let’s summarize the gift’s that came to us because of the birth of Jesus, his living a sinless life, with His death on a cross, and His resurrection and ascension into heaven.
First without the birth of Jesus we would not have a savior who could pay the sin debt. Our sinfulness separates us from God our Father. Because the heavenly Father is perfect and you can’t pay the penalty for your sin {which is death} you could never go to heaven. Jesus paid that sin debt for you.
Second without the birth of Jesus you could never have the ability to live eternally with Him in heaven.
Third without the birth of Jesus you would not have new life in Christ today and can be a different person, a servant to the living God. Sin would rule in you bodies and minds until you died. But with Jesus today you can live as a new creations.
Fourth without the birth of Jesus you would not have the Holy Spirit of God living within you. He is the teacher, the comforter, the Spirit of truth guiding you into all truth. He seals you as a believer in Christ.
This is why receiving Jesus Christ is the greatest gift you could ever receiver for Christmas. Have you asked Him in your heart today?
One of the great lines from the story, T’was the night before Christmas and all through the house, is the ending where Santa says, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. Meaning may the gifts and the season please you and give you rest.
The expectation of the watchers that night was that there was a real Santa Clause who provided great gifts for all the children. This is a great and powerful belief, but there is one which is a whole lot better and more lasting than any gift which may be left under the green and sparkling lights of our Christmas tree. This Gift comes from our Father in heaven who uniquely created each one of us and that gift is a person and His name is Jesus – the Son of God. The gift that comes through trusting Him and believing and asking Jesus into our hearts is an everlasting and transforming gift which is unimaginable.
In the Bible in the book of Acts Chapter 9, when we read this text we see the awesome reality of an encounter with the risen and glorified Christ and the gifts He imparts.
If you will allow me to paraphrase some of the events in Chapter 9, it begins essentially as an event having two players. The main character is Saul of Tarsus who will soon become Paul the Apostle and a little know individual called Ananias. Now this is not the Ananias the high priest many of us think about who was part of the priesthood. This Ananias was the faithful mall-town servant of the Lord in Damascus.
Saul in on the way to Damascus to put those disbelieving Christians in jail for being deniers of the rightful laws of Judaism. According to what Paul knew before encountering Jesus, they had to earn their way into heaven my keeping the law and temple worship, purifying themselves according to the law of Moses, not by having faith and trusting in some dead criminal, who had died on a Roman cross. To be hung on a tree according to His bible was to be accursed of God. So Saul/Paul is thinking he is earning merit badges for heaven by persecuting people of the Way – which we now call Christians.
But a funny thing happens on the way to Damascus- Jesus comes and encounters Saul of Tarsus and changes everything. This fire breathing dragon of the Jewish Temple leadership in verses 3 through 6 is thrown down to the ground, blinded by the light of Jesus glorious presence and told to go wait for further instructions on the street called – no less straight.
Now Saul has been laid low and there has been a significant change in his attitude. For after Jesus spoke to Saul, he addressed Him as Lord. Saul recognized that this one whom he thought was dead was actually alive and He was God.
Secondly Saul realized what he was doing in having believers killed and imprisoned was not God’s will. He was so blinded to the truth He could not recognize the truth .
Third, because of his confusion Saul asked Jesus what was He to do. Jesus said Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Ananias then enters the picture for as a faithful servant of the Lord, he is told by Jesus to go and tell Saul what he is to do for the Lord Jesus Christ. Never discount what you may be called to do for the Lord which has eternal significance. You can and should read in Acts, Chapter9, verses 15 to 19, what Jesus commanded Saul to go and do.
{15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children[c] of Israel.16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”}
Let’s summarize the gift’s that came to us because of the birth of Jesus, his living a sinless life, with His death on a cross, and His resurrection and ascension into heaven.
First without the birth of Jesus we would not have a savior who could pay the sin debt. Our sinfulness separates us from God our Father. Because the heavenly Father is perfect and you can’t pay the penalty for your sin {which is death} you could never go to heaven. Jesus paid that sin debt for you.
Second without the birth of Jesus you could never have the ability to live eternally with Him in heaven.
Third without the birth of Jesus you would not have new life in Christ today and can be a different person, a servant to the living God. Sin would rule in you bodies and minds until you died. But with Jesus today you can live as a new creations.
Fourth without the birth of Jesus you would not have the Holy Spirit of God living within you. He is the teacher, the comforter, the Spirit of truth guiding you into all truth. He seals you as a believer in Christ.
This is why receiving Jesus Christ is the greatest gift you could ever receiver for Christmas. Have you asked Him in your heart today?
Nov 26 Sermon
Summary: Jude, the shortest book, but packed with wisdomThe Book of Jude, one of the shortest books in the New Testament, is a powerful yet often overlooked letter that offers a unique perspective on the Christian faith. This epistle, attributed to Jude, the brother of James and a servant of Jesus Christ, is a severe blend of warning, exhortation, and encouragement. Despite its shortness, Jude provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by early Christians and offers direct lessons for us as believers today.
Historical and Contextual Background
Dating the Book of Jude is a matter of debate, but it is likely that it was written in the late first century, shortly after the Gospels and other New Testament letters. The book is primarily addressed to early Christian communities, making them aware of the growing threat posed by false teachers and encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith.
The central theme of Jude is the warning against false teachers and their ungodly influence within the church.
INTRODUCTION
In several passages throughout the New Testament, we find serious warnings about impending apostasy and the end of the age as we have known it.
Jesus warned us of false prophets who would arise, the love of many would grow cold, and only those who endure to the end would be saved - Mt 24:11-13
Paul foretold of many disciples being drawn away - Ac 20:29-30
Peter warned about the rise of false teachers, and how many would follow their destructive ways - 2Pe 2:1-3
But by the time the epistles of John and Jude were written, the danger was no longer impending, it was very real and happening.
Antichrists were present, and false prophets were in the world - 1Jn 2:18; 4:1; 2
Jude was forced to change his original purpose to deal with the crisis - Jude 3-4
If the danger of apostasy was already present in the First Century. We should not be surprised that these dangers exists today. So we should pay close heed to those epistles written to tell us how to survive and live as believers today.
This fact makes Jude’s book highly relevant, and this lesson important to us all. We begin in verses 1-2, as Jude begins his letter in typical fashion:
He identifies himself...
As "a servant of Jesus Christ" and "brother of James". It is likely that James was the brother of the Lord who had become prominent in the church at Jerusalem - cf. Ga 1:16; 2:9 And this would mean Jude was also a brother to the Lord Jesus - cf. also Mt 13:54-56
He then addresses his readers...as "those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:"
He concludes his greeting with a three-fold benediction: "Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you"
Notice, how Jude addressed his readers - Jude's purpose is to warn of those "ungodly men" who have crept in
That such a warning was and is necessary indicates a danger that is real: which is being led away from the faith
I would like for us to focus on three words in the title of our study: "Called! Sanctified! And Preserved!" Let's begin with Christians being Called
THOSE IN CHRIST HAVE BEEN "CALLED"...
We have been called with "a holy calling" - 2Ti 1:9
Jesus said in John 15:16 – Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you
This calling was not according to our meritorious works. It was according to God's own purpose and grace before time began
Our "Calling" Comes Through The Word of God and the wooing of the Holy Spirit (John 3)...ye must be born again
We became God's chosen and called through the means of the gospel of grace- 2Th 2:13-14
By commanding the gospel be preached to "every creature", the call is made available to all - cf. Mk 16:15-16
This is consistent with God's offer of His Son to be "a ransom for many" - 1Ti 2:5-6
And agrees with the Lord's pronouncement that "not any should perish", but that "all should come to repentance" - 2Pe 3:9. Our responsibility as having been born from above and having accepted the "Call", is to make our "CALLING AND ELECTION SURE"...
To make our call and election secure requires due diligence on our part -
Otherwise, we will be like the Israelites in the wilderness - He 3:12-19; 4:1-2,11
All the Israelites were called by God to enter the Promised Land of rest. But most were unable to enter the promised land because of their lack of unbelief and resultant disobedience to God and His word.
Related to the concept of being "called", is the idea that by God's grace we are also
"SANCTIFIED" BY GOD THE FATHER
The Words "Sanctify", "Sanctification"...
Are translated from the Greek word "hagiazo" {hag-ee-ad'-zo}, which means to make holy, to set apart for a special purpose. So God has set apart those who have been called
II. What is the means of Sanctification?
According to our Scriptures this is the work of the Holy Spirit of God, see
We are "sanctified by the Holy Spirit" - Ro 15:16
We are "sanctified...by the Spirit of our God" - 1Co 6:11
We are "sanctification by the Spirit" – 2 Th 2:13
III. Sanctification Is also how the Word of God works in our lives
Jesus said in John 17,"Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." - Jn 17:17
"that He might sanctify...by the word" - Ep 5:26
Since the Word of God is the "sword of the Spirit" (Ep 6:17), the Word is used by the Spirit to help accomplish our sanctification
IV. The Progress of SANCTIFICATION...:
The church at Corinth was made up of members...Who were "sanctified in Christ Jesus" - 1Co 1:2. Who had been "sanctified" - 1Co 6:11. Yet, many of these same members were "babes in Christ" and "carnal" - 1Co 3:1-3
In the book of Hebrews, it speaks of those in Christ are "being sanctified" - He 2:11
V. Now what is involved with being "Preserved" in Jesus Christ.
What is the meaning of preserved - It comes from the Greek word "tereo" {tay-reh'-o} - Which means "to guard (from loss or injury)"
It describes something which is closely monitored and guarded. These word speaks of our preservation in Christ.
Our lives are being carefully "guarded" in Christ! Peter uses a different word) to express a similar idea in 1Peter 1:5
Paul used yet another word (sozo, sode'-zo) to express his own confidence in God's preserving power in – 2 Tim 4:18
Jesus gives us the ultimate reassurance with His statement to His disciples that :”no one could "snatch" them out of His Father’s hand”-. John 10:27-29
Does this mean there no personal responsibility to remain "preserved in Jesus Christ"?
Yes there is personal responsibility
Jude uses the same word for "preserved" in Jude 21: "keep yourselves..." And we must actively Contend for the faith both within our hearts and also with the world and flesh around us.
Then we must strive to have faith and obey God and to be led by the Spirit of God as prime drivers. We must rely on
as Peter indicated, we are "kept by the power of God through faith" – 1 Peter 1:5
Philippians 2:13 also says “for it is God who is at work in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” And God is working out your salvation for His good pleasure and He has written your name in the Lamb’s book of life so , He will never leave you or forsake you.”
Yes, we can fall away deeply in sin just look at the Bible, but if we are truly saved and have been born from above then God’s Spirt will convict you of your sin and cause you to repent and nothing and no one can snatch us from God’s hand. God indeed provides the preserving power to keep us safe. Scripture teaches us - for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed unto Him against that Day.2 Tim 1:12
Again we must walk by faith and not by sight.
VI. Application for us today
1. Vigilance against false teaching: This book reminds us to be discerning and to critically evaluate the messages we encounter in the church and in Christian circles. It underscores the importance of adhering to the original, unaltered message of the gospel.
2. Steadfastness in faith: Jude's exhortation to "contend for the faith" is a call for believers to stand firm in their convictions, even in the face of opposition or persecution.
3. Trust in God's preserving grace: The doxology in Jude's closing verses offers comfort and assurance that God is able to keep us secure in our faith journey.
Summary: Jude, the shortest book, but packed with wisdomThe Book of Jude, one of the shortest books in the New Testament, is a powerful yet often overlooked letter that offers a unique perspective on the Christian faith. This epistle, attributed to Jude, the brother of James and a servant of Jesus Christ, is a severe blend of warning, exhortation, and encouragement. Despite its shortness, Jude provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by early Christians and offers direct lessons for us as believers today.
Historical and Contextual Background
Dating the Book of Jude is a matter of debate, but it is likely that it was written in the late first century, shortly after the Gospels and other New Testament letters. The book is primarily addressed to early Christian communities, making them aware of the growing threat posed by false teachers and encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith.
The central theme of Jude is the warning against false teachers and their ungodly influence within the church.
INTRODUCTION
In several passages throughout the New Testament, we find serious warnings about impending apostasy and the end of the age as we have known it.
Jesus warned us of false prophets who would arise, the love of many would grow cold, and only those who endure to the end would be saved - Mt 24:11-13
Paul foretold of many disciples being drawn away - Ac 20:29-30
Peter warned about the rise of false teachers, and how many would follow their destructive ways - 2Pe 2:1-3
But by the time the epistles of John and Jude were written, the danger was no longer impending, it was very real and happening.
Antichrists were present, and false prophets were in the world - 1Jn 2:18; 4:1; 2
Jude was forced to change his original purpose to deal with the crisis - Jude 3-4
If the danger of apostasy was already present in the First Century. We should not be surprised that these dangers exists today. So we should pay close heed to those epistles written to tell us how to survive and live as believers today.
This fact makes Jude’s book highly relevant, and this lesson important to us all. We begin in verses 1-2, as Jude begins his letter in typical fashion:
He identifies himself...
As "a servant of Jesus Christ" and "brother of James". It is likely that James was the brother of the Lord who had become prominent in the church at Jerusalem - cf. Ga 1:16; 2:9 And this would mean Jude was also a brother to the Lord Jesus - cf. also Mt 13:54-56
He then addresses his readers...as "those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:"
He concludes his greeting with a three-fold benediction: "Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you"
Notice, how Jude addressed his readers - Jude's purpose is to warn of those "ungodly men" who have crept in
That such a warning was and is necessary indicates a danger that is real: which is being led away from the faith
I would like for us to focus on three words in the title of our study: "Called! Sanctified! And Preserved!" Let's begin with Christians being Called
THOSE IN CHRIST HAVE BEEN "CALLED"...
We have been called with "a holy calling" - 2Ti 1:9
Jesus said in John 15:16 – Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you
This calling was not according to our meritorious works. It was according to God's own purpose and grace before time began
Our "Calling" Comes Through The Word of God and the wooing of the Holy Spirit (John 3)...ye must be born again
We became God's chosen and called through the means of the gospel of grace- 2Th 2:13-14
By commanding the gospel be preached to "every creature", the call is made available to all - cf. Mk 16:15-16
This is consistent with God's offer of His Son to be "a ransom for many" - 1Ti 2:5-6
And agrees with the Lord's pronouncement that "not any should perish", but that "all should come to repentance" - 2Pe 3:9. Our responsibility as having been born from above and having accepted the "Call", is to make our "CALLING AND ELECTION SURE"...
To make our call and election secure requires due diligence on our part -
Otherwise, we will be like the Israelites in the wilderness - He 3:12-19; 4:1-2,11
All the Israelites were called by God to enter the Promised Land of rest. But most were unable to enter the promised land because of their lack of unbelief and resultant disobedience to God and His word.
Related to the concept of being "called", is the idea that by God's grace we are also
"SANCTIFIED" BY GOD THE FATHER
The Words "Sanctify", "Sanctification"...
Are translated from the Greek word "hagiazo" {hag-ee-ad'-zo}, which means to make holy, to set apart for a special purpose. So God has set apart those who have been called
II. What is the means of Sanctification?
According to our Scriptures this is the work of the Holy Spirit of God, see
We are "sanctified by the Holy Spirit" - Ro 15:16
We are "sanctified...by the Spirit of our God" - 1Co 6:11
We are "sanctification by the Spirit" – 2 Th 2:13
III. Sanctification Is also how the Word of God works in our lives
Jesus said in John 17,"Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." - Jn 17:17
"that He might sanctify...by the word" - Ep 5:26
Since the Word of God is the "sword of the Spirit" (Ep 6:17), the Word is used by the Spirit to help accomplish our sanctification
IV. The Progress of SANCTIFICATION...:
The church at Corinth was made up of members...Who were "sanctified in Christ Jesus" - 1Co 1:2. Who had been "sanctified" - 1Co 6:11. Yet, many of these same members were "babes in Christ" and "carnal" - 1Co 3:1-3
In the book of Hebrews, it speaks of those in Christ are "being sanctified" - He 2:11
- So sanctification <I am being saved> is an on-going and continuous progress so that we may be conformed to the image of Christ process <Romans 8>
V. Now what is involved with being "Preserved" in Jesus Christ.
What is the meaning of preserved - It comes from the Greek word "tereo" {tay-reh'-o} - Which means "to guard (from loss or injury)"
It describes something which is closely monitored and guarded. These word speaks of our preservation in Christ.
Our lives are being carefully "guarded" in Christ! Peter uses a different word) to express a similar idea in 1Peter 1:5
Paul used yet another word (sozo, sode'-zo) to express his own confidence in God's preserving power in – 2 Tim 4:18
Jesus gives us the ultimate reassurance with His statement to His disciples that :”no one could "snatch" them out of His Father’s hand”-. John 10:27-29
Does this mean there no personal responsibility to remain "preserved in Jesus Christ"?
Yes there is personal responsibility
Jude uses the same word for "preserved" in Jude 21: "keep yourselves..." And we must actively Contend for the faith both within our hearts and also with the world and flesh around us.
Then we must strive to have faith and obey God and to be led by the Spirit of God as prime drivers. We must rely on
as Peter indicated, we are "kept by the power of God through faith" – 1 Peter 1:5
Philippians 2:13 also says “for it is God who is at work in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” And God is working out your salvation for His good pleasure and He has written your name in the Lamb’s book of life so , He will never leave you or forsake you.”
Yes, we can fall away deeply in sin just look at the Bible, but if we are truly saved and have been born from above then God’s Spirt will convict you of your sin and cause you to repent and nothing and no one can snatch us from God’s hand. God indeed provides the preserving power to keep us safe. Scripture teaches us - for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed unto Him against that Day.2 Tim 1:12
Again we must walk by faith and not by sight.
VI. Application for us today
1. Vigilance against false teaching: This book reminds us to be discerning and to critically evaluate the messages we encounter in the church and in Christian circles. It underscores the importance of adhering to the original, unaltered message of the gospel.
2. Steadfastness in faith: Jude's exhortation to "contend for the faith" is a call for believers to stand firm in their convictions, even in the face of opposition or persecution.
3. Trust in God's preserving grace: The doxology in Jude's closing verses offers comfort and assurance that God is able to keep us secure in our faith journey.
Nov 19 Sermon
1) bACKGROUND
a) Worship is enjoying the presence of God.
b) The highest good and the greatest fulfillment as a Bible Believer is to know God intimately and to enjoy Him personally.
i) I ask you this question do you know God personally?
Please recognize this is not the same thing as knowing about Him. Is He today, in this very moment, in your heart and life, a bright and living reality in your life?
c) If so, then you know the deepest pleasure and have fulfilled the deepest need of your life
i) You have attained that for which you were created: to know God personally.
ii) You need nothing more; and you should settle for nothing less.
d) Believe it or not, there are many professing Christians who do not have, or are aware of the conscience presence of God in their lives. They go to church and sing songs, but there is a deadness, a dryness and a void in their lives.
e) Read Exodus 33:1-3. It says “I’m not going with you” are frightening words. The Jewish people were out in the wilderness.
i) God had given them a covenant and a promise and they were marching toward the Promised Land, and in the middle of their trip, they failed and sinned against God.
f) Despite their sin, God said that He would keep His promise and give them the Promised Land, but that He would not go with them.
Isn’t it interesting but also frightening to have success, possessions and protection, but not have the presence of the Lord.
g) This is a lesson for us - we should not settle for success apart the presence of our Lord and God
h) So what in the story do you remember?
i) Moses had been summoned to go up upon Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments and to get instructions for the tabernacle.
i) And while Moses was gone, his brother Aaron led the people in a sinful revolt against Almighty God.
Let’s read Exodus 32:4-10
j) So when Moses came down from the mountain, he was so grieved by the people’s behavior that he threw the Ten Commandments to the ground and broke those tablets of stone.
i) Moses then took the golden calf, ground it up into powder, mixed that powder with water, and made the people drink it. Their great delight became death and over three thousand of the chief rebels were put to death that day
k) Moses knew they sinned against God. So He prayed, interceded, and placed himself between God and these people.
i) Let’s Read Exodus 32:30-32
(1) After Moses intercession, God said that He would not destroy the people and that He would fulfill His promise, but that He would not go with them or before them into the land.
(a) Exodus 33:1-3
Notice the spiritual wisdom of Moses
l) Moses would not settle for protection, provision and a Promised Land apart from the presence of God. You should know that when you have the presence of God, you don’t need anything else, and you should settle for nothing less.
m) Many so-called Christians have received salvation but have no real faith or joy in their lives for `God is not real to them.
i) They do not have the manifest presence of God in their hearts.
ii) They have God’s protection, His provision, His promise, but they do not have His living presence.
n) Think about this - just because you have God’s provision and protection, you think you’re totally right with God.
i) In fact, you may be on your way to Heaven, but you’re traveling second class. We can become so focused on receiving our provision, protection and claiming that promise that we fail to receive and live in His presence.
o) Read Exodus 33:4
i) It is an evil thing to receive God’s gifts apart from the Giver, to have God’s blessings without Him, and to have His promises without the Provider and the manifest presence of God. So we need to ask ourselves is God real to us?
p) Question - What made the nation of Israel different from all the other nations in the world? It was the manifest presence of God.
Our message today will discover four things that cause God to withdraw His manifest presence from His people.
These is no difference today. These same four things that will rob us of His manifest presence of God in our lives now.
#1 direct disobedience (exodus 32:7-8) will rob us of the manifest presence of God.
q) The People disobeyed God and because they disobeyed God, God withdrew His manifest presence from them
r) The problem with many Christians today is that they have confessed the Lord Jesus, but they don’t walk in the presence of God.
i) They don’t even have the assurance of their salvation.
ii) It is the Holy Spirit of God who gives us the assurance of our salvation and being sealed in Him for eternity
(1) 1 John 4:13 - He has given us of His Spirit.
(2) Romans 8:16- he Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are His
s) When we knowingly, willfully and openly disobey God, we grieve the His Holy Spirit
i) Ephesians 4:30 - and do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed
ii) We can only grieve someone who loves us.
(1) The Holy Spirit loves us, but we can so grieve Him when we disobey God that He shuts up.
iii) 1 Thessalonians 5:19 says we can “quench” means “to pour cold water on a fire.”
The Holy Spirit of God represents to us in this day and time what the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire by night meant to the children of Israel.
iv) He is the Shekinah glory of God.
v) He is the manifested presence of God in our lives.
Our actions can cause us to wonder if we’re saved or not.
t) Read John 14:21- manifest presence
i) When people truly love God, you don’t just see it when they stand in the church and sing hymns, but the Bible makes a direct correlation with the manifest presence of God and in the keeping the commandments of God. His truth lives in us and shines forth
u) The Holy Spirit lives in us to make God real to us.
i) Many Christians are swilling to settle just for eternal security apart from than the manifest presence of God.
Here is an example -Some Christians don’t believe tithing is necessary – that’s OT.
(a) Malachi 3:8, 10
(2) Did you know when we choose not to tithe we are robbing God?
(a) We are saying to God that we don’t trust Him to take care of our needs.
(b) By doing so we become disobedient and sin
(3) If we are disobedient in tithing, why would we think God would continue to bless us with even more financial resources?
v) Aaron encouraged the people to disobey God.
i) Aaron was a priest, a religious leader.
ii) There will always be plenty of people, including some religious leaders, who will give us an excuse to disobey God.
w) If God is not real to you, then ask yourself if you have rejected a direct command of God.
x) God loves us too much to manifest Himself to us in glory and joy and, yet, have us to live in disobedience.
the Second thing which causes God to withdraw from us is - divided devotion (Exodus 32:4)
y) The children of Israel had divided devotion.
i) They claimed to be Israel, yet they made a golden calf.
(1) The word “Israel” means “the people of God.”
ii) They had made for themselves a god that was no bigger than their imagination.
iii) Rather than trusting in Almighty God, they began again to trust in the work of their hands. God calls this idolatry.
z) When a people make an idol, they become like the idol.
i) Here is a general rule - First, the man molds the idol, and then the idol molds the man.
aa) An idol is just a magnified sinner.
i) A man takes his own ideas and puts them into the work of his hands, and then he begins to worship it. What he is really worshipping is himself.
bb) An idol is anything that you love more, fear more, serve more and trust more than God.
cc) If God is not real to you, then ask yourself if there is anyone or anything that takes precedence over God in your life.
i) God doesn’t want a place in your life.
ii) God despises prominence in your life.
iii) God demands preeminence in your life.
dd) God’s throne is not a duplex.
i) Ask yourself is there a relationship that means more to you than God? Is there anything that gets more of your attention than God?
(1) If so, then that is a golden calf, and God will say, “I’m not going with you.”
(2) There are certain relationships in our lives that are wonderful relationships, but none can take the place of an undivided relationship to Almighty God.
ee) Idolatry is the sin of all other sins.
The third ACTIIVTY WHICH CAUSEs GOD to depart from us is displaced dependence (exodus 32:7-8)
ff) The people began to put their reliance and dependence in the work of their hands. What they could do and not on what God could do.
i) No longer was their dependence upon Almighty God, who brought them through the Red Sea.
gg) When God gives us a victory and we give the glory to something or someone else and then depend upon that rather than the God who gave the victory, then we will lose the presence of God.
hh) When we begin to depend upon our ingenuity, our wit, and our wisdom, we will lose the presence of God.
i) The children of Israel took the earrings off their own ears.
ii) They took the bracelets off their own wrists.
iii) With a graving tool, they made a god of a golden calf.
ii) Isaiah 42:8
jj) It is no wonder that we don’t have God’s presence in our lives when we have displaced dependence and begin to give credit where credit is not due.
i) We fail to give God the glory for bringing us through a storm and for giving us blessings.
The fourth ACTIIVTY WHICH CAUSEs GOD to depart from us is determined defiance (exodus 32:9)
kk) “Stiff necked” is the opposite of being meek and pliable.
i) God wanted to lead these people, but they were like a horse with a stiff neck, who rears up and is unyielding.
ll) If you want God to be real to you, then you must not be stiff necked.
mm) If God gives you a specific revelation, if He speaks to you about what He wants you to do, then obey Him.
i) Has God told you that there’s someone He wants you to witness to?
ii) Has God put it on your heart to serve in this or any church?
iii) Has God laid on your heart something He wants you to give, perhaps yourself?
iv) Has God laid on your heart someone you need to apologize to?
v) Have you told the Lord, “No”?
(1) If so, then you have a stiff neck.
nn) Thankfully, Moses refused to go forward without God’s presence.
oo) Worship is enjoying the presence of God.
2) CONCLUSION
a) Is God real to you?
i) He wants to be.
b) John 14:21
c) The children of Israel found grace long ago, and so may you today.
d) If you are already saved, then ask the Lord’s forgiveness for any direct disobedience, any divided devotion, displaced dependence, and any determined defiance.
e) If you do not know the Lord Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord, then surrender to Him today.
f) You can pray to Him now, and ask Him to come into your life.
g) Call upon Jesus today. Repent (turn) from your sins, and turn to Jesus. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins, and acknowledge Him as Lord of your life.
i) Romans 3:23
ii) Romans 10:9-10
iii) Romans 10:13
iv) Acts 16:31
a sermon preached by Adrian Rogers while serving as pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee.
Copyright ©2021 Love Worth Finding Ministries, Inc.
1) bACKGROUND
a) Worship is enjoying the presence of God.
b) The highest good and the greatest fulfillment as a Bible Believer is to know God intimately and to enjoy Him personally.
i) I ask you this question do you know God personally?
Please recognize this is not the same thing as knowing about Him. Is He today, in this very moment, in your heart and life, a bright and living reality in your life?
c) If so, then you know the deepest pleasure and have fulfilled the deepest need of your life
i) You have attained that for which you were created: to know God personally.
ii) You need nothing more; and you should settle for nothing less.
d) Believe it or not, there are many professing Christians who do not have, or are aware of the conscience presence of God in their lives. They go to church and sing songs, but there is a deadness, a dryness and a void in their lives.
e) Read Exodus 33:1-3. It says “I’m not going with you” are frightening words. The Jewish people were out in the wilderness.
i) God had given them a covenant and a promise and they were marching toward the Promised Land, and in the middle of their trip, they failed and sinned against God.
f) Despite their sin, God said that He would keep His promise and give them the Promised Land, but that He would not go with them.
Isn’t it interesting but also frightening to have success, possessions and protection, but not have the presence of the Lord.
g) This is a lesson for us - we should not settle for success apart the presence of our Lord and God
h) So what in the story do you remember?
i) Moses had been summoned to go up upon Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments and to get instructions for the tabernacle.
i) And while Moses was gone, his brother Aaron led the people in a sinful revolt against Almighty God.
Let’s read Exodus 32:4-10
j) So when Moses came down from the mountain, he was so grieved by the people’s behavior that he threw the Ten Commandments to the ground and broke those tablets of stone.
i) Moses then took the golden calf, ground it up into powder, mixed that powder with water, and made the people drink it. Their great delight became death and over three thousand of the chief rebels were put to death that day
k) Moses knew they sinned against God. So He prayed, interceded, and placed himself between God and these people.
i) Let’s Read Exodus 32:30-32
(1) After Moses intercession, God said that He would not destroy the people and that He would fulfill His promise, but that He would not go with them or before them into the land.
(a) Exodus 33:1-3
Notice the spiritual wisdom of Moses
l) Moses would not settle for protection, provision and a Promised Land apart from the presence of God. You should know that when you have the presence of God, you don’t need anything else, and you should settle for nothing less.
m) Many so-called Christians have received salvation but have no real faith or joy in their lives for `God is not real to them.
i) They do not have the manifest presence of God in their hearts.
ii) They have God’s protection, His provision, His promise, but they do not have His living presence.
n) Think about this - just because you have God’s provision and protection, you think you’re totally right with God.
i) In fact, you may be on your way to Heaven, but you’re traveling second class. We can become so focused on receiving our provision, protection and claiming that promise that we fail to receive and live in His presence.
o) Read Exodus 33:4
i) It is an evil thing to receive God’s gifts apart from the Giver, to have God’s blessings without Him, and to have His promises without the Provider and the manifest presence of God. So we need to ask ourselves is God real to us?
p) Question - What made the nation of Israel different from all the other nations in the world? It was the manifest presence of God.
Our message today will discover four things that cause God to withdraw His manifest presence from His people.
These is no difference today. These same four things that will rob us of His manifest presence of God in our lives now.
#1 direct disobedience (exodus 32:7-8) will rob us of the manifest presence of God.
q) The People disobeyed God and because they disobeyed God, God withdrew His manifest presence from them
r) The problem with many Christians today is that they have confessed the Lord Jesus, but they don’t walk in the presence of God.
i) They don’t even have the assurance of their salvation.
ii) It is the Holy Spirit of God who gives us the assurance of our salvation and being sealed in Him for eternity
(1) 1 John 4:13 - He has given us of His Spirit.
(2) Romans 8:16- he Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are His
s) When we knowingly, willfully and openly disobey God, we grieve the His Holy Spirit
i) Ephesians 4:30 - and do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed
ii) We can only grieve someone who loves us.
(1) The Holy Spirit loves us, but we can so grieve Him when we disobey God that He shuts up.
iii) 1 Thessalonians 5:19 says we can “quench” means “to pour cold water on a fire.”
The Holy Spirit of God represents to us in this day and time what the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire by night meant to the children of Israel.
iv) He is the Shekinah glory of God.
v) He is the manifested presence of God in our lives.
Our actions can cause us to wonder if we’re saved or not.
t) Read John 14:21- manifest presence
i) When people truly love God, you don’t just see it when they stand in the church and sing hymns, but the Bible makes a direct correlation with the manifest presence of God and in the keeping the commandments of God. His truth lives in us and shines forth
u) The Holy Spirit lives in us to make God real to us.
i) Many Christians are swilling to settle just for eternal security apart from than the manifest presence of God.
Here is an example -Some Christians don’t believe tithing is necessary – that’s OT.
(a) Malachi 3:8, 10
(2) Did you know when we choose not to tithe we are robbing God?
(a) We are saying to God that we don’t trust Him to take care of our needs.
(b) By doing so we become disobedient and sin
(3) If we are disobedient in tithing, why would we think God would continue to bless us with even more financial resources?
v) Aaron encouraged the people to disobey God.
i) Aaron was a priest, a religious leader.
ii) There will always be plenty of people, including some religious leaders, who will give us an excuse to disobey God.
w) If God is not real to you, then ask yourself if you have rejected a direct command of God.
x) God loves us too much to manifest Himself to us in glory and joy and, yet, have us to live in disobedience.
the Second thing which causes God to withdraw from us is - divided devotion (Exodus 32:4)
y) The children of Israel had divided devotion.
i) They claimed to be Israel, yet they made a golden calf.
(1) The word “Israel” means “the people of God.”
ii) They had made for themselves a god that was no bigger than their imagination.
iii) Rather than trusting in Almighty God, they began again to trust in the work of their hands. God calls this idolatry.
z) When a people make an idol, they become like the idol.
i) Here is a general rule - First, the man molds the idol, and then the idol molds the man.
aa) An idol is just a magnified sinner.
i) A man takes his own ideas and puts them into the work of his hands, and then he begins to worship it. What he is really worshipping is himself.
bb) An idol is anything that you love more, fear more, serve more and trust more than God.
cc) If God is not real to you, then ask yourself if there is anyone or anything that takes precedence over God in your life.
i) God doesn’t want a place in your life.
ii) God despises prominence in your life.
iii) God demands preeminence in your life.
dd) God’s throne is not a duplex.
i) Ask yourself is there a relationship that means more to you than God? Is there anything that gets more of your attention than God?
(1) If so, then that is a golden calf, and God will say, “I’m not going with you.”
(2) There are certain relationships in our lives that are wonderful relationships, but none can take the place of an undivided relationship to Almighty God.
ee) Idolatry is the sin of all other sins.
The third ACTIIVTY WHICH CAUSEs GOD to depart from us is displaced dependence (exodus 32:7-8)
ff) The people began to put their reliance and dependence in the work of their hands. What they could do and not on what God could do.
i) No longer was their dependence upon Almighty God, who brought them through the Red Sea.
gg) When God gives us a victory and we give the glory to something or someone else and then depend upon that rather than the God who gave the victory, then we will lose the presence of God.
hh) When we begin to depend upon our ingenuity, our wit, and our wisdom, we will lose the presence of God.
i) The children of Israel took the earrings off their own ears.
ii) They took the bracelets off their own wrists.
iii) With a graving tool, they made a god of a golden calf.
ii) Isaiah 42:8
jj) It is no wonder that we don’t have God’s presence in our lives when we have displaced dependence and begin to give credit where credit is not due.
i) We fail to give God the glory for bringing us through a storm and for giving us blessings.
The fourth ACTIIVTY WHICH CAUSEs GOD to depart from us is determined defiance (exodus 32:9)
kk) “Stiff necked” is the opposite of being meek and pliable.
i) God wanted to lead these people, but they were like a horse with a stiff neck, who rears up and is unyielding.
ll) If you want God to be real to you, then you must not be stiff necked.
mm) If God gives you a specific revelation, if He speaks to you about what He wants you to do, then obey Him.
i) Has God told you that there’s someone He wants you to witness to?
ii) Has God put it on your heart to serve in this or any church?
iii) Has God laid on your heart something He wants you to give, perhaps yourself?
iv) Has God laid on your heart someone you need to apologize to?
v) Have you told the Lord, “No”?
(1) If so, then you have a stiff neck.
nn) Thankfully, Moses refused to go forward without God’s presence.
oo) Worship is enjoying the presence of God.
2) CONCLUSION
a) Is God real to you?
i) He wants to be.
b) John 14:21
c) The children of Israel found grace long ago, and so may you today.
d) If you are already saved, then ask the Lord’s forgiveness for any direct disobedience, any divided devotion, displaced dependence, and any determined defiance.
e) If you do not know the Lord Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord, then surrender to Him today.
f) You can pray to Him now, and ask Him to come into your life.
g) Call upon Jesus today. Repent (turn) from your sins, and turn to Jesus. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins, and acknowledge Him as Lord of your life.
i) Romans 3:23
ii) Romans 10:9-10
iii) Romans 10:13
iv) Acts 16:31
a sermon preached by Adrian Rogers while serving as pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee.
Copyright ©2021 Love Worth Finding Ministries, Inc.
Nov 12 Sermon
We live in an evil an unrepentant generation which is under the condemnation written about in Romans Chapter 1, where God, our Father, has given over this nation first, to sexual immorality, second, to homosexual immorality and finally to a depraved mind, Now understand what is a depraved mind. It is a mind which cannot perceive, recognize or understand the truth, even though it is as plain as day in our faces. This past Tuesday was another day of infamy for our Nation and our constitution. How anyone could justify placing a death decree for abortion is a state constitution is beyond me. How much darkness is needed to see the spread of evil over the world. Yes in the world.
Just look at what has happened in Israel. The atrocities initiated by Hamas and defended by American Colleges, Universities - faculty and students against the Jewish people. This is not a current problem this is an age-old problem brought to us by our perpetual deceiver - Satan. How could this be except for God reminding us about wars and rumors of wars in Matthew 24:6
And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
Let’s dwell on this last phrase and attend closely to it - for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
Hear what I believe the Spirit is saying to the churches. All these events we are seeing, including the increasing darkness, must happen before Christ returns. Returns first to receive the church of all believers in the air - rapture, and then comes the tribulation of 7 years, before Christ finally sets foot on this earth again on the Mount of Olives. But in the meantime while all these events are happening where should our focus be? It should be on the Lord Jesus and the messages He has left us. But remember this we are not able, nor should we try to do this by ourselves. Jesus said, apart from Me you can do nothing (John.15)
Jesus knowing the weakness in our flesh, which Paul describes in detail in Romans (Chapters 3-6), knew we would need some guidelines and help in our Biblical walk, for we are of the flesh and live in the domain of the evil one. So He gave us some tasking and some helps to guide us. Now like we used to say in the US Navy, use the KISS principle – Keep it simple stupid. So here is what He told us in the gospel of John, Chapter 14, beginning in verse 15: 15 “If you love Me, [d]keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another [e]Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
Indwelling of the Father and the Son
19 “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.
20 At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. 21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and[f]manifest Myself to him.”
22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?”
23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.
The Gift of His Peace
25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you.26 But the [g]Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Prayer- May God add His blessing to the reading of His Word and to our understanding, our application and our obedience to His commands AMEN
I. The test of love- Jesus when He tests Peter concerning his three times denial of Jesus, does not rebuke Him but asks him simply – do you love Me, also three times. Many times we stumble over the fact that the real problem with human beings is the problem with the human heart. It is desperately wicked and evil because of our inborn nature to sin. Jesus knew Peter’s weakness before it happened and told him, he would deny him before the cock crowed twice. So Jesus knows your weaknesses, yet He loves you and died for you. Do you suppose then, that the giving of our love is our greatest test to prove our love for Jesus? Peter failed yet he kept seeking Jesus. When you fail do you continue to seek Jesus to avow your love, even in your weakness?
As with Peter, the greatest test of your love is obedience – if you love Me keep My commandments – Be obedient, pursue Christ continually and perpetually.
II. The promises of God - God in Christ promises Help in our times of need and He will help us be obedient. A sub-title for this section is – Jesus promises never to leave us see vs. 18 and 19. Now lets look at the promised help from Jesus - verses 16-17: 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another [e]Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
And verse 5 says, 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
What is stated in these two verses should cause us to tremble for unless God reveals Himself to us we would have missed the Kingdom of Heaven. And the door to that entry is Jesus Christ. To see and to enter the Kingdom of God or Heaven requires God through the Holy Spirit to be born from above. And without His prompting we would never have had the faith to ask Him to be our Lord and Savior.
So because of the mercy, grace and love of God we now have access to the heavenly realm and more importantly we now have the Helper, the Spirit of Truth, The Comforter living in us and helping our hearts to walk in His truth and be obedient and to love Him with a whole heart. Oh what a savior we have in Jesus. Now remember even in our failure Jesus says, in verse 18: 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
This is not the only promise for in Matthew 28:20 Jesus states - ; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [d]Amen.
Not only does Jesus know our weaknesses and not only does He provide help for our walk as believers day by day but He provides the promise of His presence now and forever more. He is God and He is our Lord and He is our Savior. Amen.
III. But lastly in these verses Jesus provides us a challenge for our authenticity as believers.
One of the true marks of our faith in Jesus came in verse 15. “If you love Me, [d]keep My commandments. We find out more information concerning His love in verse 21-21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and[f]manifest Myself to him.”
Jesus in this verse confirms that if we love Him, we will press to be obedient to His commands. Love for Him is proven by how we honor His words and live according to His commandments. But this step of honor, respect, love and obedience by us causes the Father to love us and grants that Jesus will love us and make Himself present and real to us in our lives. Verse 23 repeats this promise and states He will make His home in us and in our lives. That is a real promise from God in Christ to us. Wouldn’t it be great if we could stop there and pay no attention to verse 24. Read what it says, 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.
We have many professing Christians today who do not keep the Word of God. Maybe the word Christian is becoming obsolete because of the perversion of the leftists and. Our culture. Maybe we should go back to calling ourselves followers or more critically believers in the Way. This verse is the critical discriminator between belief and unbelief. A believer is one who keeps His Word because He loves Jesus Christ.
Now for real truth for today – so where do you stand? If you say you love Jesus and do not Keep His Words are you really saved and a true believer? According to what we just read the answer is absolutely NO.
Or do you just have a said faith? A said faith is what you say it is not what the Master says. So when you stand before the judgement seat of Christ we He say depart from Me I never knew you, or will He welcome you to the reward of the faithful?
You are just one step away from the Master turn and ask for Him to save you today. Whosoever will call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13
We live in an evil an unrepentant generation which is under the condemnation written about in Romans Chapter 1, where God, our Father, has given over this nation first, to sexual immorality, second, to homosexual immorality and finally to a depraved mind, Now understand what is a depraved mind. It is a mind which cannot perceive, recognize or understand the truth, even though it is as plain as day in our faces. This past Tuesday was another day of infamy for our Nation and our constitution. How anyone could justify placing a death decree for abortion is a state constitution is beyond me. How much darkness is needed to see the spread of evil over the world. Yes in the world.
Just look at what has happened in Israel. The atrocities initiated by Hamas and defended by American Colleges, Universities - faculty and students against the Jewish people. This is not a current problem this is an age-old problem brought to us by our perpetual deceiver - Satan. How could this be except for God reminding us about wars and rumors of wars in Matthew 24:6
And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
Let’s dwell on this last phrase and attend closely to it - for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
Hear what I believe the Spirit is saying to the churches. All these events we are seeing, including the increasing darkness, must happen before Christ returns. Returns first to receive the church of all believers in the air - rapture, and then comes the tribulation of 7 years, before Christ finally sets foot on this earth again on the Mount of Olives. But in the meantime while all these events are happening where should our focus be? It should be on the Lord Jesus and the messages He has left us. But remember this we are not able, nor should we try to do this by ourselves. Jesus said, apart from Me you can do nothing (John.15)
Jesus knowing the weakness in our flesh, which Paul describes in detail in Romans (Chapters 3-6), knew we would need some guidelines and help in our Biblical walk, for we are of the flesh and live in the domain of the evil one. So He gave us some tasking and some helps to guide us. Now like we used to say in the US Navy, use the KISS principle – Keep it simple stupid. So here is what He told us in the gospel of John, Chapter 14, beginning in verse 15: 15 “If you love Me, [d]keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another [e]Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
Indwelling of the Father and the Son
19 “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.
20 At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. 21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and[f]manifest Myself to him.”
22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?”
23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.
The Gift of His Peace
25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you.26 But the [g]Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Prayer- May God add His blessing to the reading of His Word and to our understanding, our application and our obedience to His commands AMEN
I. The test of love- Jesus when He tests Peter concerning his three times denial of Jesus, does not rebuke Him but asks him simply – do you love Me, also three times. Many times we stumble over the fact that the real problem with human beings is the problem with the human heart. It is desperately wicked and evil because of our inborn nature to sin. Jesus knew Peter’s weakness before it happened and told him, he would deny him before the cock crowed twice. So Jesus knows your weaknesses, yet He loves you and died for you. Do you suppose then, that the giving of our love is our greatest test to prove our love for Jesus? Peter failed yet he kept seeking Jesus. When you fail do you continue to seek Jesus to avow your love, even in your weakness?
As with Peter, the greatest test of your love is obedience – if you love Me keep My commandments – Be obedient, pursue Christ continually and perpetually.
II. The promises of God - God in Christ promises Help in our times of need and He will help us be obedient. A sub-title for this section is – Jesus promises never to leave us see vs. 18 and 19. Now lets look at the promised help from Jesus - verses 16-17: 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another [e]Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
- The Helper <Holy Spirit> who will abide with you forever
- The Spirit of truth -who will guide you into all truth (Jn 16:13).
And verse 5 says, 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
What is stated in these two verses should cause us to tremble for unless God reveals Himself to us we would have missed the Kingdom of Heaven. And the door to that entry is Jesus Christ. To see and to enter the Kingdom of God or Heaven requires God through the Holy Spirit to be born from above. And without His prompting we would never have had the faith to ask Him to be our Lord and Savior.
So because of the mercy, grace and love of God we now have access to the heavenly realm and more importantly we now have the Helper, the Spirit of Truth, The Comforter living in us and helping our hearts to walk in His truth and be obedient and to love Him with a whole heart. Oh what a savior we have in Jesus. Now remember even in our failure Jesus says, in verse 18: 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
This is not the only promise for in Matthew 28:20 Jesus states - ; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [d]Amen.
Not only does Jesus know our weaknesses and not only does He provide help for our walk as believers day by day but He provides the promise of His presence now and forever more. He is God and He is our Lord and He is our Savior. Amen.
III. But lastly in these verses Jesus provides us a challenge for our authenticity as believers.
One of the true marks of our faith in Jesus came in verse 15. “If you love Me, [d]keep My commandments. We find out more information concerning His love in verse 21-21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and[f]manifest Myself to him.”
Jesus in this verse confirms that if we love Him, we will press to be obedient to His commands. Love for Him is proven by how we honor His words and live according to His commandments. But this step of honor, respect, love and obedience by us causes the Father to love us and grants that Jesus will love us and make Himself present and real to us in our lives. Verse 23 repeats this promise and states He will make His home in us and in our lives. That is a real promise from God in Christ to us. Wouldn’t it be great if we could stop there and pay no attention to verse 24. Read what it says, 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.
We have many professing Christians today who do not keep the Word of God. Maybe the word Christian is becoming obsolete because of the perversion of the leftists and. Our culture. Maybe we should go back to calling ourselves followers or more critically believers in the Way. This verse is the critical discriminator between belief and unbelief. A believer is one who keeps His Word because He loves Jesus Christ.
Now for real truth for today – so where do you stand? If you say you love Jesus and do not Keep His Words are you really saved and a true believer? According to what we just read the answer is absolutely NO.
Or do you just have a said faith? A said faith is what you say it is not what the Master says. So when you stand before the judgement seat of Christ we He say depart from Me I never knew you, or will He welcome you to the reward of the faithful?
You are just one step away from the Master turn and ask for Him to save you today. Whosoever will call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13
Oct 29 Sermon
Go to Genesis 1: verse 1- -5, reference this,
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness [a]was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. [b]So the evening and the morning were the first day.
Now to John 1 ;1-9 and read there, verse 1 -
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not [a]comprehend it. <could not overcome it>
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His [c]own, and His [d]own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the [e]right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Prayer - May God bless the reading of His Word, to our understanding and obedience AMEN
So for a moment consider your life represented by a lamp. What does it take to get a simple lamp to work in your home? Well, if we were to have a lamp and tried to turn it on and it didn’t work, we would have to troubleshoot it, right? We would need to find out why it doesn’t work.
So we start at the source first. Is it plugged into the wall? Well, yes it is. Then we check the chord, is it frayed or broken, still connected to the plug and is it running up into the light? Well, yes it is and there are no exposed wires. So having checked the plug and the chord and both being in good working order, we move to the switch. Is the switch on? Well, no it is not. So we turn it on. And still there is no light. So we check to the bulb. Is there a bulb? Well, yes there is. So we remove the bulb and shake the bulb to make sure the filament is still there and there is no ringing when we shake the bulb. We then reinsert the bulb, screwing in tightly and still no light. So rechecking the switch we find it was off. Turning the switch on – voila we now have light.
So what do we need to have an operative light? We need a power source where we are plugged in. We need to have the power source flow into the lamp with the chord; and likewise a switch which is turned on will cause the power to flow into the bulb. The bulb receives the power and in harmony with that power the bulb generates great light. That light emanates or shines forth from the bulb and makes light in the surrounding darkness.
God’s word says in Psalm 119:105 says, Thy word is a lamp to my feet, And a light my path. That light is the light of His Word and the person of His Son.
Then in the Gospel of John, Chapter 8, verse 12 it says, 12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
According to this word from Jesus and the gospel we have read - if you are in the light as He is in the light, you will have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses you from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Being in the light as we have just read doesn’t just happen because you want it to happen, but because you chose to receive the Word of Truth which the Lord Jesus has given you. Let’s look at this for a moment.
According to our analogy about the lamp which we just read, we need a few things to be in the light.
We need a power source
We need a chord to transfer the power
We need a switch which is turned on
We need an operating light or bulb
And the bulb must generate light
Thus, if all these conditions are met we have light.
So at the beginning, we need a power source. And when we are plugged into to receive power – according to the Bible that power is given in the Word of God, but you must be plugged into the Word of God. Are you plugged into His Book?
Next, we need a chord to transfer the power- Jesus said you would receive power when the Holy Spirit has comes upon you! So the disciples were told to wait to receive this power, and they did. You don’t have to wait. If you have asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, at the moment of repentance and confession, by faith the Holy Spirit <who is God> was given to you as the seal and promise of your future redemption in eternity. (Eph. 1:13-14). You should really read these verses and meditate on them to gain a full understanding.
So the Holy Spirit is the chord for leading, teaching, guiding, transmitting, witnessing and sharing the truth of God.
Next, we come to the switch, which must be turned on to operate. This is you and I folks. The switch is an act of your personal will. You can have the truth stored in your heart <many do> and in your mind <many do> but if your will and purpose is not turned on to be obedient to the will of the Father, then the power of God goes no further. This is your choice now- You must be like the Philippian jailer who after hearing the gospel of Jesus, asked what must I do to be saved? But it didn’t stop there for he was saved and then he brought his whole family to receive Christ. Jesus said to us in Matthew 11:27- 27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.
If you have received the will from Christ, what is keeping you from obeying except sin and self. Perhaps you are worried about losing something because you have asked Christ into your heart, friends, family, job, promotion and maybe even your life.
Did you ever consider that failing to obey the will of the Spirit may cost you eternally more than you could ever imagine? We are told to count the cost.
Next you need an operating bulb which generates light. I think we know we already have this since Jesus said, I am the light of the world. And the light of the World says come. He loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. Will you turn on the switch of your heart and become obedient to the king of kings and Lord of Lords as He is lovingly calling you today?
Go to Genesis 1: verse 1- -5, reference this,
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness [a]was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. [b]So the evening and the morning were the first day.
Now to John 1 ;1-9 and read there, verse 1 -
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not [a]comprehend it. <could not overcome it>
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His [c]own, and His [d]own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the [e]right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Prayer - May God bless the reading of His Word, to our understanding and obedience AMEN
So for a moment consider your life represented by a lamp. What does it take to get a simple lamp to work in your home? Well, if we were to have a lamp and tried to turn it on and it didn’t work, we would have to troubleshoot it, right? We would need to find out why it doesn’t work.
So we start at the source first. Is it plugged into the wall? Well, yes it is. Then we check the chord, is it frayed or broken, still connected to the plug and is it running up into the light? Well, yes it is and there are no exposed wires. So having checked the plug and the chord and both being in good working order, we move to the switch. Is the switch on? Well, no it is not. So we turn it on. And still there is no light. So we check to the bulb. Is there a bulb? Well, yes there is. So we remove the bulb and shake the bulb to make sure the filament is still there and there is no ringing when we shake the bulb. We then reinsert the bulb, screwing in tightly and still no light. So rechecking the switch we find it was off. Turning the switch on – voila we now have light.
So what do we need to have an operative light? We need a power source where we are plugged in. We need to have the power source flow into the lamp with the chord; and likewise a switch which is turned on will cause the power to flow into the bulb. The bulb receives the power and in harmony with that power the bulb generates great light. That light emanates or shines forth from the bulb and makes light in the surrounding darkness.
God’s word says in Psalm 119:105 says, Thy word is a lamp to my feet, And a light my path. That light is the light of His Word and the person of His Son.
Then in the Gospel of John, Chapter 8, verse 12 it says, 12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
According to this word from Jesus and the gospel we have read - if you are in the light as He is in the light, you will have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses you from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Being in the light as we have just read doesn’t just happen because you want it to happen, but because you chose to receive the Word of Truth which the Lord Jesus has given you. Let’s look at this for a moment.
According to our analogy about the lamp which we just read, we need a few things to be in the light.
We need a power source
We need a chord to transfer the power
We need a switch which is turned on
We need an operating light or bulb
And the bulb must generate light
Thus, if all these conditions are met we have light.
So at the beginning, we need a power source. And when we are plugged into to receive power – according to the Bible that power is given in the Word of God, but you must be plugged into the Word of God. Are you plugged into His Book?
Next, we need a chord to transfer the power- Jesus said you would receive power when the Holy Spirit has comes upon you! So the disciples were told to wait to receive this power, and they did. You don’t have to wait. If you have asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, at the moment of repentance and confession, by faith the Holy Spirit <who is God> was given to you as the seal and promise of your future redemption in eternity. (Eph. 1:13-14). You should really read these verses and meditate on them to gain a full understanding.
So the Holy Spirit is the chord for leading, teaching, guiding, transmitting, witnessing and sharing the truth of God.
Next, we come to the switch, which must be turned on to operate. This is you and I folks. The switch is an act of your personal will. You can have the truth stored in your heart <many do> and in your mind <many do> but if your will and purpose is not turned on to be obedient to the will of the Father, then the power of God goes no further. This is your choice now- You must be like the Philippian jailer who after hearing the gospel of Jesus, asked what must I do to be saved? But it didn’t stop there for he was saved and then he brought his whole family to receive Christ. Jesus said to us in Matthew 11:27- 27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.
If you have received the will from Christ, what is keeping you from obeying except sin and self. Perhaps you are worried about losing something because you have asked Christ into your heart, friends, family, job, promotion and maybe even your life.
Did you ever consider that failing to obey the will of the Spirit may cost you eternally more than you could ever imagine? We are told to count the cost.
Next you need an operating bulb which generates light. I think we know we already have this since Jesus said, I am the light of the world. And the light of the World says come. He loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. Will you turn on the switch of your heart and become obedient to the king of kings and Lord of Lords as He is lovingly calling you today?
Oct 22 Sermon
Ezekiel 22:29-31 states: - The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. 30 So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. 31 Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their own heads,” says the Lord God.
Acts 1:2-11 states: 2 until the day in which [a]He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many [b]infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
The Holy Spirit Promised
4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [c]witnesses (martyra) to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Jesus Ascends to Heaven
9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”
I. Discussion - What God began because of the sinfulness of men He completed in Jesus Christ. Understand this, God’s eyes roved through all the days of the time of man and found no one - So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. (Ezekiel 22)
God was looking for a faithful witness in and among men; and how sad and how defeating that there was not one man in all of the future eternity of men of earth who had the integrity, dedication and love for God that would enable Him to be a faithful witness for God across the land. That’s the same conclusion Paul speaks of in Romans 3:23 – for all have sinned> and in Romans 6:23 for the wages of our inherent sin is death and none of earth could break this curse. Of course the short-term assessment was this was about Israel and their failure as the chosen people of God; but it had eternal implications on man’s redemption potential. Surely God knew this prior to His creation and had a plan, which He did. But He had to prove to men that they were not able to save themselves. Even coming from a perfect world and a perfect creation in the Garden, and selecting a people to walk before Him and be His witnesses. But God did know it, that is why He sent Jesus Christ His Son to redeem this lost and dying race. So God is looking for men and women, boys and girls who will shine with the love of God within them, and share what He has done in them through His Son.
II. So to be an effective and capable witness you must first trust implicitly in the Gospel of the God news and have it burn brightly in your heart.
So what is the gospel or the good news- that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He came to earth, witnessed and walked among men and lived a sinless life. He was crucified by sinful men on a cruel cross; He died and was buried in a rich man’s tomb, was resurrected on the third day and is alive today. Our text says vs. 3 - 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many [b]infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Do you remember in Luke 24 Jesus presented himself to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus - 25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He [g]expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
They in turn remembered how their hearts burned when He opened their understanding to the scriptures. Do we truly understand the truth contained in this book which we continually call the Word of God and yet treat its truths so casually or loosely? To be an effective witness you must First hold the Word of God as His truth not yours and fear Him who made it. This is bedrock
III. But to share the Gospel you need more- you need to have Jesus in your heart. It is not enough to just have the facts but you must repent and believe on the Lord Jesus and accept this truth in your heart. Mark 1 says, Jesus came preaching and teaching on the heels of John the Baptist and here is what he said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Repentance and confession of your sin always must come before professing belief in the Son of God; for when we stand in His presence, His holiness, His love and His sacrifice should cause us to weep for our sin, and to desire repentance and forgiveness of sin. Belief In Him then leads to a radical new life in Jesus Christ. His love in us causes us to walk differently before men.
My life was radically different than it was before- my sister saw this in me and wondered if it was real. She thought it might be a stage. We perhaps you will need to be the judge of whether He has change my life, but how about yours?
IV. But that is still not enough faith, belief and a changed life are still awaiting a final blessing. See verses 4 and 5, 4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Now many prophets Joel, Ezekiel and others had spoken of the promised coming and the pouring out of the Holy Spirit in the last days so our disciples latched on to this and questioned Jesus – when He was coming back-. But it was not for them to know-for this is exclusively under the authority of the Father in heaven.
They were to wait – now Paul and some of the disciples thought Jesus was coming back shortly and lived that way. And I believe that is our calling too. Jesus is coming back shortly and we need to be prepared for His coming soon. Just remember you are taking nothing from this earth with you but the treasure of souls which God grants you to witness their salvation.
So the one additional element which is needed for you to be not a good witness, not a prefect witness but an effective witness is the power of the Holy Spirit. Read verse 8 and tremble- 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [c]witnesses (martyra) to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Now another pastor who we know has said this. God the Father is God without flesh, Jesus is God in the Flesh and the Holy Spirit is God in our flesh – leading us into righteousness, faith and holiness.
So to be and effective witness is to have the Word of God, Faith, belief and repentance in God’s Son and to be filled with the Spirit of God. Now if I were to take and inventory I believe that is God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit in you.
V. Now, this is where the rubber meets the road- What type of witness are you for Jesus Christ and His truth? Are you a covert Christian hiding in plain sight or are you a sweet savor in the nostrils of God, pleasing him and standing in the Gap? Remember God sought a man to stand in the gap for the land and He could find no one. Pleasing God levies requirements upon us. 2 Tim 3:12 says, 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures
Are you suffering persecution for your faith? Are you living a Godly life in Christ Jesus? Perhaps that is because you have a said faith, but not real faith in Christ. You have heard but not believed. What did Jesus say? John 15:19-20 , 9 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. <broad road to destruction> < narrow gate and road leading to salvation.>
Are you prepared to suffer persecution here in America, its coming? Just look at Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Nazi Germany 1935-1945. The German Christian Church said it couldn’t happen there either.
Are you prepared to be mocked and ridiculed for your belief? Are you a god phobe or some other kind of phobe?
You could lose family and friends. You could lose your money, your property - if Biden has his way being designated as domestic terrorists, insurrectionists. You could lose your promotion, your job and your income? You might even lose your life- read the verse again - and you shall be [c]witnesses (martyra) to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
What happened to all the early disciples except John and he died in poverty? The word witness means <msrtyra> one who gives himself for another. God could call you to go to another land or this pagan land and become His martyr. Think of what you might lose if you chose otherwise. In Acts Chapter 7, do you remember Stephen, full of the Holy Ghost, one of the first serving deacons was killed for his witness to the Religious leader. He accused them of always resist(ing) the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers,
In verse54, . 54 When they heard these things they were [h]cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
The Lord Jesus who sat down at the right hand of the Father after He completed His work on earth, now stands in honor of the testimony of Steven who was full of grace and truth. What an honor to be greeting by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
If you were to deny the opportunity to serve the Lord in death you may miss for eternity the blessing He wuld bestow on your eternal life. Would you want to miss the greatest gift of all the blessing of the Father and His Son for all the ages?
Is the fear of displeasing God more than the fear of men in your heart today? I hope you are preparing your hearts to serve the Lord faithfully and you can only do so if you are walking with Him daily in the Word of God, repentant and faithful to His truth, full of grace and truth. Are you there in Him today? If not, I pray He has spoken to you now about your need- repent, confess and seek Him now. AMEN
Ezekiel 22:29-31 states: - The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. 30 So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. 31 Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their own heads,” says the Lord God.
Acts 1:2-11 states: 2 until the day in which [a]He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many [b]infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
The Holy Spirit Promised
4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [c]witnesses (martyra) to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Jesus Ascends to Heaven
9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”
I. Discussion - What God began because of the sinfulness of men He completed in Jesus Christ. Understand this, God’s eyes roved through all the days of the time of man and found no one - So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. (Ezekiel 22)
God was looking for a faithful witness in and among men; and how sad and how defeating that there was not one man in all of the future eternity of men of earth who had the integrity, dedication and love for God that would enable Him to be a faithful witness for God across the land. That’s the same conclusion Paul speaks of in Romans 3:23 – for all have sinned> and in Romans 6:23 for the wages of our inherent sin is death and none of earth could break this curse. Of course the short-term assessment was this was about Israel and their failure as the chosen people of God; but it had eternal implications on man’s redemption potential. Surely God knew this prior to His creation and had a plan, which He did. But He had to prove to men that they were not able to save themselves. Even coming from a perfect world and a perfect creation in the Garden, and selecting a people to walk before Him and be His witnesses. But God did know it, that is why He sent Jesus Christ His Son to redeem this lost and dying race. So God is looking for men and women, boys and girls who will shine with the love of God within them, and share what He has done in them through His Son.
II. So to be an effective and capable witness you must first trust implicitly in the Gospel of the God news and have it burn brightly in your heart.
So what is the gospel or the good news- that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He came to earth, witnessed and walked among men and lived a sinless life. He was crucified by sinful men on a cruel cross; He died and was buried in a rich man’s tomb, was resurrected on the third day and is alive today. Our text says vs. 3 - 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many [b]infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Do you remember in Luke 24 Jesus presented himself to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus - 25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He [g]expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
They in turn remembered how their hearts burned when He opened their understanding to the scriptures. Do we truly understand the truth contained in this book which we continually call the Word of God and yet treat its truths so casually or loosely? To be an effective witness you must First hold the Word of God as His truth not yours and fear Him who made it. This is bedrock
III. But to share the Gospel you need more- you need to have Jesus in your heart. It is not enough to just have the facts but you must repent and believe on the Lord Jesus and accept this truth in your heart. Mark 1 says, Jesus came preaching and teaching on the heels of John the Baptist and here is what he said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Repentance and confession of your sin always must come before professing belief in the Son of God; for when we stand in His presence, His holiness, His love and His sacrifice should cause us to weep for our sin, and to desire repentance and forgiveness of sin. Belief In Him then leads to a radical new life in Jesus Christ. His love in us causes us to walk differently before men.
My life was radically different than it was before- my sister saw this in me and wondered if it was real. She thought it might be a stage. We perhaps you will need to be the judge of whether He has change my life, but how about yours?
IV. But that is still not enough faith, belief and a changed life are still awaiting a final blessing. See verses 4 and 5, 4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Now many prophets Joel, Ezekiel and others had spoken of the promised coming and the pouring out of the Holy Spirit in the last days so our disciples latched on to this and questioned Jesus – when He was coming back-. But it was not for them to know-for this is exclusively under the authority of the Father in heaven.
They were to wait – now Paul and some of the disciples thought Jesus was coming back shortly and lived that way. And I believe that is our calling too. Jesus is coming back shortly and we need to be prepared for His coming soon. Just remember you are taking nothing from this earth with you but the treasure of souls which God grants you to witness their salvation.
So the one additional element which is needed for you to be not a good witness, not a prefect witness but an effective witness is the power of the Holy Spirit. Read verse 8 and tremble- 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [c]witnesses (martyra) to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Now another pastor who we know has said this. God the Father is God without flesh, Jesus is God in the Flesh and the Holy Spirit is God in our flesh – leading us into righteousness, faith and holiness.
So to be and effective witness is to have the Word of God, Faith, belief and repentance in God’s Son and to be filled with the Spirit of God. Now if I were to take and inventory I believe that is God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit in you.
V. Now, this is where the rubber meets the road- What type of witness are you for Jesus Christ and His truth? Are you a covert Christian hiding in plain sight or are you a sweet savor in the nostrils of God, pleasing him and standing in the Gap? Remember God sought a man to stand in the gap for the land and He could find no one. Pleasing God levies requirements upon us. 2 Tim 3:12 says, 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures
Are you suffering persecution for your faith? Are you living a Godly life in Christ Jesus? Perhaps that is because you have a said faith, but not real faith in Christ. You have heard but not believed. What did Jesus say? John 15:19-20 , 9 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. <broad road to destruction> < narrow gate and road leading to salvation.>
Are you prepared to suffer persecution here in America, its coming? Just look at Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Nazi Germany 1935-1945. The German Christian Church said it couldn’t happen there either.
Are you prepared to be mocked and ridiculed for your belief? Are you a god phobe or some other kind of phobe?
You could lose family and friends. You could lose your money, your property - if Biden has his way being designated as domestic terrorists, insurrectionists. You could lose your promotion, your job and your income? You might even lose your life- read the verse again - and you shall be [c]witnesses (martyra) to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
What happened to all the early disciples except John and he died in poverty? The word witness means <msrtyra> one who gives himself for another. God could call you to go to another land or this pagan land and become His martyr. Think of what you might lose if you chose otherwise. In Acts Chapter 7, do you remember Stephen, full of the Holy Ghost, one of the first serving deacons was killed for his witness to the Religious leader. He accused them of always resist(ing) the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers,
In verse54, . 54 When they heard these things they were [h]cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
The Lord Jesus who sat down at the right hand of the Father after He completed His work on earth, now stands in honor of the testimony of Steven who was full of grace and truth. What an honor to be greeting by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
If you were to deny the opportunity to serve the Lord in death you may miss for eternity the blessing He wuld bestow on your eternal life. Would you want to miss the greatest gift of all the blessing of the Father and His Son for all the ages?
Is the fear of displeasing God more than the fear of men in your heart today? I hope you are preparing your hearts to serve the Lord faithfully and you can only do so if you are walking with Him daily in the Word of God, repentant and faithful to His truth, full of grace and truth. Are you there in Him today? If not, I pray He has spoken to you now about your need- repent, confess and seek Him now. AMEN
Oct 8 Sermon
Pray God’s blessing upon the reading of His word and our understanding and application; may it be so in our hearing and our obedience today O Lord. Amen
Our text today comes from Daniel, Chapter 6 verses 6-18. Let us begin by reading. Please stand if you are able. Begin at verse 6, 6 So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: “King Darius, live forever! 7 All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which [a]does not alter.” 9 Therefore King Darius signed the written decree.
10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.
11 Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. 12 And they went before the king, have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?”
The king answered and said, “The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which [b]does not alter.”
13 So they answered and said before the king, “That Daniel, who is [c]one of the captives from Judah, does not show due regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.”
14 And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he [d]labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him. 15 Then these men [e]approached the king, and said to the king, “Know, O king, that it is the law of the Medes and Persians that no decree or statute which the king establishes may be changed.”
16 So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” 17 Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed.
Now this is a familiar text and we have used it before to look at Daniel and his miraculous deliverance from death in the Lion’s Den because of the activity of God.
I believe there is a second and more relevant application as we learn to live in the midst of a heathen and godless culture, which has little value for life and liberty.
Daniel and the three brothers Azariah, Hananiah, and Mishael, who we remember as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, made a covenant to honor God when they were first introduced as captives in the land. The proposed to honor the Lord God with their lives, their conduct and their resources. This began with their food if you remember? They refused to eat the food from the temple of the Babylonian gods, but ate vegetables instead and were found to be ruddier and healthier than those who ate from the King’s table. And because of their dedication God blessed Daniel with wisdom, understanding, interpretation of dreams and administrative skills which were used across the nation.
So step 1 is to purpose in your hearts today to honor and love God will all your heart and soul and mind and strength (Mark 12:30)
Daniel in the latter part of his life was called out of semi-retirement to serve as an administrator for the king in a toxic work environment. You might find that at work in our day with DEI, CRT and few other hateful/progressive things added in.
He was asked to serve as one of the top 3 advisors to the king from 122 others. He was a Jew and was hated by all the other administrators as a Jew and as an outsider. More importantly he was a trusted advisor to the king because he interpreted dreams. The others were jealous of his wisdom. Daniel was also consistent in his prayer and quiet times before the Lord God and had integrity of character in his behavior. In fact his behavior and practice was so consistent that those in opposition against him knew the only way he could be trapped and removed from authority.
So step 2 is for you and I to be faithful and consistent in our devotion to God. And may our resultant behavior be reflective of our integrity and fear of the Lord. Prayer is essential for remaining close to God and I must admit I need to spend more time in prayer, how about you?
So Daniel became trapped because of the egotism of the king and his willingness to listen to the other satraps and administrator knowing full well Daniel was not present, and was easily swayed by false praise and flatter.
Now interestingly enough we find Daniel unphased by the prospect of being caught in the midst of an unfair and unjust law. A law which was and is an abomination to God. Daniel seemed to know it was forthcoming and yet he did not change his daily routine of prayer but actually I think made his devotions as obvious as possible.
Many of us are caught today in unfair and unjust legal practices and know the risk we take by continuing to serve God faithfully. But like Daniel we must choose beforehand to place our trust in God and in His provisions.
But, that was not all. In the provisions of this new and unjust law was a sentence of death to be thrown into the lions den. Daniel’s accusers asked the king, vs. 12“Have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?”
Daniel was willing to trust God with his life.
So Step 3 is to commit to trusting your entire life and being to God. After all, He gave you life and He has a plan for your time here; He also knows what is best for you. Do you trust Him and fear Him? (Prov.3:5-6)(Phil.4:6-7)
Step 4 is a repeat of step 1 but asks a very essential question which Daniel answered in spades. Do you love the Lord? Daniel did and was willing to trust Him with his life. Jesus said this about loving Him. John 14:21
He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” Jesus promises to show Himself to those who love Him.
This is an honest question and one we should answer in our hearts today for it is the beginning of preparation to serve God in Christ Jesus. After all not everyone is rescued from the lion’s den. Read Hebrews Chapter 11, it is called the Hall of Faith for all those God delivered. But the latter half it says this in verse 35 and following others were tortured and died and were not delivered.
God is sovereign and He chooses to act in every life individually. He is calling His church to have faith and trust Him today. Will you allow God to have access into your life today? For believers it is surrender and surrendering all. For those who have yet to trust and obey, there is no other way to happy in Jesus but to trust and obey. Your obedience is necessary -truth Him by faith right now. AMEN
Pray God’s blessing upon the reading of His word and our understanding and application; may it be so in our hearing and our obedience today O Lord. Amen
Our text today comes from Daniel, Chapter 6 verses 6-18. Let us begin by reading. Please stand if you are able. Begin at verse 6, 6 So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: “King Darius, live forever! 7 All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which [a]does not alter.” 9 Therefore King Darius signed the written decree.
10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.
11 Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. 12 And they went before the king, have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?”
The king answered and said, “The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which [b]does not alter.”
13 So they answered and said before the king, “That Daniel, who is [c]one of the captives from Judah, does not show due regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.”
14 And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he [d]labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him. 15 Then these men [e]approached the king, and said to the king, “Know, O king, that it is the law of the Medes and Persians that no decree or statute which the king establishes may be changed.”
16 So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” 17 Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed.
Now this is a familiar text and we have used it before to look at Daniel and his miraculous deliverance from death in the Lion’s Den because of the activity of God.
I believe there is a second and more relevant application as we learn to live in the midst of a heathen and godless culture, which has little value for life and liberty.
Daniel and the three brothers Azariah, Hananiah, and Mishael, who we remember as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, made a covenant to honor God when they were first introduced as captives in the land. The proposed to honor the Lord God with their lives, their conduct and their resources. This began with their food if you remember? They refused to eat the food from the temple of the Babylonian gods, but ate vegetables instead and were found to be ruddier and healthier than those who ate from the King’s table. And because of their dedication God blessed Daniel with wisdom, understanding, interpretation of dreams and administrative skills which were used across the nation.
So step 1 is to purpose in your hearts today to honor and love God will all your heart and soul and mind and strength (Mark 12:30)
Daniel in the latter part of his life was called out of semi-retirement to serve as an administrator for the king in a toxic work environment. You might find that at work in our day with DEI, CRT and few other hateful/progressive things added in.
He was asked to serve as one of the top 3 advisors to the king from 122 others. He was a Jew and was hated by all the other administrators as a Jew and as an outsider. More importantly he was a trusted advisor to the king because he interpreted dreams. The others were jealous of his wisdom. Daniel was also consistent in his prayer and quiet times before the Lord God and had integrity of character in his behavior. In fact his behavior and practice was so consistent that those in opposition against him knew the only way he could be trapped and removed from authority.
So step 2 is for you and I to be faithful and consistent in our devotion to God. And may our resultant behavior be reflective of our integrity and fear of the Lord. Prayer is essential for remaining close to God and I must admit I need to spend more time in prayer, how about you?
So Daniel became trapped because of the egotism of the king and his willingness to listen to the other satraps and administrator knowing full well Daniel was not present, and was easily swayed by false praise and flatter.
Now interestingly enough we find Daniel unphased by the prospect of being caught in the midst of an unfair and unjust law. A law which was and is an abomination to God. Daniel seemed to know it was forthcoming and yet he did not change his daily routine of prayer but actually I think made his devotions as obvious as possible.
Many of us are caught today in unfair and unjust legal practices and know the risk we take by continuing to serve God faithfully. But like Daniel we must choose beforehand to place our trust in God and in His provisions.
But, that was not all. In the provisions of this new and unjust law was a sentence of death to be thrown into the lions den. Daniel’s accusers asked the king, vs. 12“Have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?”
Daniel was willing to trust God with his life.
So Step 3 is to commit to trusting your entire life and being to God. After all, He gave you life and He has a plan for your time here; He also knows what is best for you. Do you trust Him and fear Him? (Prov.3:5-6)(Phil.4:6-7)
Step 4 is a repeat of step 1 but asks a very essential question which Daniel answered in spades. Do you love the Lord? Daniel did and was willing to trust Him with his life. Jesus said this about loving Him. John 14:21
He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” Jesus promises to show Himself to those who love Him.
This is an honest question and one we should answer in our hearts today for it is the beginning of preparation to serve God in Christ Jesus. After all not everyone is rescued from the lion’s den. Read Hebrews Chapter 11, it is called the Hall of Faith for all those God delivered. But the latter half it says this in verse 35 and following others were tortured and died and were not delivered.
God is sovereign and He chooses to act in every life individually. He is calling His church to have faith and trust Him today. Will you allow God to have access into your life today? For believers it is surrender and surrendering all. For those who have yet to trust and obey, there is no other way to happy in Jesus but to trust and obey. Your obedience is necessary -truth Him by faith right now. AMEN
Oct 1 Sermon
Psalm 46, speaks to the issues of both strength and trouble. We will dive straight into understanding what does the Bible means concerning trouble(s) before quickly addressing what the Bible means concerning strength. First, let us being with a word of prayer. Please bow your heads and pray with me – Father we humbly ask you to illuminate our hearts and our understanding as we look at Your truth in Your Word. May the Holy Spirit access our hearts and minds fully! Amen Troubles, now I am sure these are a thing of the past for most of us. As you get older your troubles just sort of fade away – right? Not true! I thinks as I have aged my troubles have multiplied drastically. Age however, is no barrier to troubles. Troubles come because of who we are – sinful human beings in the midst of a sinful world. People are out to get you and, in many cases, we are out to get others for what they have done to us. Troubles then can be internally created or something that just happens which is outside our physical, social, mental or spiritual control. Examples of self-generated troubles could be something you said or did to another person, which was not kind, polite or honorable. Personal relationships fall into these type of trouble. Sinful behaviors such as stealing, lying, unfaithfulness and the like would also be in this category. Troubles also comes unbidden by us. We can get sick, terribly sick and lose our health, which impacts our personal and family welfare and ability to care for ourselves. How about a failing economy where the stock market and our savings plummet? That is also trouble. There are a whole range of events which can impact you – death of a spouse, a child or loved one; losing a job, a miscarriage, a divorce, unexpected unemployment and others. All these events can cause troubles. Many of which you had no choice in -such as an earthquakes, tsunamis, car or airplane accidents. Life happens and we have difficulties or troubles What might he Bible tell us about troubles? Let’s now read Psalm 46 , verses 1-3. God is our refuge and strength, a [a] very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the [b]midst of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Now focus us on the word – trouble. My friends used say “and here comes trouble’ when I was a kid. I was usually able to stir things up and not always for the betterment of myself or others. Sometimes it was a malicious or nasty effort to get someone or something I wanted. Trouble is mentioned in our scripture, first in verses 1 and in verse 3. It seems to just happen to men and women. Of course Satan is the prince of trouble and he stimulates a lot our troubles. Witness Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. He stirred them up so they questioned the 231002_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +23 “ You will haves Trouble in 2023” “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?” 231002_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +23 “ You will haves Trouble in 2023” “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?” 2 accuracy and truthfulness of God’s word. That was trouble big trouble for all of creation and impacts all of us today living in America and across the world. A famous person who was impacted by trouble is Job. He also spoke about trouble. If there was ever and individual who got a full share of troubles it was Job. In Job Chapter 14 verses 1 and 2, we read, “Man who is born of woman Is of few days and full of [a] trouble. 2He comes forth like a flower and fades away; He flees like a shadow and does not continue. Man who is of few days and full of trouble, all His days. Our lives are so short and in the midst of all the time allotted we have difficulties or troubles in every season of life. Now you are saying to yourself, this guy is not telling me something which I didn’t already know. But I am given you the added dimension of the truth reinforced in the Word of God by an accurate witness of troubles. God the Father, He preserved the story of Job for us to learn from and apply to our lives. Jesus also was highly aware of our personal and individual troubles, as we live upon this earth. In the sermon on the mount, Jesus gives very practical and direct teaching about our troubles. Jesus says in Matthew 6:34, Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. One of the causes of our troubles is worrying and trying to anticipating the future to meet our personal and professional needs. Will we have enough money, enough to eat, having the “right” clothes, a place to live and so on? In John 16:33, Jesus stated, These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” So believers and those who trust in Jesus Christ are not somehow exempted from tribulation or trouble. On the contrary Jesus says, “you will have tribulation.” So much for the myth of once you become a believer its “candy land and pleasures unlimited” until you enter heaven. Trouble is part of our human condition and is a direct result of sin and Satan acting upon this world. This is what the Bible – the Word of God teaches us. His truth. So how do we find strength? Go back to the verses we have used to define what is trouble or tribulation and we gain strength through the application of an antidote. Part of the antidote is contained in verse 1 of Psalm 46: God is our refuge and strength, a [a] very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the [b]midst of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. And part in Matthew 6:33 – Seek ye first And part in John 16:33 - but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world! Jesus saves us and sanctifies us forever
Psalm 46, speaks to the issues of both strength and trouble. We will dive straight into understanding what does the Bible means concerning trouble(s) before quickly addressing what the Bible means concerning strength. First, let us being with a word of prayer. Please bow your heads and pray with me – Father we humbly ask you to illuminate our hearts and our understanding as we look at Your truth in Your Word. May the Holy Spirit access our hearts and minds fully! Amen Troubles, now I am sure these are a thing of the past for most of us. As you get older your troubles just sort of fade away – right? Not true! I thinks as I have aged my troubles have multiplied drastically. Age however, is no barrier to troubles. Troubles come because of who we are – sinful human beings in the midst of a sinful world. People are out to get you and, in many cases, we are out to get others for what they have done to us. Troubles then can be internally created or something that just happens which is outside our physical, social, mental or spiritual control. Examples of self-generated troubles could be something you said or did to another person, which was not kind, polite or honorable. Personal relationships fall into these type of trouble. Sinful behaviors such as stealing, lying, unfaithfulness and the like would also be in this category. Troubles also comes unbidden by us. We can get sick, terribly sick and lose our health, which impacts our personal and family welfare and ability to care for ourselves. How about a failing economy where the stock market and our savings plummet? That is also trouble. There are a whole range of events which can impact you – death of a spouse, a child or loved one; losing a job, a miscarriage, a divorce, unexpected unemployment and others. All these events can cause troubles. Many of which you had no choice in -such as an earthquakes, tsunamis, car or airplane accidents. Life happens and we have difficulties or troubles What might he Bible tell us about troubles? Let’s now read Psalm 46 , verses 1-3. God is our refuge and strength, a [a] very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the [b]midst of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Now focus us on the word – trouble. My friends used say “and here comes trouble’ when I was a kid. I was usually able to stir things up and not always for the betterment of myself or others. Sometimes it was a malicious or nasty effort to get someone or something I wanted. Trouble is mentioned in our scripture, first in verses 1 and in verse 3. It seems to just happen to men and women. Of course Satan is the prince of trouble and he stimulates a lot our troubles. Witness Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. He stirred them up so they questioned the 231002_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +23 “ You will haves Trouble in 2023” “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?” 231002_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +23 “ You will haves Trouble in 2023” “Who have you invited to know Jesus Christ today?” 2 accuracy and truthfulness of God’s word. That was trouble big trouble for all of creation and impacts all of us today living in America and across the world. A famous person who was impacted by trouble is Job. He also spoke about trouble. If there was ever and individual who got a full share of troubles it was Job. In Job Chapter 14 verses 1 and 2, we read, “Man who is born of woman Is of few days and full of [a] trouble. 2He comes forth like a flower and fades away; He flees like a shadow and does not continue. Man who is of few days and full of trouble, all His days. Our lives are so short and in the midst of all the time allotted we have difficulties or troubles in every season of life. Now you are saying to yourself, this guy is not telling me something which I didn’t already know. But I am given you the added dimension of the truth reinforced in the Word of God by an accurate witness of troubles. God the Father, He preserved the story of Job for us to learn from and apply to our lives. Jesus also was highly aware of our personal and individual troubles, as we live upon this earth. In the sermon on the mount, Jesus gives very practical and direct teaching about our troubles. Jesus says in Matthew 6:34, Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. One of the causes of our troubles is worrying and trying to anticipating the future to meet our personal and professional needs. Will we have enough money, enough to eat, having the “right” clothes, a place to live and so on? In John 16:33, Jesus stated, These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” So believers and those who trust in Jesus Christ are not somehow exempted from tribulation or trouble. On the contrary Jesus says, “you will have tribulation.” So much for the myth of once you become a believer its “candy land and pleasures unlimited” until you enter heaven. Trouble is part of our human condition and is a direct result of sin and Satan acting upon this world. This is what the Bible – the Word of God teaches us. His truth. So how do we find strength? Go back to the verses we have used to define what is trouble or tribulation and we gain strength through the application of an antidote. Part of the antidote is contained in verse 1 of Psalm 46: God is our refuge and strength, a [a] very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the [b]midst of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. And part in Matthew 6:33 – Seek ye first And part in John 16:33 - but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world! Jesus saves us and sanctifies us forever
Sept 10 Sermon
Did you know your Heavenly Father attends the funeral of every sparrow which dies? In this book of the Bible and three times in this chapter Jesus teaches about whom and what to fear. What do you fear today as you enter into this place?
You could look at Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and starting there use them to prioritize and guide your understanding.
But I believe there is a greater need here and that is with fear. Every one of us fears something, questions is, what is it? Remember as kids we used to capture our fears by writing them down, collecting them and then putting them in a bottle. This symbology was used to represent capturing and conquering our fears.
That doesn’t quite work in the real world. Many fears come from not being able to control our circumstances, or our health, or our finances, or our personal and professional welfare. Life is tough and fears abound. Ever fear losing your job because of COVID, or for not getting your injections or boosters?
However, in most cases our fear is misdirected.
Jesus taught about fear in chapter 6. Don’t worry about what you shall wear, or what you shall eat
Jesus teaches that worry is fear in action.
In the book of Matthew Chapter 10, Please turn to it, as we begin our lesson.
27 “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in [h]hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a [i]copper coin?
Jesus was teaching His disciples what to fear and what not to fear.- hear the three things about fear which Jesus wanted His disciples to know and understand
First, vs. 25 25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house [g]Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!26 26 Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.
Second vs. 28 - 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in [h]hell.
Third vs. 29 ff - 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a [i]copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
We are told three times not to fear for you are more valuable than many sparrows!
We teach all in Bible study from the book of Proverbs-that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Are You listening to what Jesus is teaching --Fear not! Are you paying attention to His Word?
Notice the emphasis here on the predetermined will of God
And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Instead of fear we should know we are carefully loved and crafted by God beyond all measure to be instruments of His Will. After all He sent His Son to find you and save your from your sin.
10:29 apart from your Father’s will. Not merely “without His knowledge”; Jesus was teaching that God providentially controls the timing and circumstances of such insignificant events as the death of a sparrow. Even the number of hairs on our heads is controlled by His sovereign will (v. 30). In other words, divine will and His providence governs even the smallest details and even the most mundane matters. These are very powerful affirmations of the sovereignty of God.
He is God and we are not!
Did you know your Heavenly Father attends the funeral of every sparrow which dies? In this book of the Bible and three times in this chapter Jesus teaches about whom and what to fear. What do you fear today as you enter into this place?
You could look at Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and starting there use them to prioritize and guide your understanding.
But I believe there is a greater need here and that is with fear. Every one of us fears something, questions is, what is it? Remember as kids we used to capture our fears by writing them down, collecting them and then putting them in a bottle. This symbology was used to represent capturing and conquering our fears.
That doesn’t quite work in the real world. Many fears come from not being able to control our circumstances, or our health, or our finances, or our personal and professional welfare. Life is tough and fears abound. Ever fear losing your job because of COVID, or for not getting your injections or boosters?
However, in most cases our fear is misdirected.
Jesus taught about fear in chapter 6. Don’t worry about what you shall wear, or what you shall eat
Jesus teaches that worry is fear in action.
In the book of Matthew Chapter 10, Please turn to it, as we begin our lesson.
27 “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in [h]hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a [i]copper coin?
Jesus was teaching His disciples what to fear and what not to fear.- hear the three things about fear which Jesus wanted His disciples to know and understand
First, vs. 25 25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house [g]Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!26 26 Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.
Second vs. 28 - 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in [h]hell.
Third vs. 29 ff - 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a [i]copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
We are told three times not to fear for you are more valuable than many sparrows!
We teach all in Bible study from the book of Proverbs-that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Are You listening to what Jesus is teaching --Fear not! Are you paying attention to His Word?
Notice the emphasis here on the predetermined will of God
And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Instead of fear we should know we are carefully loved and crafted by God beyond all measure to be instruments of His Will. After all He sent His Son to find you and save your from your sin.
10:29 apart from your Father’s will. Not merely “without His knowledge”; Jesus was teaching that God providentially controls the timing and circumstances of such insignificant events as the death of a sparrow. Even the number of hairs on our heads is controlled by His sovereign will (v. 30). In other words, divine will and His providence governs even the smallest details and even the most mundane matters. These are very powerful affirmations of the sovereignty of God.
He is God and we are not!
Sept 3 Sermon
Begin with me in the Gospel of John, Chapter 7, Verses 37-39 - 37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those [g]believing in Him would receive; for the [h]Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
God please open my eyes that I may see and my ears that I might hear your truth, In Jesus name.
Is your life productive because the Spirit of God is working through you to reach others? Can God use you for whatever He wants and are you listening for His voice now? If not then perhaps this message from John 7 about Living waters is for you?
Let is being with Vs. 7:37 On the last day.
a. This language suggests that this event or occasion occurred on a different day than what was discussed just in the prior verses.
b. If anyone thirsts. There is a tradition which arose a sometime before Jesus lived, that on the 7th day of the Feast of Tabernacles, a golden container filled with water from the pool of Siloam was carried by the High-Priest from the pool to the temple. As the procession arrived at the Water Gate of the inner temple court, 3 trumpet blasts were sounded marking the joyous occasion and the people recited from Is. 12:3, “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
As the people watched, the priests marched around the altar with the water while the temple choir sang the Hillel (Pss. 113–118). Then the water was offered as a sacrifice to God at the morning sacrifice.
The water symbolized the blessing of adequate rainfall for crops but this was a temporary fix.
Jesus used this event to teach and make a public invitation and invite His people to accept Him as the perpetual and eternal living water. His words recall Is. 55:1.
Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Now in Vs. 7:38 we see a reference to living water. This water-pouring rite was also associated within Jewish tradition as a foreshadowing of the eschatological rivers of living water foreseen in Ezek. 47:1–9 and Zech. 13:1. The significance of Jesus’ invitation centers in the fact that He was and He is the fulfillment of all the Feast of Tabernacles anticipated, i.e., Jesus Christ is the One who provides Living Water which gives and seals eternal life to any man who seeks Him as Savior and Lord(cf. 4:10, 11).
But there are 4 things of deep spiritual significance to pause and to highlight in this verse. We begin with :
I. First who is the source of the promise- It says Jesus stood. So the source of the promise is Jesus, the Son of God and the Son of Man. All God and All Man, the only Son of God, the only begotten from the Father before all ages, He is:
God of God, Light of Light,
Very God of very God, begotten, not made;
being of one substance with the Father.
Through him all things were made, who for us men and for our salvation
came down from heaven; and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man.
He was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered and was buried, and rose again on the third day, according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty
He will come again in glory to judge the quick and the dead.
And His kingdom shall have no end.
This is the person and nature of Jesus Christ we are to worship and serve.
II. Second, to whom is the promise made – The answer is to anyone who thirsts. What do you mean by thirsts, is this for water or something to drink? No not for water or something to drink but any person who is desperately seeking a right, real, and personal relationship with God. To anyone who would want to know and seek God and is desperate and desires Him more than life itself. Could this be the desire of your heart today? For you know that you know in your heart, you what something more about faith and Jesus Christ than you are experiencing today. You have developed a thirst for Christ.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 says this, 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of <welfare> peace and not of <calamity> evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Is this you today? Are you seeking Him with a whole heart?
This Old Testament promise is fulfilled when one seeks Jesus Christ, because He is God as we established at the start.
III. To whom is the promise delivered-
The answer is he who come to Me and drink(s). <and> 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said,
Here is what we are told by Paul about Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved <Romans 10:13>, So this could be anyone couldn’t it? But scripture is more specific and candid revealing the picture of a changed heart and a changed perspective. Read with me again in Romans Chapter 10, the following verses 8 to 11, 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”
So the promise is delivered to whosoever comes to Jesus and believes on Him according to the Word of God. What a wonderful savior we have in Jesus. Thank you, Father, for Your most exceptional gift.
IV. And Fourth, what is the promise that He delivers? According to vs 39 it says, 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those [g]believing in Him would receive; for the [h]Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
So the promise that God grants to whosoever would call upon the name of the Lord by faith, and confess with their mouth the Lord Jesus. And believe in their heart that God has raised Him from the dead, is the Holy Spirit. God comes to indwell every believer. Eph 1:13-14 says, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who[d] is the [e]guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. Sealed in Christ Jesus unto the day of redemption.
You were and are sealed in Him if you have asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.
The [g]Helper, tis the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in Jesus name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that Jesus said to you.
The final output of this is receiving the rivers of living water. When the Holy Spirit indwells a person, the output is streams, literally rivers of living water which God will use to draw others to Himself. Because of God in you, your life will no become supernaturally productive because of the fruit which you bear because of heart which reflects the love of Jesus in you.
So you see this little verse is packed full of the promises of God and has a much deeper meaning for each of us, if we take the time to discover its value
Begin with me in the Gospel of John, Chapter 7, Verses 37-39 - 37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those [g]believing in Him would receive; for the [h]Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
God please open my eyes that I may see and my ears that I might hear your truth, In Jesus name.
Is your life productive because the Spirit of God is working through you to reach others? Can God use you for whatever He wants and are you listening for His voice now? If not then perhaps this message from John 7 about Living waters is for you?
Let is being with Vs. 7:37 On the last day.
a. This language suggests that this event or occasion occurred on a different day than what was discussed just in the prior verses.
b. If anyone thirsts. There is a tradition which arose a sometime before Jesus lived, that on the 7th day of the Feast of Tabernacles, a golden container filled with water from the pool of Siloam was carried by the High-Priest from the pool to the temple. As the procession arrived at the Water Gate of the inner temple court, 3 trumpet blasts were sounded marking the joyous occasion and the people recited from Is. 12:3, “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
As the people watched, the priests marched around the altar with the water while the temple choir sang the Hillel (Pss. 113–118). Then the water was offered as a sacrifice to God at the morning sacrifice.
The water symbolized the blessing of adequate rainfall for crops but this was a temporary fix.
Jesus used this event to teach and make a public invitation and invite His people to accept Him as the perpetual and eternal living water. His words recall Is. 55:1.
Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Now in Vs. 7:38 we see a reference to living water. This water-pouring rite was also associated within Jewish tradition as a foreshadowing of the eschatological rivers of living water foreseen in Ezek. 47:1–9 and Zech. 13:1. The significance of Jesus’ invitation centers in the fact that He was and He is the fulfillment of all the Feast of Tabernacles anticipated, i.e., Jesus Christ is the One who provides Living Water which gives and seals eternal life to any man who seeks Him as Savior and Lord(cf. 4:10, 11).
But there are 4 things of deep spiritual significance to pause and to highlight in this verse. We begin with :
I. First who is the source of the promise- It says Jesus stood. So the source of the promise is Jesus, the Son of God and the Son of Man. All God and All Man, the only Son of God, the only begotten from the Father before all ages, He is:
God of God, Light of Light,
Very God of very God, begotten, not made;
being of one substance with the Father.
Through him all things were made, who for us men and for our salvation
came down from heaven; and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man.
He was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered and was buried, and rose again on the third day, according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty
He will come again in glory to judge the quick and the dead.
And His kingdom shall have no end.
This is the person and nature of Jesus Christ we are to worship and serve.
II. Second, to whom is the promise made – The answer is to anyone who thirsts. What do you mean by thirsts, is this for water or something to drink? No not for water or something to drink but any person who is desperately seeking a right, real, and personal relationship with God. To anyone who would want to know and seek God and is desperate and desires Him more than life itself. Could this be the desire of your heart today? For you know that you know in your heart, you what something more about faith and Jesus Christ than you are experiencing today. You have developed a thirst for Christ.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 says this, 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of <welfare> peace and not of <calamity> evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Is this you today? Are you seeking Him with a whole heart?
This Old Testament promise is fulfilled when one seeks Jesus Christ, because He is God as we established at the start.
III. To whom is the promise delivered-
The answer is he who come to Me and drink(s). <and> 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said,
Here is what we are told by Paul about Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved <Romans 10:13>, So this could be anyone couldn’t it? But scripture is more specific and candid revealing the picture of a changed heart and a changed perspective. Read with me again in Romans Chapter 10, the following verses 8 to 11, 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”
So the promise is delivered to whosoever comes to Jesus and believes on Him according to the Word of God. What a wonderful savior we have in Jesus. Thank you, Father, for Your most exceptional gift.
IV. And Fourth, what is the promise that He delivers? According to vs 39 it says, 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those [g]believing in Him would receive; for the [h]Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
So the promise that God grants to whosoever would call upon the name of the Lord by faith, and confess with their mouth the Lord Jesus. And believe in their heart that God has raised Him from the dead, is the Holy Spirit. God comes to indwell every believer. Eph 1:13-14 says, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who[d] is the [e]guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. Sealed in Christ Jesus unto the day of redemption.
You were and are sealed in Him if you have asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.
The [g]Helper, tis the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in Jesus name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that Jesus said to you.
The final output of this is receiving the rivers of living water. When the Holy Spirit indwells a person, the output is streams, literally rivers of living water which God will use to draw others to Himself. Because of God in you, your life will no become supernaturally productive because of the fruit which you bear because of heart which reflects the love of Jesus in you.
So you see this little verse is packed full of the promises of God and has a much deeper meaning for each of us, if we take the time to discover its value
Aug 27 Sermon
10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, <spirit filled> <fruit of the spirit > perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. <apostacy>14 But you must continue in the things <take up you cross> which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration <god breathed> of God, and is profitable <worthy> for doctrine <should do>, for reproof <shouldn’t do>, for correction, <get right> for [c]instruction in righteousness,<how to stay right> 17 that the man of God may be complete <made perfect> thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Pray – May God use His Word to lead us in the way everlasting – Amen
We are told to:
- From Childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures <Old Testament, no New Testament had been published yet. So you heard that the OT can make you wise to salvation – this is not progressive revelation, The words written in red are not better or more inspired than OT stories, psalms. After all Jesus preached from{Isaiah 61. 1-3}- The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to [a]heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are unbound2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
3 To [b]console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
So, in the age we live in as believers, we have a responsibility to balance knowledge and responsibility, we read about this balance and responsibility in 2nd Timothy Chapter 3. Specifically we have a responsibility to tell others about Jesus and our need for a savior. And we need to have the knowledge imparted by the Holy Spi
10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, <spirit filled> <fruit of the spirit > perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. <apostacy>14 But you must continue in the things <take up you cross> which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration <god breathed> of God, and is profitable <worthy> for doctrine <should do>, for reproof <shouldn’t do>, for correction, <get right> for [c]instruction in righteousness,<how to stay right> 17 that the man of God may be complete <made perfect> thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Pray – May God use His Word to lead us in the way everlasting – Amen
We are told to:
- Carefully followed my {Paul’s) doctrine, and manner of life
- Out of all the Lord delivered me- what the Lord did
- Alert- alert - All who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution
- The times they are a changing apostates, pure evil, Imposters in the faith are here now today!
- From Childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures <Old Testament, no New Testament had been published yet. So you heard that the OT can make you wise to salvation – this is not progressive revelation, The words written in red are not better or more inspired than OT stories, psalms. After all Jesus preached from{Isaiah 61. 1-3}- The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to [a]heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are unbound2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
3 To [b]console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
So, in the age we live in as believers, we have a responsibility to balance knowledge and responsibility, we read about this balance and responsibility in 2nd Timothy Chapter 3. Specifically we have a responsibility to tell others about Jesus and our need for a savior. And we need to have the knowledge imparted by the Holy Spi