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 Spirit by applying the Word of God.
So as we go to our text we actually begin by moving from Chapter 2 in 2nd Timothy, which is about being a servant. My friend and mentor Henry Blackaby likens servanthood to being like clay. Clay has no will of its own, it is molded and shaped by the potter who controls it. So as God shapes and directs the clay of a servant so should he or she go and complete the tasking for which he or she was sent. Are you moldable clay in the hands of the potter today?
By the way do you know when the “last days” of scripture began? It began with the ministry of the Son of God. They are called “last days” because God is completing His work in and through His people. Many scoff at His coming, but He who has called you is faithful and He will fulfill the purpose of HIs calling.
The “times” of the last day will be seasons of earth will be perilous, meaning “dangerous, hard to deal with, savage.” This is the same Greek word used to describe the dangerous, violent demoniac in Galatia. This suggests that demons will be driving the violence of the last times. So in the last days we will see an acceleration in the intensity of troubles. Do you think this might be happening today?
Now we will not be addressing verses 1 to 9 but the general overall tenor and thread pulled through this section is the need for believers to “turn away from the false teaching and lies that are out there.” Now caution – turn away means to separate ourselves. But to separate does not mean to isolate or totally remove ourselves, as some interpret. What it means is to be “in the world, but not of the world.” Separated to Christ yes, distinct but not involved/ imbedded in worldly pursuits.
1. Now beginning in verse 10 of 2nd Timothy Chapter 3, In these days follow those who are true. It is critical is these last days to follow faithful servant of God and we are to use that measure established by the Word of God. In verses 10 – 12 Paul defines the characteristics of leaders to follow.
a. Their lives are open to all to see – Pastors and teachers should be what they teach and preach – not set apart
b. They teach true doctrine – the true faith. He must teach the Word of God and the full counsel of God.
c. They must practice what they preach- remember like Paul, was a preacher not a celebrity, found peace in poverty or in abundance.-
d. Their purpose is to glorify God – want to finish. complete the work for which God sent them like Paul did. In this they only want to do God’s will (Phil. 1.21}. A man of faith, trusting in God to meet the needs. Longsuffering who bore personal attacks. A man of love willing to give himself to others
e. They are willing to suffer- Paul considered suffering a joy for it meant God was working in and through his life. Many today discount and avoid suffering wanting to be pampered and protected from any discomfort Part II. In verses 13-17 Paul addresses the need for all to continue in God’s Word.
Today more than ever we need to surround ourselves with the truth as the days worsen. Deception and distortion are growing daily as the Prince and power of the air continues to pollute the hearts and minds of many.
III. In verses 15 and following Paul makes great distinction about the Scriptures and their importance to us
a. (vs 15a)They are the Holy Scriptures – literally “sacred letters.” The word for Holy means “consecrated for sacred use.” The Bible is different from any other book,
-Timothy raised on the Holy Scriptures, in a godly home
-not saved until Paul led him to salvation in Jesus Christ.
What does the Bible do then? It reveals our need for salvation. It mirrors how filthy in our own dirty rags we are before God’s sight.
c. The scriptures are true and dependable for our use and reliance
- “All Scripture is God breathers” -the Scripture is written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit
- Satan has attacked “God’s Word” since the beginning “Asked Eve “hath God said.?) (Gen. 3.1)
- God only wants His people to know the truth, so why would He give us a book of errors
- Pastor Adrian Roger said He has been studying and using the Bible for 50 years and yet to find any errors in it or its author
God is the God of truth (Deut 32.4)
Jesus is “the truth.” (Jn. 14.6)
The Holy Spirit is truth (1st Jn. 5.6)
Jesus said of the Scriptures thy word is truth (Jn. 17.17)
The Holy Spirit used men of God to write the “Word of God.”
d. Vs. 16 provides us another perspective on the application and applicability of scripture to our lives. The Word of God is profitable -- - for doctrine – tells us what is right
- for reproof – tells us what is not right
- for correction – how to get right
- for instruction in righteousness – how to live and stay right before God
e. The Scripture equips us for service (vs. 17) That the man or woman of God can be thoroughly equipped unto every good work. Here is where God states that any believer can become a person “of God.’ How? By studying the Word of God and letting it control and direct our lives
So scripture provides the knowledge of how we are to live, but God provides the balance in the provision of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. He is the Counselor, He is Truth, He is God and He the teacher who walks in us daily. Are you yielded to Him today? We sing often Living for Jesus in all that I do. Is He?
God is at work – Question? – Am I growing in the grace and knowledge of God and His Son Jesus Christ?
Luke 9:23 says, - 23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross [a]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.
To gain life in Christ is to lose yourself, your ego, your ambitions and your present life in Jesus. You need to remember who Jesus is and surrender. He gives life and He is the life and if you are a believer His is your life.
Desire to come after Jesus today. AMEN
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 Spirit by applying the Word of God.
So as we go to our text we actually begin by moving from Chapter 2 in 2nd Timothy, which is about being a servant. My friend and mentor Henry Blackaby likens servanthood to being like clay. Clay has no will of its own, it is molded and shaped by the potter who controls it. So as God shapes and directs the clay of a servant so should he or she go and complete the tasking for which he or she was sent. Are you moldable clay in the hands of the potter today?
By the way do you know when the “last days” of scripture began? It began with the ministry of the Son of God. They are called “last days” because God is completing His work in and through His people. Many scoff at His coming, but He who has called you is faithful and He will fulfill the purpose of HIs calling.
The “times” of the last day will be seasons of earth will be perilous, meaning “dangerous, hard to deal with, savage.” This is the same Greek word used to describe the dangerous, violent demoniac in Galatia. This suggests that demons will be driving the violence of the last times. So in the last days we will see an acceleration in the intensity of troubles. Do you think this might be happening today?
Now we will not be addressing verses 1 to 9 but the general overall tenor and thread pulled through this section is the need for believers to “turn away from the false teaching and lies that are out there.” Now caution – turn away means to separate ourselves. But to separate does not mean to isolate or totally remove ourselves, as some interpret. What it means is to be “in the world, but not of the world.” Separated to Christ yes, distinct but not involved/ imbedded in worldly pursuits.
1. Now beginning in verse 10 of 2nd Timothy Chapter 3, In these days follow those who are true. It is critical is these last days to follow faithful servant of God and we are to use that measure established by the Word of God. In verses 10 – 12 Paul defines the characteristics of leaders to follow.
a. Their lives are open to all to see – Pastors and teachers should be what they teach and preach – not set apart
b. They teach true doctrine – the true faith. He must teach the Word of God and the full counsel of God.
c. They must practice what they preach- remember like Paul, was a preacher not a celebrity, found peace in poverty or in abundance.-
d. Their purpose is to glorify God – want to finish. complete the work for which God sent them like Paul did. In this they only want to do God’s will (Phil. 1.21}. A man of faith, trusting in God to meet the needs. Longsuffering who bore personal attacks. A man of love willing to give himself to others
e. They are willing to suffer- Paul considered suffering a joy for it meant God was working in and through his life. Many today discount and avoid suffering wanting to be pampered and protected from any discomfort Part II. In verses 13-17 Paul addresses the need for all to continue in God’s Word.
Today more than ever we need to surround ourselves with the truth as the days worsen. Deception and distortion are growing daily as the Prince and power of the air continues to pollute the hearts and minds of many.
- Some might say I needed the bible when I was younger but I don’t need it any more
- Adults need the Bible more than children do
- We need to teach our children and grandchildren about God
- Use Kenneth Taylor’s Bible Stories with Pictures for little eyes. Many of which are still available
III. In verses 15 and following Paul makes great distinction about the Scriptures and their importance to us
a. (vs 15a)They are the Holy Scriptures – literally “sacred letters.” The word for Holy means “consecrated for sacred use.” The Bible is different from any other book,
- Set apart by God and protected for special use
- Must see and know the Bible is different
- The way we treat our Bibles tells others about how much we respect or disrespect it
- There is a difference between marking our bibles and defacing or decorating them
-Timothy raised on the Holy Scriptures, in a godly home
-not saved until Paul led him to salvation in Jesus Christ.
What does the Bible do then? It reveals our need for salvation. It mirrors how filthy in our own dirty rags we are before God’s sight.
- Bible explains we as lost sinners are condemned before God’s holiness (Jn. 3.18-21)
- Bible explains a lost sinner cannot save Him or Herself
- Bible reveals Jesus as the way to salvation (Jn. 3.16-18)
- Bible helps us understand the assurance of our salvation (Eph 1.13-14) and (Ist John 5.9 -13)
c. The scriptures are true and dependable for our use and reliance
- “All Scripture is God breathers” -the Scripture is written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit
- Satan has attacked “God’s Word” since the beginning “Asked Eve “hath God said.?) (Gen. 3.1)
- God only wants His people to know the truth, so why would He give us a book of errors
- Pastor Adrian Roger said He has been studying and using the Bible for 50 years and yet to find any errors in it or its author
God is the God of truth (Deut 32.4)
Jesus is “the truth.” (Jn. 14.6)
The Holy Spirit is truth (1st Jn. 5.6)
Jesus said of the Scriptures thy word is truth (Jn. 17.17)
The Holy Spirit used men of God to write the “Word of God.”
- Each book is special use each author, in the middle of their circumstances to craft
- God brought each writer the skills and preparation needed
- We need to think of inspiration not like Shakespeare but supernatural – supra – above, only enabled by God and intended for a higher purpose which is salvation.
d. Vs. 16 provides us another perspective on the application and applicability of scripture to our lives. The Word of God is profitable -- - for doctrine – tells us what is right
- for reproof – tells us what is not right
- for correction – how to get right
- for instruction in righteousness – how to live and stay right before God
e. The Scripture equips us for service (vs. 17) That the man or woman of God can be thoroughly equipped unto every good work. Here is where God states that any believer can become a person “of God.’ How? By studying the Word of God and letting it control and direct our lives
So scripture provides the knowledge of how we are to live, but God provides the balance in the provision of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. He is the Counselor, He is Truth, He is God and He the teacher who walks in us daily. Are you yielded to Him today? We sing often Living for Jesus in all that I do. Is He?
God is at work – Question? – Am I growing in the grace and knowledge of God and His Son Jesus Christ?
Luke 9:23 says, - 23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross [a]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.
To gain life in Christ is to lose yourself, your ego, your ambitions and your present life in Jesus. You need to remember who Jesus is and surrender. He gives life and He is the life and if you are a believer His is your life.
Desire to come after Jesus today. AMEN
Aug 20 Sermon
I MET A MAN and asked Him did He know about all the problems facing America today?
a) He said no he didn’t know and He didn’t care. Those are the two greatest problems in our world today. They are ignorance and indifference.
b) As believers should not and cannot be ignorant of or indifferent to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the end of this age. Time is short.
c) This earth is coming to a climax.
i) It would be blasphemous to try and set a date as to when Jesus is coming again. No man knows only the Father in heaven. (Jesus said this)
d) The Bible does teach that we can know what the days will be like when Jesus Christ will return.
i) Jesus said that they will be like the days of Noah.
(1) Go to Matthew 24:35-39
(a) “Eating, drinking, marrying and giving in marriage” speaks to indifference.
(b) “And they knew not” speaks to ignorance.
(2) Ignorance and indifference are the two major problems that will mark the last days just before Jesus comes.
ii) If we want to know what the days of Noah were like, then we must go back to Genesis.
e) By comparing the days of Noah to our day, we then understand why it is ripe for the Lord Jesus to return.
f) There are seven telling signs of the days of Noah that we can find these in the book of Genesis. Turn there.
2) Sign 1- A time of SECULAR philosophies (Genesis 6:5-6)
a) The word “imagination” in this passage in Genesis comes from a Hebrew word meaning “to fashion as a potter.”
i) In Noah’s day they were trying to mold society by philosophy.
b) Strange philosophies are rampant now.
i) These secular or human philosophies are taught from pulpits by preachers and teachers who no longer are faithful to Christ.
(1) They teach strange doctrines, which deny the Bible.
(2) They mock the blood atonement of Christ.
(3) They reject the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
(4) Several once-great denominations have turned worldly.
c) The faith that was delivered to Adam, the truth that the martyr Abel died for, and the truth that was revealed to Enoch the prophet receded quickly in the days of Noah.
We are living in a day and age just like this.
d) Secularism in America and in the world today has taken over the arts, the sciences, philosophy and education.
e) There is only one common accepted prejudice and bigotry in our world today and that is the bigotry against a Bible-believing Christians.
3) Sign 2- A time of SCIENTIFIC advancement
a) Regardless of what you believe the days of Noah had reached a zenith in knowledge and achievement.
b) In the early chapters of Genesis, we find men of renown known as Nephilim.
i) Genesis 6:4
ii) They had great intellects.
c) There were great cities in the days of Noah.
i) Genesis 4:17
(1) This was not just a village but a metropolitan city.
d) There was an industrial revolution in Noah’s time.
i) Genesis 4:22
ii) They were making tools and machinery.
iii) Man, who had been driven from Eden because of his sin, was now trying to create an artificial paradise of wit, wisdom and fire.
e) Noah’s day experienced technological advancement.
i) Noah’s Ark, designed by God, was an engineering miracle.
(1) It was a three-story vessel that was over 450 feet long and 150 feet wide.
(2) Ship builders and engineers s tell us that it was about the same proportion and size as many a super tanker today.
(3) The ark was built strong enough to withstand the greatest storm in history.
f) Our day parallels these technological and scientific advancements.
i) My parents and grandparents of Americans began with a horse and buggy and ended up with the splitting of the atom.
ii) We have walked on the moon and built space stations.
iii) We are deeply involved in genetic engineering.
iv) And can now have avatars and live in our perverted imaginations using virtual reality.
4) Sign 3 - A time of SOCIAL Upheaval (Genesis 6:11-13)
a) Noah lived in a time of great violence.
i) Their scientific knowledge did not produce good.
ii) Our day is also a day of great violence.
(1) In modern times, we have had two world wars.
(2) We live in a day of minor wars, rebellions, upheavals, kidnappings, and needless murders and assaults.
(3) People today are filled with violence and revenge.
iii) Genesis 4:23-24
(1) This passage tells of a man who was consumed with a spirit of revenge.
(a) His name is included in the Scriptures as typical of many in that day who were filled with the spirit of violence and revenge.
iv) Since 1960, violent crimes in America have increased exponentially.
(1) Crimes against women are epidemic today.
(2) Prison overcrowding is common today.
(3) Churches have compromised themselves out of existence.
(4) School violence is unprecedented today.
(5) We have taken prayer and the Ten Commandments out of schools and raised a generation with refined intellects and undisciplined emotions.
(6) Teen suicide has increased to unprecedented levels.
b) Divorce and multiple marriages were rampant then as they are now.
i) Genesis 6:1-2
ii) Matthew 24:38
(1) Bible commentators tell us that “marrying and giving in marriage” refers to a multiplicity of wives.
c) One of the greatest social plagues in America is abortion.
i) The life of the unborn, and even newborn, is devalued in many sectors of our society today.
d) Genesis 6:11
i) The world had become corrupt in Noah’s day, and it is corrupt in our day.
5) Sign 4 - A time of SEXUAL PERVERSION (Genesis 6:5)
a) Genesis 6:5 does not mention what the “evil” was.
b) In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus gives us further insight into the days of Noah depicted in Genesis 6:5.
i) Turn to Luke 17:26-30
(1) In this passage, the Jesus links the days of Noah with the days of Lot.
ii) As In the days of Noah, there had been a sexual revolution; which were days of sexual perversion.
iii) Lot lived in the city of Sodom; this is the city from which we get the word “sodomy,” which speaks of sexual perversion.
(1) Leviticus 20:13
c) Today’s world is filled with sexual perversion.
i) The vile diseases that often accompany these sins are not necessarily the judgment of God, but the built-in results of these sins.
(1) Read Romans 1:27
(a) “Meet” in this passage means “fitting.”
(b) If mankind were to follow God’s laws concerning marriage, these diseases would not disappear.
(i) God’s plan is one man and one woman till death do them part.
(c) Disease is the consequences of these sins, and the innocent often suffer along with the guilty.
(d) When God judges, He does so with specificity.
(2) Romans 1:24, 26, 28
(a) A “reprobate mind” is a mind that cannot think straight.
ii) In today’s society we question whether we are born with homosexual tendencies, but God would never cripple someone and then blame them for limping.
(1) These tendencies are come from the heart, which is deceitfully wicked and sinful.
(a) Urges toward incest.
(b) Urges toward adultery.
(c) Urges toward violence.
(d) Urges toward any sin
(2) We are born sinners, and we need to be born again.
d) The entertainment industry has made sexual perversion to be fashionable. It is an abomination.
6) Sign 5- A time of SELFISH prosperity (Ezekiel 16:49-50)
a) Some believe that God must be pleased with America because of the prosperity we have experienced.
i) America may be prosperous, but not every nation is prosperous.
ii) America is an island of prosperity and perversion, in the middle of an ocean of need.
b) It was the same in the days of Lot and Noah as it is today; they, too, were days of selfish prosperity.
i) Ezekiel 16:49-50
(1) Sodom had pride.
(a) Pride now struts sin in the main street, there is no hiding.
(2) Sodom had “fullness of bread;” they had more than they needed.
(3) There was an abundance of idleness.
(a) The people had leisure time.
At the height of their prosperity, the fire and brimstone fell. Jude vs. 7
ii) We should not be lulled asleep by our economy and think that everything will be okay.
7) Sign 6 - A time of SOLEMN Evangelism (Genesis 6:13)
a) Do you know that God never sends judgment without first sending a warning.
i) Genesis 6:13 is that warning
b) 2nd Peter2:5 says Noah not only built the ark, but he also preached.
i) Noah preached
c) Enoch, a near contemporary, also preached a warning.
i) Jude 14
d) Their preaching did not penetrate the hearts of the people.
i) They were marrying and giving in marriage, eating and drinking.
ii) They had their technology, their culture, and their entertainment.
iii) They saw themselves as rich and needing nothing.
e) Our generation, too, has been warned.
i) There has been much faithful preaching, evangelism and warning
ii) The last days are marked by solemn preaching.
8) Sign 7 - A time of Panic (Genesis 6:17)
a) Just when everything seems to be going fine and the rounds of life continued, there was sudden panic.
i) The day may have begun bright and fair. Then some clouds began to gather. Then the rains came suddenly and cataclysmically.
b) Genesis 7:1 says
i) God brought Noah and his family into the ark and God shut the door.
ii) God shut Noah in and shut the others and the water out. the heavens and the earth opened and water and rain came forth.
iii) Those who had been laughing and mocking Noah were now filled with panic as the rains came and the water began to rise.
(1) Scripture indicates that prior to the flood, it had never rained on Earth
(a) The Earth had been moisturized by a canopy of vapor.
9) Do you know Jesus
a) Jesus is the door and He is the ark of safety;
i) If you will place your faith in Him, He will transform your life.
b) Does it cost to follow Jesus?
i) When Noah drove the last nail into the ark, he may have had nothing left.
ii) But when he came out of the ark, he had inherited the Earth.
iii) It pays to serve Jesus. Jesus is the ark of safety, and He will save you if you put your faith in Him today.
c) Do you know Jesus personally? If not, you can pray to Him today by asking Him to come into your life.
d) 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
Adapted and modified from Adrian Rogers’ sermon on “The days of Noah”
I MET A MAN and asked Him did He know about all the problems facing America today?
a) He said no he didn’t know and He didn’t care. Those are the two greatest problems in our world today. They are ignorance and indifference.
b) As believers should not and cannot be ignorant of or indifferent to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the end of this age. Time is short.
c) This earth is coming to a climax.
i) It would be blasphemous to try and set a date as to when Jesus is coming again. No man knows only the Father in heaven. (Jesus said this)
d) The Bible does teach that we can know what the days will be like when Jesus Christ will return.
i) Jesus said that they will be like the days of Noah.
(1) Go to Matthew 24:35-39
(a) “Eating, drinking, marrying and giving in marriage” speaks to indifference.
(b) “And they knew not” speaks to ignorance.
(2) Ignorance and indifference are the two major problems that will mark the last days just before Jesus comes.
ii) If we want to know what the days of Noah were like, then we must go back to Genesis.
e) By comparing the days of Noah to our day, we then understand why it is ripe for the Lord Jesus to return.
f) There are seven telling signs of the days of Noah that we can find these in the book of Genesis. Turn there.
2) Sign 1- A time of SECULAR philosophies (Genesis 6:5-6)
a) The word “imagination” in this passage in Genesis comes from a Hebrew word meaning “to fashion as a potter.”
i) In Noah’s day they were trying to mold society by philosophy.
b) Strange philosophies are rampant now.
i) These secular or human philosophies are taught from pulpits by preachers and teachers who no longer are faithful to Christ.
(1) They teach strange doctrines, which deny the Bible.
(2) They mock the blood atonement of Christ.
(3) They reject the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
(4) Several once-great denominations have turned worldly.
c) The faith that was delivered to Adam, the truth that the martyr Abel died for, and the truth that was revealed to Enoch the prophet receded quickly in the days of Noah.
We are living in a day and age just like this.
d) Secularism in America and in the world today has taken over the arts, the sciences, philosophy and education.
e) There is only one common accepted prejudice and bigotry in our world today and that is the bigotry against a Bible-believing Christians.
3) Sign 2- A time of SCIENTIFIC advancement
a) Regardless of what you believe the days of Noah had reached a zenith in knowledge and achievement.
b) In the early chapters of Genesis, we find men of renown known as Nephilim.
i) Genesis 6:4
ii) They had great intellects.
c) There were great cities in the days of Noah.
i) Genesis 4:17
(1) This was not just a village but a metropolitan city.
d) There was an industrial revolution in Noah’s time.
i) Genesis 4:22
ii) They were making tools and machinery.
iii) Man, who had been driven from Eden because of his sin, was now trying to create an artificial paradise of wit, wisdom and fire.
e) Noah’s day experienced technological advancement.
i) Noah’s Ark, designed by God, was an engineering miracle.
(1) It was a three-story vessel that was over 450 feet long and 150 feet wide.
(2) Ship builders and engineers s tell us that it was about the same proportion and size as many a super tanker today.
(3) The ark was built strong enough to withstand the greatest storm in history.
f) Our day parallels these technological and scientific advancements.
i) My parents and grandparents of Americans began with a horse and buggy and ended up with the splitting of the atom.
ii) We have walked on the moon and built space stations.
iii) We are deeply involved in genetic engineering.
iv) And can now have avatars and live in our perverted imaginations using virtual reality.
4) Sign 3 - A time of SOCIAL Upheaval (Genesis 6:11-13)
a) Noah lived in a time of great violence.
i) Their scientific knowledge did not produce good.
ii) Our day is also a day of great violence.
(1) In modern times, we have had two world wars.
(2) We live in a day of minor wars, rebellions, upheavals, kidnappings, and needless murders and assaults.
(3) People today are filled with violence and revenge.
iii) Genesis 4:23-24
(1) This passage tells of a man who was consumed with a spirit of revenge.
(a) His name is included in the Scriptures as typical of many in that day who were filled with the spirit of violence and revenge.
iv) Since 1960, violent crimes in America have increased exponentially.
(1) Crimes against women are epidemic today.
(2) Prison overcrowding is common today.
(3) Churches have compromised themselves out of existence.
(4) School violence is unprecedented today.
(5) We have taken prayer and the Ten Commandments out of schools and raised a generation with refined intellects and undisciplined emotions.
(6) Teen suicide has increased to unprecedented levels.
b) Divorce and multiple marriages were rampant then as they are now.
i) Genesis 6:1-2
ii) Matthew 24:38
(1) Bible commentators tell us that “marrying and giving in marriage” refers to a multiplicity of wives.
c) One of the greatest social plagues in America is abortion.
i) The life of the unborn, and even newborn, is devalued in many sectors of our society today.
d) Genesis 6:11
i) The world had become corrupt in Noah’s day, and it is corrupt in our day.
5) Sign 4 - A time of SEXUAL PERVERSION (Genesis 6:5)
a) Genesis 6:5 does not mention what the “evil” was.
b) In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus gives us further insight into the days of Noah depicted in Genesis 6:5.
i) Turn to Luke 17:26-30
(1) In this passage, the Jesus links the days of Noah with the days of Lot.
ii) As In the days of Noah, there had been a sexual revolution; which were days of sexual perversion.
iii) Lot lived in the city of Sodom; this is the city from which we get the word “sodomy,” which speaks of sexual perversion.
(1) Leviticus 20:13
c) Today’s world is filled with sexual perversion.
i) The vile diseases that often accompany these sins are not necessarily the judgment of God, but the built-in results of these sins.
(1) Read Romans 1:27
(a) “Meet” in this passage means “fitting.”
(b) If mankind were to follow God’s laws concerning marriage, these diseases would not disappear.
(i) God’s plan is one man and one woman till death do them part.
(c) Disease is the consequences of these sins, and the innocent often suffer along with the guilty.
(d) When God judges, He does so with specificity.
(2) Romans 1:24, 26, 28
(a) A “reprobate mind” is a mind that cannot think straight.
ii) In today’s society we question whether we are born with homosexual tendencies, but God would never cripple someone and then blame them for limping.
(1) These tendencies are come from the heart, which is deceitfully wicked and sinful.
(a) Urges toward incest.
(b) Urges toward adultery.
(c) Urges toward violence.
(d) Urges toward any sin
(2) We are born sinners, and we need to be born again.
d) The entertainment industry has made sexual perversion to be fashionable. It is an abomination.
6) Sign 5- A time of SELFISH prosperity (Ezekiel 16:49-50)
a) Some believe that God must be pleased with America because of the prosperity we have experienced.
i) America may be prosperous, but not every nation is prosperous.
ii) America is an island of prosperity and perversion, in the middle of an ocean of need.
b) It was the same in the days of Lot and Noah as it is today; they, too, were days of selfish prosperity.
i) Ezekiel 16:49-50
(1) Sodom had pride.
(a) Pride now struts sin in the main street, there is no hiding.
(2) Sodom had “fullness of bread;” they had more than they needed.
(3) There was an abundance of idleness.
(a) The people had leisure time.
At the height of their prosperity, the fire and brimstone fell. Jude vs. 7
ii) We should not be lulled asleep by our economy and think that everything will be okay.
7) Sign 6 - A time of SOLEMN Evangelism (Genesis 6:13)
a) Do you know that God never sends judgment without first sending a warning.
i) Genesis 6:13 is that warning
b) 2nd Peter2:5 says Noah not only built the ark, but he also preached.
i) Noah preached
c) Enoch, a near contemporary, also preached a warning.
i) Jude 14
d) Their preaching did not penetrate the hearts of the people.
i) They were marrying and giving in marriage, eating and drinking.
ii) They had their technology, their culture, and their entertainment.
iii) They saw themselves as rich and needing nothing.
e) Our generation, too, has been warned.
i) There has been much faithful preaching, evangelism and warning
ii) The last days are marked by solemn preaching.
8) Sign 7 - A time of Panic (Genesis 6:17)
a) Just when everything seems to be going fine and the rounds of life continued, there was sudden panic.
i) The day may have begun bright and fair. Then some clouds began to gather. Then the rains came suddenly and cataclysmically.
b) Genesis 7:1 says
i) God brought Noah and his family into the ark and God shut the door.
ii) God shut Noah in and shut the others and the water out. the heavens and the earth opened and water and rain came forth.
iii) Those who had been laughing and mocking Noah were now filled with panic as the rains came and the water began to rise.
(1) Scripture indicates that prior to the flood, it had never rained on Earth
(a) The Earth had been moisturized by a canopy of vapor.
9) Do you know Jesus
a) Jesus is the door and He is the ark of safety;
i) If you will place your faith in Him, He will transform your life.
b) Does it cost to follow Jesus?
i) When Noah drove the last nail into the ark, he may have had nothing left.
ii) But when he came out of the ark, he had inherited the Earth.
iii) It pays to serve Jesus. Jesus is the ark of safety, and He will save you if you put your faith in Him today.
c) Do you know Jesus personally? If not, you can pray to Him today by asking Him to come into your life.
d) 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
Adapted and modified from Adrian Rogers’ sermon on “The days of Noah”
Aug 13 Sermon
One of the great misunderstanding or fallacies of our age is that we believe better training and more education, or a better environment or greater equality in social, political and economics realities will make life better for each one of us. Then all will be good between men and women on this planet and peace, prosperity and happiness will reign through-.
Embedded in this flawed concept is the idea that man is inherently good and that he is able to improve his circumstances and he < I am using a representative he to include all men and women> has control over all things apart from any help for outside, let alone a Holy and Righteous creator God.
Secondly , this attitude of man denies that God is or has any ability or right to intervene or interact with the affairs of men. The ultimate denial is there “is no God.”
What we have here is the “best” thinking of man and it is flawed, delusional and without merit.
Psalm 100:3 says, Know that the Lord, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and [b]not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Given that the Bible is the infallible, inerrant and inspired Word of God then we should reflect on the assumptions being spoken in the market place and among friends that we <flawed men and women> can make all things better apart from God. As you see all this striving and sin around us how can this be? Where does it come from?” Surely if we have all these abilities, we should be able to fix it and make life better – to correct and repair those things which are broken. So our track record over the centuries and has demonstrated that we are not capable of achieving this goal. If this is son what is the root cause of our problem? And second if there is a God who is loving and caring why does He not fix the problem?
My recommendation is we begin at the beginning. We have hinted at this point several weeks ago but have not specifically addressed it. I would like to do so today.
As Ken Hamm says, “the answers are in Genesis.” Please join me in opening your bibles to Genesis, Chapter 3, beginning reading with me in verse 8 through verse 15 - 8 And they heard the [c]sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the [d]cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?”
10 So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.”
11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?”
12 Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.”
13 And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”
The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
14 So the Lord God said to the serpent:
“Because you have done this,
You are cursed more than all cattle,
And more than every beast of the field;
On your belly you shall go,
And you shall eat dust
All the days of your life.
15 And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her Seed;
He shall bruise your head,
And you shall bruise His heel.”
May God add His blessing to the reading of His Word and our application and obedience in understanding and keeping it. May your word be ‘a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Amen
Let’s examine the facts as presented in the Bible beginning in Genesis
1. God created everything- including the weeds and bugs and it was good! He declare it so!
2. On the sixth day God created man in His image, both male and female He created them. Please note there was no confusion in God’s mind> He knew and still knows the differences between male and female.
3. Next God in His creation original and ongoing creations made no mistakes. All was created perfectly and the Garden of Eden had no flaws and no mistakes. It was a great place – all was made to give this couple a perfect, sinless and distraction free environment so they could come to know God in all His beauty, love and wonder.
Number 4. Despite all God had done to create a perfect- sin free, stress free, now work, no chores and enjoyable, beautiful environment and encourage man - Men and women had a fatal flaw. They chose not to trust in the Word of God. One prohibition they were given not to eat of the tree of good and evil. For when you eat, you will surely die.
5. We understand the tempter and father of lie from the beginning tempted they by questioning what was it? Oh, it was the Word of God, after all “hath God said?’ Now is there anything new about the tempters approach today, why no it is the same ole drivel ‘ Did God really mean that? This is why even so-called believers continue to bring apostasy and heresy into the church. After all hath God said? Did God really mean what He said. That Jesus was sufficient and all things and all power in heaven and earth have been given unto Him. So why do we think we need Jesus plus something else? CRT, Marxism, EDI, are all false doctrines.
Back to our message from Genesis, why is it today that many on planet earth believe God is hiding and we have to find Him and reveal Him?
My book says something else and it is important for both Christians, those who claim to be believers, unbelievers and you and I today.
Go to the text and read verse 8 and then verse 9.
Adam and Eve heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden as He had done times before and they hid themselves from God.
I ask you, has anything changed in todays world? Men and Women claim that God is hidden or cannot be found, when in fact “they know” that God is and they hid from Him. Why do we hide? Because we are naked and afraid. When we realize this it is so overwhelming to our fragile egos and sensibilities reject the truth. Paul teaches us in Romans we are confronted by creation and everyman has built in them an understanding of God.
Verse 9 says, 9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?”
God called to the man, “Where are you?”
He is asking this question to the believers of our day, “Where are you?”
Jesus approached this idea similarly when teaching about the heart. Let’s look at Luke Chapter 6, verses 43-45, 43 “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil [i]treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Because of our relationship to Adam and Eve we have the same disease as they generated. It is known as sin. Because of sin we make God in our image as say He hides from us. When in fact it is we who hid ourselves from Him.
Check it out nowhere in this Word of God does any man come to God. God as always has to say Where are you?” He must send the Holy Spirit to illuminate your heart before you even realize you need a savior.
Now before leaving the Genesis account we need to understand the full impact of this one transgression and how sin continues to impact us today.
Point #1. Sin not only separated us from God and we hid, but in verse 12 the perfect trust and openness between man and woman was broken. “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” This person, this thing she did it. If only you hadn’t, she ruined everything. This brokenness of excuses and blaming others is evident in all our culture today, especially in personal relationships between men and women. Other sexual relationships are an abomination to God.
Point #2. Lies and deception are part of us and our part of our culture- The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” With this act deception occurs in our world and lies are accepted as fact. This would preach for a week if we stay on this subject.
Point #3, all of creation, all the majesty and greatness was turned against us. Instead of harmony and order, peace and life, death, destruction, toil, hate and rejection became the dominant factors. Instead of the lion laying down with the lamb, vipers living alongside of children and infants, no murder, no rape, no insanity all was good. The poof all was changed. Can you imagine the horror of Adam and Eve as they surveyed the death and destruction now poured out upon the earth? It would have been frightening for me almost unimaginable.
But, but despite the sin of man, grace was evident in large measure that day. First God saved them from His justice and His wrath. He would have been justified to kill them outright and give them death. HIs love, mercy and grace saved them.
And more importantly He provided a means of reconciliation for all peoples in verse 15- the serpent and sin would be defeated by the seed of the woman. On that day the love of God despite the incredible sin of man was focused on the Cross of Calvary from eternity past. God’s love would provide a savior who we know is Jesus Christ our Lord.
{2 Cor 5:21}
He will save you, He will save your now
One of the great misunderstanding or fallacies of our age is that we believe better training and more education, or a better environment or greater equality in social, political and economics realities will make life better for each one of us. Then all will be good between men and women on this planet and peace, prosperity and happiness will reign through-.
Embedded in this flawed concept is the idea that man is inherently good and that he is able to improve his circumstances and he < I am using a representative he to include all men and women> has control over all things apart from any help for outside, let alone a Holy and Righteous creator God.
Secondly , this attitude of man denies that God is or has any ability or right to intervene or interact with the affairs of men. The ultimate denial is there “is no God.”
What we have here is the “best” thinking of man and it is flawed, delusional and without merit.
Psalm 100:3 says, Know that the Lord, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and [b]not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Given that the Bible is the infallible, inerrant and inspired Word of God then we should reflect on the assumptions being spoken in the market place and among friends that we <flawed men and women> can make all things better apart from God. As you see all this striving and sin around us how can this be? Where does it come from?” Surely if we have all these abilities, we should be able to fix it and make life better – to correct and repair those things which are broken. So our track record over the centuries and has demonstrated that we are not capable of achieving this goal. If this is son what is the root cause of our problem? And second if there is a God who is loving and caring why does He not fix the problem?
My recommendation is we begin at the beginning. We have hinted at this point several weeks ago but have not specifically addressed it. I would like to do so today.
As Ken Hamm says, “the answers are in Genesis.” Please join me in opening your bibles to Genesis, Chapter 3, beginning reading with me in verse 8 through verse 15 - 8 And they heard the [c]sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the [d]cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?”
10 So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.”
11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?”
12 Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.”
13 And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”
The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
14 So the Lord God said to the serpent:
“Because you have done this,
You are cursed more than all cattle,
And more than every beast of the field;
On your belly you shall go,
And you shall eat dust
All the days of your life.
15 And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her Seed;
He shall bruise your head,
And you shall bruise His heel.”
May God add His blessing to the reading of His Word and our application and obedience in understanding and keeping it. May your word be ‘a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Amen
Let’s examine the facts as presented in the Bible beginning in Genesis
1. God created everything- including the weeds and bugs and it was good! He declare it so!
2. On the sixth day God created man in His image, both male and female He created them. Please note there was no confusion in God’s mind> He knew and still knows the differences between male and female.
3. Next God in His creation original and ongoing creations made no mistakes. All was created perfectly and the Garden of Eden had no flaws and no mistakes. It was a great place – all was made to give this couple a perfect, sinless and distraction free environment so they could come to know God in all His beauty, love and wonder.
Number 4. Despite all God had done to create a perfect- sin free, stress free, now work, no chores and enjoyable, beautiful environment and encourage man - Men and women had a fatal flaw. They chose not to trust in the Word of God. One prohibition they were given not to eat of the tree of good and evil. For when you eat, you will surely die.
5. We understand the tempter and father of lie from the beginning tempted they by questioning what was it? Oh, it was the Word of God, after all “hath God said?’ Now is there anything new about the tempters approach today, why no it is the same ole drivel ‘ Did God really mean that? This is why even so-called believers continue to bring apostasy and heresy into the church. After all hath God said? Did God really mean what He said. That Jesus was sufficient and all things and all power in heaven and earth have been given unto Him. So why do we think we need Jesus plus something else? CRT, Marxism, EDI, are all false doctrines.
Back to our message from Genesis, why is it today that many on planet earth believe God is hiding and we have to find Him and reveal Him?
My book says something else and it is important for both Christians, those who claim to be believers, unbelievers and you and I today.
Go to the text and read verse 8 and then verse 9.
Adam and Eve heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden as He had done times before and they hid themselves from God.
I ask you, has anything changed in todays world? Men and Women claim that God is hidden or cannot be found, when in fact “they know” that God is and they hid from Him. Why do we hide? Because we are naked and afraid. When we realize this it is so overwhelming to our fragile egos and sensibilities reject the truth. Paul teaches us in Romans we are confronted by creation and everyman has built in them an understanding of God.
Verse 9 says, 9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?”
God called to the man, “Where are you?”
He is asking this question to the believers of our day, “Where are you?”
Jesus approached this idea similarly when teaching about the heart. Let’s look at Luke Chapter 6, verses 43-45, 43 “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil [i]treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Because of our relationship to Adam and Eve we have the same disease as they generated. It is known as sin. Because of sin we make God in our image as say He hides from us. When in fact it is we who hid ourselves from Him.
Check it out nowhere in this Word of God does any man come to God. God as always has to say Where are you?” He must send the Holy Spirit to illuminate your heart before you even realize you need a savior.
Now before leaving the Genesis account we need to understand the full impact of this one transgression and how sin continues to impact us today.
Point #1. Sin not only separated us from God and we hid, but in verse 12 the perfect trust and openness between man and woman was broken. “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” This person, this thing she did it. If only you hadn’t, she ruined everything. This brokenness of excuses and blaming others is evident in all our culture today, especially in personal relationships between men and women. Other sexual relationships are an abomination to God.
Point #2. Lies and deception are part of us and our part of our culture- The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” With this act deception occurs in our world and lies are accepted as fact. This would preach for a week if we stay on this subject.
Point #3, all of creation, all the majesty and greatness was turned against us. Instead of harmony and order, peace and life, death, destruction, toil, hate and rejection became the dominant factors. Instead of the lion laying down with the lamb, vipers living alongside of children and infants, no murder, no rape, no insanity all was good. The poof all was changed. Can you imagine the horror of Adam and Eve as they surveyed the death and destruction now poured out upon the earth? It would have been frightening for me almost unimaginable.
But, but despite the sin of man, grace was evident in large measure that day. First God saved them from His justice and His wrath. He would have been justified to kill them outright and give them death. HIs love, mercy and grace saved them.
And more importantly He provided a means of reconciliation for all peoples in verse 15- the serpent and sin would be defeated by the seed of the woman. On that day the love of God despite the incredible sin of man was focused on the Cross of Calvary from eternity past. God’s love would provide a savior who we know is Jesus Christ our Lord.
{2 Cor 5:21}
He will save you, He will save your now
Aug 6 Sermon
Lord as we begin our study today, guide our hearts and minds to love You. May we seek desperately to hear You, love You and obey You more fully, by faith and with Your grace. Come to us, abide with us. In Jesus name Amen
In a society of freedmen, which was the concept developed by the framers of the constitution, there was a central key. That key came from the Bible and the writings of Locke and others.
Those men desiring to be free understood what it meant to be in bondage both physically and spiritually.
So how do people get into bondage? Lots of ways really - conquered and enslaved by another nation; you put yourself in bondage through the abusive use of sex, drug, alcohol, power and morally through the abusive slavery to children or women o any race or nation. But actually all of us are born into bondage spiritually and morally because of sin.
Men and women today have disregarded totally the truths presented in Genesis Chapter 3, where Moses records from God the circumstances of the fall of Man, which occurred in the Garden of Eden. Those who use Twitter, X, Facebook, snapchat or whatever is the current social media method of data sharing there is absolutely and increase in knowledge but a decrease in both wisdom and perception.
The Bible is regarded as irrelevant as is the author and those who wrote the 66 books over 1500 years. We are so smart we call our earth billions/millions of years old because we use a carbon dating process which is absolutely flawed and inaccurate.
So the problem then is that the events which God has recounted in Genesis 3-6 are regarded as fables instead of the truth. So we today have a truth problem, a deception problem but these problems are actually caused by sin.
Now listen this is important- because of Adam and Eve’s rejection of God’s instruction and their failure to have faith in His Word, we all have been cursed who are of the nature of Adam and Eve. Even the new testament writers saw this in the men and women of their day and said under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit- all have sinned and there is none righteous, no not one. And the pronouncement is that because of our sin – we have come short of the glory of God, and the wages of our sin is death. Not just physical death but the second death eternal death which is separation eternally from the God who love you.
So for freedmen to live in the sovereignty of the covenant called the Constitution, men and women had to have Christ living in them so that men were no longer, as Paul says, slaves to sin. But freedmen freed from the slavery of sin and who knew the key to truth.
We have half an understanding now, so we need to go back to the Garden of Eden now to knowing the one more thing. Truth is the key and because of sin, men have lost their ability to find the truth. Truth is only found in Jesus Christ, apart from Him spiritually, physically and emotionally nothing is possible. Original sin is really this – human beings choosing their will over God’s. This is what Satan intended when he spoke to Eve and said, you will be like gods. Sin is us choosing self over God. Sin is us telling God: I am neither a man nor a woman, I am binary or 57+ varieties of sickness. It is defying God and saying we don’t believe in creationism we want to believe in evolution. We deny evidence in the very stars and solar system and talk about the big bang and say we are studying to determine how it happened. We deny our God in the reality of the aids virus despite the evidence of scripture which says about men recouping the sin in their own bodies for homosexuality. Wokism is a religion with the religious intensity meant to replace God, the state and the functioning of the churches, the family and the responsibilities of parents. It attempts to put in place racist Marxism, communism as a denial of Truth.
But there is only according to the Bible one truth and that is Jesus Christ. He said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father, but by Me.” So Jesus is the Truth embodied in human form. Now remember Jesus prayed in John 17, 17 Sanctify[i] them by Your truth. Your word is truth. So according to Jesus, the Son of God the very word of God, the Bible which records God’s Word is Truth.
And one more very important item is this Jesus promised His disciples a Helper, who would assist them in knowing all the truth. He is God, the Spirit of Truth. John 16:13 records this verse, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”
Notice one very important item, the Holy Spirit is not of men and He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
So gaining the ability to discern the truth and secondly having the ability to denial self can happen ONLY upon coming into Christ and His truth. It is of vital importance we remember this foundational truth. Now let’s move to our text of how to be free and know the key. Turn to the Gospel of John, Chapter 8, beginning in verse 31 to verse 36 - 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
Begin now in verse 34, the very notion of slavery in v. 34 moves to the status of slaves. While the Jews thought of themselves only as free sons of Abraham, in reality, they were slaves of sin. The genuine son in this context is Christ Himself, who sets slaves free from sin.
Only those whom Jesus Christ liberates from the tyranny of sin and the bondage of legalism are really free (Rom. 8:2; Gal. 5:1) (stand fast in the Liberty of Christ0.
So, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. Free from what? Free from the bondage and tyranny of sin. These are the only ones who can know the truth otherwise we are dead in our trespasses and sin according to the Word of God.
Go back to verse 31 and notice this phrase - who believed Him. The first step in the progress toward true discipleship and knowing truth is attesting to belief in Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Son of God. You must begin here, there is no other way!
Then Jesus states, If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. This reveals the second step in the making progress toward true discipleship and walking in the truth. Perseverance in obedience to Scripture (cf. Matt. 28:19, 20) < 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you> is the fruit and evidence of genuine faith (see Eph. 2:10). <we are His workmanship>
The word “abide” means to habitually live, meditate, obey and study in Jesus’ words. A genuine believer holds fast, obeys, and practices Jesus’ teaching. The one who continues in His teaching has both the Father and the Son (2 John 9; cf. Heb. 3:14; Rev. 2:26). Real disciples are both learners (the basic meaning of the word) and faithful followers.
“Truth” here has reference not only to the facts surrounding Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God but also to the teaching that He brought. A genuinely saved and obedient follower of the Lord Jesus will know divine truth and discover both freedom from sin (v. 34) and the search for reality. This divine truth comes not merely by intellectual assent (1 Cor. 2:14) but saving commitment to Christ (cf. Titus 1:1, 2).
In verse 34 Jesus states Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. Whoever commits sin. The kind of slavery that Jesus had in mind was not physical slavery, but slavery to sin (cf. Rom. 6:17, 18). The idea of “commits sin” means to practice sin habitually and continually(1 John 3:4, 8, 9). The ultimate bondage is not political or economic enslavement, but spiritual bondage to sin and rebellion against God. Thus, this also explains why Jesus would not let Himself be reduced to merely a political Messiah (6:14, 15).
So the key is found in verse 36- 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
To actually know truth and practice truth you must be set free from the law of sin and death and only the blood of Christ can do so. Jesus holds the key and He is the key to life both now and in eternity.
Come to Him today. He will save you He will save you now! Do you want to know Him? Speak and call upon Him today. AMEN
Lord as we begin our study today, guide our hearts and minds to love You. May we seek desperately to hear You, love You and obey You more fully, by faith and with Your grace. Come to us, abide with us. In Jesus name Amen
In a society of freedmen, which was the concept developed by the framers of the constitution, there was a central key. That key came from the Bible and the writings of Locke and others.
Those men desiring to be free understood what it meant to be in bondage both physically and spiritually.
So how do people get into bondage? Lots of ways really - conquered and enslaved by another nation; you put yourself in bondage through the abusive use of sex, drug, alcohol, power and morally through the abusive slavery to children or women o any race or nation. But actually all of us are born into bondage spiritually and morally because of sin.
Men and women today have disregarded totally the truths presented in Genesis Chapter 3, where Moses records from God the circumstances of the fall of Man, which occurred in the Garden of Eden. Those who use Twitter, X, Facebook, snapchat or whatever is the current social media method of data sharing there is absolutely and increase in knowledge but a decrease in both wisdom and perception.
The Bible is regarded as irrelevant as is the author and those who wrote the 66 books over 1500 years. We are so smart we call our earth billions/millions of years old because we use a carbon dating process which is absolutely flawed and inaccurate.
So the problem then is that the events which God has recounted in Genesis 3-6 are regarded as fables instead of the truth. So we today have a truth problem, a deception problem but these problems are actually caused by sin.
Now listen this is important- because of Adam and Eve’s rejection of God’s instruction and their failure to have faith in His Word, we all have been cursed who are of the nature of Adam and Eve. Even the new testament writers saw this in the men and women of their day and said under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit- all have sinned and there is none righteous, no not one. And the pronouncement is that because of our sin – we have come short of the glory of God, and the wages of our sin is death. Not just physical death but the second death eternal death which is separation eternally from the God who love you.
So for freedmen to live in the sovereignty of the covenant called the Constitution, men and women had to have Christ living in them so that men were no longer, as Paul says, slaves to sin. But freedmen freed from the slavery of sin and who knew the key to truth.
We have half an understanding now, so we need to go back to the Garden of Eden now to knowing the one more thing. Truth is the key and because of sin, men have lost their ability to find the truth. Truth is only found in Jesus Christ, apart from Him spiritually, physically and emotionally nothing is possible. Original sin is really this – human beings choosing their will over God’s. This is what Satan intended when he spoke to Eve and said, you will be like gods. Sin is us choosing self over God. Sin is us telling God: I am neither a man nor a woman, I am binary or 57+ varieties of sickness. It is defying God and saying we don’t believe in creationism we want to believe in evolution. We deny evidence in the very stars and solar system and talk about the big bang and say we are studying to determine how it happened. We deny our God in the reality of the aids virus despite the evidence of scripture which says about men recouping the sin in their own bodies for homosexuality. Wokism is a religion with the religious intensity meant to replace God, the state and the functioning of the churches, the family and the responsibilities of parents. It attempts to put in place racist Marxism, communism as a denial of Truth.
But there is only according to the Bible one truth and that is Jesus Christ. He said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father, but by Me.” So Jesus is the Truth embodied in human form. Now remember Jesus prayed in John 17, 17 Sanctify[i] them by Your truth. Your word is truth. So according to Jesus, the Son of God the very word of God, the Bible which records God’s Word is Truth.
And one more very important item is this Jesus promised His disciples a Helper, who would assist them in knowing all the truth. He is God, the Spirit of Truth. John 16:13 records this verse, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”
Notice one very important item, the Holy Spirit is not of men and He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
So gaining the ability to discern the truth and secondly having the ability to denial self can happen ONLY upon coming into Christ and His truth. It is of vital importance we remember this foundational truth. Now let’s move to our text of how to be free and know the key. Turn to the Gospel of John, Chapter 8, beginning in verse 31 to verse 36 - 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
Begin now in verse 34, the very notion of slavery in v. 34 moves to the status of slaves. While the Jews thought of themselves only as free sons of Abraham, in reality, they were slaves of sin. The genuine son in this context is Christ Himself, who sets slaves free from sin.
Only those whom Jesus Christ liberates from the tyranny of sin and the bondage of legalism are really free (Rom. 8:2; Gal. 5:1) (stand fast in the Liberty of Christ0.
So, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. Free from what? Free from the bondage and tyranny of sin. These are the only ones who can know the truth otherwise we are dead in our trespasses and sin according to the Word of God.
Go back to verse 31 and notice this phrase - who believed Him. The first step in the progress toward true discipleship and knowing truth is attesting to belief in Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Son of God. You must begin here, there is no other way!
Then Jesus states, If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. This reveals the second step in the making progress toward true discipleship and walking in the truth. Perseverance in obedience to Scripture (cf. Matt. 28:19, 20) < 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you> is the fruit and evidence of genuine faith (see Eph. 2:10). <we are His workmanship>
The word “abide” means to habitually live, meditate, obey and study in Jesus’ words. A genuine believer holds fast, obeys, and practices Jesus’ teaching. The one who continues in His teaching has both the Father and the Son (2 John 9; cf. Heb. 3:14; Rev. 2:26). Real disciples are both learners (the basic meaning of the word) and faithful followers.
“Truth” here has reference not only to the facts surrounding Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God but also to the teaching that He brought. A genuinely saved and obedient follower of the Lord Jesus will know divine truth and discover both freedom from sin (v. 34) and the search for reality. This divine truth comes not merely by intellectual assent (1 Cor. 2:14) but saving commitment to Christ (cf. Titus 1:1, 2).
In verse 34 Jesus states Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. Whoever commits sin. The kind of slavery that Jesus had in mind was not physical slavery, but slavery to sin (cf. Rom. 6:17, 18). The idea of “commits sin” means to practice sin habitually and continually(1 John 3:4, 8, 9). The ultimate bondage is not political or economic enslavement, but spiritual bondage to sin and rebellion against God. Thus, this also explains why Jesus would not let Himself be reduced to merely a political Messiah (6:14, 15).
So the key is found in verse 36- 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
To actually know truth and practice truth you must be set free from the law of sin and death and only the blood of Christ can do so. Jesus holds the key and He is the key to life both now and in eternity.
Come to Him today. He will save you He will save you now! Do you want to know Him? Speak and call upon Him today. AMEN
July 30 Sermon
“ Practical Christianity in 2023”
Shine and Share are two words we use and apply more and more each week to get us thinking about God might choose to use us each week after we are departed from worship here at Oakland Baptist Church.
As we walk with the Lord and in the Spirit by his grace we are to shine and share out faith. Just so we understand our terms when we talk about shining or to Shine we are talking about how you live for Christ
Matt. 5:16 -16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
We are also commanded in the OT as well as the new to Shine. Scripture says You shall be holy because I AM HOLY and specifically in 1 Peter 1: 16 the word says, 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Share on the other hand is to do exactly what it says, to share Jesus Christ with others.
A good example in Luke Chapter 8 is of the Demon-Possessed Man who Jesus healed. It says in verse 38 Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city <and the 10 pagan cities of Decapolis> what great things Jesus had done for him. This is what we are to do, Share what Christ has done for usPhilippians chapter2, verses 14 & 15, 14 Do all things without complaining or arguments; 15 so that you will [a]prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you [b]appear as [c]lights in the world (NASB). Again as for sharing the truth of God’s Son and testifying to His Word, In ACTS Chapter 1 verse 8, Jesus says, 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [c]witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
So sharing Christ as well as shining is important for the believer whatever stage and whatever age of their Christian pilgrimage.
So question is how do we Shine and Share for Jesus, wherever we are?
At this year’s Southern Baptist Convention Love Worth Finding ministries was giving away small books from Adrian Roger’s sermons which have never been preached. It was a book called “Pastor to Pastor.” The book had 5 sermons never broadcast outside of His church in Memphis. But tucked in the back was a section entitled practical ministry helps. This might be something we could use for our walk with Jesus.
This is a quick story from Jeff Shreve, 1st Baptist Church, Texarkana, Tx. A friend of his used to annotate His bible after listening to sermons with these initials YBH. He said He had heard many good sermons. But after hearing them he marked his bible after the text used the YBH. YBM means, yes, but how? – Many good words have been preached in sermons from many Pastors but they never got around to the practical application. They had a great spiritual message, but needed to provide the practical means need of showing the art of the possible to make it so. I believe this is true and I agree, So how do I make it work in my life?
Adrian Rogers used this acronym called PACE or P-A-C-. It is an acronym which impacts or can impact three levels of our lives - It has the potential to directly impact our Spiritual, Physically, Social lives. So for today this is what I want us to apply to help us make us walk more circumspect as believers in a dark world.
I. P-A-C-E – in the Spiritual domain
A. P is for Praise the Lord. This begins when I wake up; that I acknowledge that He is in charge, that He gives us life, and that He gave us Jesus as Lord and Savior. O I raise my hands in Praise and thank Him for what He has done. Psalm 150 says to Praise Him
b. A is for Accept. I accept what God has given me by His grace. I turn my hand inward as I accept His mercy, grace and forgiveness. Need to learn how to accept grace – Prodigal Son in Luke 15 states - 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.” ’
But the Father ran to accept the prodigal back into fellowship. None of us are worth it is God’s act that enables us to receive His grace with Him coming to us which enables us to respond by faith
Grace is God’s acceptance of you. Faith is your acceptance of God’s gift to you by trusting it is true. Remember we are made worthy of the blood of the lamb
c. C is surrender Control – We as believers surrender control of our lives to the Holy Spirit- John 15 tells us that apart from Christ we can do nothing. And Jesus tells us that He is sending One just like Him to live within your
We are to remember regardless of that is happening that God knows all things. For us to live as believers we must surrender all to Him, trusting in His mercy and grace.
d. E is for Expect – do you go into your day expecting God to do great things or is this just another day? Regardless of what is happening in the world, if God is able to do all things, should we not expect Him to do all things well. Is Romans 8:28 the truth or is it a myth? – that God works all things well and according also according to the council of His will. What about Philippians 4:19
II. The second area the application of PACE is THE social application. Here PACE is to enable your walk- Personally in a dark and dreary, sin filled world.
a. P here stands for POSTURE. Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross. Get your chest out shoulders back, child of the King why are you downtrodden O my soul. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say rejoice. Your posture signals to others how your feel about what you are doing and what your outlook is for the day, and how you will address your challenges
b. A here is for Attitude – keep your attitude positive, not negative. We should be worshipping the God of all Hope Romans 5:13, Yes life is hard and difficult but you serve the only God who is able is able , Psalm 24? So you need to wait for the Lord in all you do
c. C is for Countenance – if you are happy and you know it let it reflect on your face. Phil 3: 20 says, For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
d. E is for Enthusiasm – En Theos – focused
Phil 4:13- 13 I can do all things through [f]Christ who strengthens me.
Learned how to be filled with vitality and the spice of life
III. PACE _ Socially
YBH yes but how do I put this in practice
a. P is for Praise – when you encounter others and without being artificial find something about someone else, which you can praise. Try not to be artificial but real. This gives the message of acceptance as worthy of my time.
b. A is for Approach. Approach others as your encounter them, don’t be stand apart. Let others know you are approachable and care about them and their concerns.
c. C is for Concern – think of the example of Joseph, who was in jail falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife. Joseph noticed their faces. Showed concern for noticing face of baker and candlestick maker, ask questions of them.
d. E is to Encourage – Give a word of encouragement to others. The example of Jesus is He saw, He approached, and He touched – He encouraged them, blind men, lepers, demoniac.
It doesn’t cost you anything to be nice to people. Make time and encourage others.
Example of Coach Mac Brown, UT Football Coach – This Longhorn coach has a reputation for being a person who is genuinely interested and focused on the individuals he encounters. This means whether they are interested in UT Football or not.
If you are a child of the King of King know that you matter to God, after all He sent His Son to die for whosoever will may come. This makes you a chosen person.
Phi 2:14 says 14 Do all things without [d]complaining and disputing,[e]15 that you may become blameless and [f]harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Note do all things without grumbling or disputing, goggusmos so you may be children of lights Moses led the people out of Egypt into the wilderness but the people were constantly grumbling <goggusmos> about water, about manna, about lack of meat. People grumbled and said to Moses, you brought us into the desert to have more graves. Moses told them they were grumbling against God, not Moses. And God hates our grumbling = goggusmos.
PACE yourselves and learn to grow closer to our Lord Jesus
“ Practical Christianity in 2023”
Shine and Share are two words we use and apply more and more each week to get us thinking about God might choose to use us each week after we are departed from worship here at Oakland Baptist Church.
As we walk with the Lord and in the Spirit by his grace we are to shine and share out faith. Just so we understand our terms when we talk about shining or to Shine we are talking about how you live for Christ
Matt. 5:16 -16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
We are also commanded in the OT as well as the new to Shine. Scripture says You shall be holy because I AM HOLY and specifically in 1 Peter 1: 16 the word says, 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Share on the other hand is to do exactly what it says, to share Jesus Christ with others.
A good example in Luke Chapter 8 is of the Demon-Possessed Man who Jesus healed. It says in verse 38 Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city <and the 10 pagan cities of Decapolis> what great things Jesus had done for him. This is what we are to do, Share what Christ has done for usPhilippians chapter2, verses 14 & 15, 14 Do all things without complaining or arguments; 15 so that you will [a]prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you [b]appear as [c]lights in the world (NASB). Again as for sharing the truth of God’s Son and testifying to His Word, In ACTS Chapter 1 verse 8, Jesus says, 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [c]witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
So sharing Christ as well as shining is important for the believer whatever stage and whatever age of their Christian pilgrimage.
So question is how do we Shine and Share for Jesus, wherever we are?
At this year’s Southern Baptist Convention Love Worth Finding ministries was giving away small books from Adrian Roger’s sermons which have never been preached. It was a book called “Pastor to Pastor.” The book had 5 sermons never broadcast outside of His church in Memphis. But tucked in the back was a section entitled practical ministry helps. This might be something we could use for our walk with Jesus.
This is a quick story from Jeff Shreve, 1st Baptist Church, Texarkana, Tx. A friend of his used to annotate His bible after listening to sermons with these initials YBH. He said He had heard many good sermons. But after hearing them he marked his bible after the text used the YBH. YBM means, yes, but how? – Many good words have been preached in sermons from many Pastors but they never got around to the practical application. They had a great spiritual message, but needed to provide the practical means need of showing the art of the possible to make it so. I believe this is true and I agree, So how do I make it work in my life?
Adrian Rogers used this acronym called PACE or P-A-C-. It is an acronym which impacts or can impact three levels of our lives - It has the potential to directly impact our Spiritual, Physically, Social lives. So for today this is what I want us to apply to help us make us walk more circumspect as believers in a dark world.
I. P-A-C-E – in the Spiritual domain
A. P is for Praise the Lord. This begins when I wake up; that I acknowledge that He is in charge, that He gives us life, and that He gave us Jesus as Lord and Savior. O I raise my hands in Praise and thank Him for what He has done. Psalm 150 says to Praise Him
b. A is for Accept. I accept what God has given me by His grace. I turn my hand inward as I accept His mercy, grace and forgiveness. Need to learn how to accept grace – Prodigal Son in Luke 15 states - 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.” ’
But the Father ran to accept the prodigal back into fellowship. None of us are worth it is God’s act that enables us to receive His grace with Him coming to us which enables us to respond by faith
Grace is God’s acceptance of you. Faith is your acceptance of God’s gift to you by trusting it is true. Remember we are made worthy of the blood of the lamb
c. C is surrender Control – We as believers surrender control of our lives to the Holy Spirit- John 15 tells us that apart from Christ we can do nothing. And Jesus tells us that He is sending One just like Him to live within your
We are to remember regardless of that is happening that God knows all things. For us to live as believers we must surrender all to Him, trusting in His mercy and grace.
d. E is for Expect – do you go into your day expecting God to do great things or is this just another day? Regardless of what is happening in the world, if God is able to do all things, should we not expect Him to do all things well. Is Romans 8:28 the truth or is it a myth? – that God works all things well and according also according to the council of His will. What about Philippians 4:19
II. The second area the application of PACE is THE social application. Here PACE is to enable your walk- Personally in a dark and dreary, sin filled world.
a. P here stands for POSTURE. Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross. Get your chest out shoulders back, child of the King why are you downtrodden O my soul. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say rejoice. Your posture signals to others how your feel about what you are doing and what your outlook is for the day, and how you will address your challenges
b. A here is for Attitude – keep your attitude positive, not negative. We should be worshipping the God of all Hope Romans 5:13, Yes life is hard and difficult but you serve the only God who is able is able , Psalm 24? So you need to wait for the Lord in all you do
c. C is for Countenance – if you are happy and you know it let it reflect on your face. Phil 3: 20 says, For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
d. E is for Enthusiasm – En Theos – focused
Phil 4:13- 13 I can do all things through [f]Christ who strengthens me.
Learned how to be filled with vitality and the spice of life
III. PACE _ Socially
YBH yes but how do I put this in practice
a. P is for Praise – when you encounter others and without being artificial find something about someone else, which you can praise. Try not to be artificial but real. This gives the message of acceptance as worthy of my time.
b. A is for Approach. Approach others as your encounter them, don’t be stand apart. Let others know you are approachable and care about them and their concerns.
c. C is for Concern – think of the example of Joseph, who was in jail falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife. Joseph noticed their faces. Showed concern for noticing face of baker and candlestick maker, ask questions of them.
d. E is to Encourage – Give a word of encouragement to others. The example of Jesus is He saw, He approached, and He touched – He encouraged them, blind men, lepers, demoniac.
It doesn’t cost you anything to be nice to people. Make time and encourage others.
Example of Coach Mac Brown, UT Football Coach – This Longhorn coach has a reputation for being a person who is genuinely interested and focused on the individuals he encounters. This means whether they are interested in UT Football or not.
If you are a child of the King of King know that you matter to God, after all He sent His Son to die for whosoever will may come. This makes you a chosen person.
Phi 2:14 says 14 Do all things without [d]complaining and disputing,[e]15 that you may become blameless and [f]harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Note do all things without grumbling or disputing, goggusmos so you may be children of lights Moses led the people out of Egypt into the wilderness but the people were constantly grumbling <goggusmos> about water, about manna, about lack of meat. People grumbled and said to Moses, you brought us into the desert to have more graves. Moses told them they were grumbling against God, not Moses. And God hates our grumbling = goggusmos.
PACE yourselves and learn to grow closer to our Lord Jesus
July 23 Sermon
This is a challenging message for us as believers. Today we need to do more than simply say “I am saved and have trusted in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.” In this day given the threats against the individual by wokeness, the state and the media against the family, against the body of believers we need to have increasing faith and trust in the One who has delivered us from sin and destruction. We like the saints we read about in the John Foxe’s Book of Martyrs need to understand that being in Christ is a life style and is meant to be worn wherever we go in life. When evil is present we need to be salt and light with the understanding that the culture will hate us because we are not in line with the worlds narrative; and We trust in Jesus Christ as the “Way, the Truth and the Life.” This very important trust will infuriate and unsettle the Woke leftist, communist base who trust in nothing but themselves.So in to prepare for this coming onslaught we need to firmly examine ahead of time -who and in what do we trust. As a believers In Christ, we need to know and have faith in what God is teaching and instructing us in the Bible, so that we can stand in the evil day.So God gives us faith to believe and trust in Him and He gives it in full measure to meet your need. I think often of Joshua who comes after Moses to lead the 3+million Jews who have exited out of Egypt and have been in the Wilderness for 40 years and are entering the promised land. As God gives Joshua his first challenge to go and conquer a city with 40-foot-high walls which were 6-8 feet thick with prayer, a marching band of rag tags with horns and shouting to make the walls fall down- that was some strategy – only of God.Now Joshua had been around for a while. All the time Moses was in the “tent of Meeting” with God. Joshua had been there listening in on what God was telling Moses. Joshua did not understand the purposes of God as He was training him up so that He could eventually take Moses place.So we have words of Instruction and Commission for Joshua about what God tells him what he is to do in Joshua, Chapter 1, it reads as follows: 7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may [b]prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you[c] shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be <discouraged> afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” God was going to lead and instruct Him.
This is good news for us as well. These three verses should serve us well and sustain us through coming controversies, as we trust and have faith in the Word God has given us.
Now with this in mind turn to our text Romans Chapter 1 beginning in verse 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. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who [d]suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is [e]manifest [f]in them, for God has shown it to them. 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, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like [h]corruptible man.
Now may God open our understanding to the application of His truth. Amen
Today we will not study all these verses they are given as context. They will be studied at a later date. Our focus will be on verses 16- 20, we need to trust God’s word and apply it appropriately by faith.
Let us review our text and actually beginning from verse 8 of this Chapter for some bacground. Paul is expressing His concerns in vs. 8 where He is thankful for them as a group of believers. In vs.9-10, he has prayed fervently for them. In verse 11, he expresses his love for them, as other labors had delayed his arrival in Rome. In verses 13-14, he is in debt to them for he was burdened for them and their salvation in Rome. And in verse 15, he was eager to visit with them to share Jesus and the truth of the gospel. The focus of our study is here in verses 16 and 17. Despite all the issues and events that had happened in Paul’s life, he was not ashamed of the gospel of our Lord- He had been imprisoned in Philippi (Acts 16:23, 24), chased out of Thessalonica (Acts 17:10), smuggled out of Berea (Acts 17:14), laughed at in Athens (Acts 17:32), regarded as a fool in Corinth (1 Cor. 1:18, 23), and stoned in Galatia (Acts 14:19), but Paul remained eager to preach the gospel in Rome—the seat of contemporary political power and pagan religion. Neither ridicule, criticism, nor physical persecution could curb his boldness So what do these verses teach us.
1. The very origin of the Gospel or good news is in the very life of Christ from birth, to ministry, to trial, to His crucifixion, death and resurrection. For His is the Word of God the very truth of His personhood. (vs.16a)
2. The operation of the gospel, is in the power and efficacy of God. God’s power is mightier than any power known on earth. He has the power to change a life or create by simply speaking a word. God is the author and grantor of this power and it does not come from men. It is solely of God and is dynamite towards men Dunamis-explosive. This power we refer to is the omnipotent power of the person of God Almighty and has the power to create, save to the uttermost or destroy completely.
3. The outcome of the gospel of power of God is unto salvation. Salvation here means -deliverance and it is applied to personal and national deliverance for repentance and renewal or rebuilding in Him alone. As Paul recognized as did Jesus- salvation is the greatest need for your and I and the entire human race. The power of the gospel delivers people from lostness (Matt. 18:11), from the wrath of God (Rom. 5:9), from willful spiritual ignorance (Hos. 4:6; 2 Thess. 1:8), from evil self-indulgence (Luke 14:26), and from the darkness of false religion (Col. 1:13; 1 Pet. 2:9). It rescues them from the ultimate penalty of their sin, i.e., eternal separation from God and eternal punishment ( Rev. 20:6).
4. The outreach of this gospel of Christ is to everyone who believes. To Everyone was a radical and controversial concept to the Jews. It ranks right up there with whosoever will may call upon the name of the Lord. God made man, and then separated them to confuse us by language and other customs. This includes Jews, Greek, all men and all women who were of one race, specifically created by God. The Jews were told to make distinctions and to live that way- separated.
Remember it is faith in Jesus Christ and what He did that saves sinners, not color, race, gender, financial status, prizes won in life or who has the most expensive toys, or who has given so much to the church or attended VBS for 20 years. Contrary to popular belief there are not multiple ways to heaven. There is only one way by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Does He live in your heart today?
So Christ broke not only the sin barrier but also provided a way for whosoever will to come to Himself. You can only come one way and that is the way of faith. But faith in what or whom is the question. It is only by asking Jesus to enter your life and rule in your heart as His servant. Jesus has to be established firmly on the throne of your heart, if He is not on His throne in your heart then you are deluding yourself about His strong salvation.
True faith has some distinctive characteristics-
True saving faith is supernatural, a gracious gift of God that He produces in the heart and is the only means by which a person can appropriate true righteousness (cf. 3:22, 25; 4:5, 13, 20; 5:1; ). Saving faith has 3 elements: 1) mental: the mind understands the gospel and the truth about Christ (10:14–17); 2) emotional: one embraces the truthfulness of those facts with sorrow over sin and joy over God’s mercy and grace (6:17; 15:13); and 3) volitional: the sinner submits his will to Christ and trusts in Him alone as the only hope of salvation (see note on 10:9). Genuine faith will always produce authentic obedience. Note this last statement- genuine faith produces authentic obedience in that believer without fail.
Now to vs 17 - 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”No one can be declared righteous except by faith and again faith is in Christ alone, and by faith alone in the Son of God. The world of men rejects this claim. So faith in Christ is impossible without having received His righteousness and His salvation which is the gospel of grace given better translated “righteousness from God.” A major theme of the book, appearing over 30 times in one form or another, righteousness is the state or condition of perfectly conforming to God’s perfect law and holy character. Only God is inherently righteous in and of Himself. Perhaps a quick excursion can add value to our understanding. Please turn to Romans 10: 8-11 - 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 we should conclude that it is by faith alone, in Christ alone that saves us and causes us to endure and grow in Him. In the Old Testament we have works of righteousness <sacrifices and offerings> leading to salvation which is a by works concept. In Christ and the New Testament we have the work of Christ in the life of a believer being sufficient to produce righteousness by faith. God wants us to live by faith in His Son which is the power of God unto salvation and life eternal.
Will you surrender to Him today? Amen
This is a challenging message for us as believers. Today we need to do more than simply say “I am saved and have trusted in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.” In this day given the threats against the individual by wokeness, the state and the media against the family, against the body of believers we need to have increasing faith and trust in the One who has delivered us from sin and destruction. We like the saints we read about in the John Foxe’s Book of Martyrs need to understand that being in Christ is a life style and is meant to be worn wherever we go in life. When evil is present we need to be salt and light with the understanding that the culture will hate us because we are not in line with the worlds narrative; and We trust in Jesus Christ as the “Way, the Truth and the Life.” This very important trust will infuriate and unsettle the Woke leftist, communist base who trust in nothing but themselves.So in to prepare for this coming onslaught we need to firmly examine ahead of time -who and in what do we trust. As a believers In Christ, we need to know and have faith in what God is teaching and instructing us in the Bible, so that we can stand in the evil day.So God gives us faith to believe and trust in Him and He gives it in full measure to meet your need. I think often of Joshua who comes after Moses to lead the 3+million Jews who have exited out of Egypt and have been in the Wilderness for 40 years and are entering the promised land. As God gives Joshua his first challenge to go and conquer a city with 40-foot-high walls which were 6-8 feet thick with prayer, a marching band of rag tags with horns and shouting to make the walls fall down- that was some strategy – only of God.Now Joshua had been around for a while. All the time Moses was in the “tent of Meeting” with God. Joshua had been there listening in on what God was telling Moses. Joshua did not understand the purposes of God as He was training him up so that He could eventually take Moses place.So we have words of Instruction and Commission for Joshua about what God tells him what he is to do in Joshua, Chapter 1, it reads as follows: 7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may [b]prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you[c] shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be <discouraged> afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” God was going to lead and instruct Him.
This is good news for us as well. These three verses should serve us well and sustain us through coming controversies, as we trust and have faith in the Word God has given us.
Now with this in mind turn to our text Romans Chapter 1 beginning in verse 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. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who [d]suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is [e]manifest [f]in them, for God has shown it to them. 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, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like [h]corruptible man.
Now may God open our understanding to the application of His truth. Amen
Today we will not study all these verses they are given as context. They will be studied at a later date. Our focus will be on verses 16- 20, we need to trust God’s word and apply it appropriately by faith.
Let us review our text and actually beginning from verse 8 of this Chapter for some bacground. Paul is expressing His concerns in vs. 8 where He is thankful for them as a group of believers. In vs.9-10, he has prayed fervently for them. In verse 11, he expresses his love for them, as other labors had delayed his arrival in Rome. In verses 13-14, he is in debt to them for he was burdened for them and their salvation in Rome. And in verse 15, he was eager to visit with them to share Jesus and the truth of the gospel. The focus of our study is here in verses 16 and 17. Despite all the issues and events that had happened in Paul’s life, he was not ashamed of the gospel of our Lord- He had been imprisoned in Philippi (Acts 16:23, 24), chased out of Thessalonica (Acts 17:10), smuggled out of Berea (Acts 17:14), laughed at in Athens (Acts 17:32), regarded as a fool in Corinth (1 Cor. 1:18, 23), and stoned in Galatia (Acts 14:19), but Paul remained eager to preach the gospel in Rome—the seat of contemporary political power and pagan religion. Neither ridicule, criticism, nor physical persecution could curb his boldness So what do these verses teach us.
1. The very origin of the Gospel or good news is in the very life of Christ from birth, to ministry, to trial, to His crucifixion, death and resurrection. For His is the Word of God the very truth of His personhood. (vs.16a)
2. The operation of the gospel, is in the power and efficacy of God. God’s power is mightier than any power known on earth. He has the power to change a life or create by simply speaking a word. God is the author and grantor of this power and it does not come from men. It is solely of God and is dynamite towards men Dunamis-explosive. This power we refer to is the omnipotent power of the person of God Almighty and has the power to create, save to the uttermost or destroy completely.
3. The outcome of the gospel of power of God is unto salvation. Salvation here means -deliverance and it is applied to personal and national deliverance for repentance and renewal or rebuilding in Him alone. As Paul recognized as did Jesus- salvation is the greatest need for your and I and the entire human race. The power of the gospel delivers people from lostness (Matt. 18:11), from the wrath of God (Rom. 5:9), from willful spiritual ignorance (Hos. 4:6; 2 Thess. 1:8), from evil self-indulgence (Luke 14:26), and from the darkness of false religion (Col. 1:13; 1 Pet. 2:9). It rescues them from the ultimate penalty of their sin, i.e., eternal separation from God and eternal punishment ( Rev. 20:6).
4. The outreach of this gospel of Christ is to everyone who believes. To Everyone was a radical and controversial concept to the Jews. It ranks right up there with whosoever will may call upon the name of the Lord. God made man, and then separated them to confuse us by language and other customs. This includes Jews, Greek, all men and all women who were of one race, specifically created by God. The Jews were told to make distinctions and to live that way- separated.
Remember it is faith in Jesus Christ and what He did that saves sinners, not color, race, gender, financial status, prizes won in life or who has the most expensive toys, or who has given so much to the church or attended VBS for 20 years. Contrary to popular belief there are not multiple ways to heaven. There is only one way by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Does He live in your heart today?
So Christ broke not only the sin barrier but also provided a way for whosoever will to come to Himself. You can only come one way and that is the way of faith. But faith in what or whom is the question. It is only by asking Jesus to enter your life and rule in your heart as His servant. Jesus has to be established firmly on the throne of your heart, if He is not on His throne in your heart then you are deluding yourself about His strong salvation.
True faith has some distinctive characteristics-
True saving faith is supernatural, a gracious gift of God that He produces in the heart and is the only means by which a person can appropriate true righteousness (cf. 3:22, 25; 4:5, 13, 20; 5:1; ). Saving faith has 3 elements: 1) mental: the mind understands the gospel and the truth about Christ (10:14–17); 2) emotional: one embraces the truthfulness of those facts with sorrow over sin and joy over God’s mercy and grace (6:17; 15:13); and 3) volitional: the sinner submits his will to Christ and trusts in Him alone as the only hope of salvation (see note on 10:9). Genuine faith will always produce authentic obedience. Note this last statement- genuine faith produces authentic obedience in that believer without fail.
Now to vs 17 - 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”No one can be declared righteous except by faith and again faith is in Christ alone, and by faith alone in the Son of God. The world of men rejects this claim. So faith in Christ is impossible without having received His righteousness and His salvation which is the gospel of grace given better translated “righteousness from God.” A major theme of the book, appearing over 30 times in one form or another, righteousness is the state or condition of perfectly conforming to God’s perfect law and holy character. Only God is inherently righteous in and of Himself. Perhaps a quick excursion can add value to our understanding. Please turn to Romans 10: 8-11 - 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 we should conclude that it is by faith alone, in Christ alone that saves us and causes us to endure and grow in Him. In the Old Testament we have works of righteousness <sacrifices and offerings> leading to salvation which is a by works concept. In Christ and the New Testament we have the work of Christ in the life of a believer being sufficient to produce righteousness by faith. God wants us to live by faith in His Son which is the power of God unto salvation and life eternal.
Will you surrender to Him today? Amen
July 16 Sermon
Many believers take issue with the God of the Old Testament as being blood thirsty, punishing, threatening and generally being a fear mongering, having almost a hateful attitude toward the children of men, which after all He created. Now far be it from me to stand in the place of the living God, but I personally believe there is little difference between God Almighty in the Old Testament and God Almighty in the New Testament. What we do have in the New Testament is a further revelation or as some call “dispensation” revealed and that is in Jesus Christ. Hebrew 13:8 states, 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So God Does Not change and Jesus is God, for the Father said, “This is My beloved Son, hear Him,” when the disciples were with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. 1st Corinthians 12:5-7 states, 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works [a]all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.
2nd Peter 3:8-9 also states quite clearly, 8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward [c]us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
So Father, Son and Holy Spirit are engaged in the redemption, regeneration and salvation of men. This has not changed. God just stated that He is not willing that any should perish but all would come to redemption. You do realize that both faith and grace had to be extended to Abraham, Noah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and all through the 3 Kings of Israel and into the divided Kingdom and beyond, or no one would have been saved or delivered into the promise of the Father. This is the same faith and grace extended to us and all new testament believers.
So why does God appear to be bloodthirsty, mean, vindictive or whatever adjective description you wish to use?
Let’s investigate this as a means of determining who God is, by using His word and His record of events. Turn with me to find Moses as He is approaching God after having destroyed the original tablets upon which God had written the 10 Commandments. If you remember Moses threw them in the face of the sinning, reveling and sexually promiscuous Israelites who were celebrating their new god which Aaron had made.
Exodus 34: vs.4-11, we read, 4 So he cut two tablets of stone like the first ones. Then Moses rose early in the morning and went up Mount Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him; and he took in his hand the two tablets of stone.
5 Now the Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. 6 And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “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.”
8 So Moses made haste and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped. 9 Then he said, “If now I have found grace <favor> in Your sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray, go among us, even though we are a stiff-necked[a]people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your inheritance.”
The Covenant Renewed
10 And He said: “Behold, I make a covenant. Before all your people I will do [b]marvels such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the people among whom you are shall see the work of the Lord. For it is an awesome thing that I will do with you.
So we can learn from this account who God is. He tells us. 6“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.”
God who from the beginning and through all the rebellious sin accumulated from creation until the days of Noah, even when there was no law for it had yet to be written, loved men and brought them forth to honor and worship Him.
Remember, Adam was given one command to keep; and that was to not eat of the tree of good and evil, for if he did He would surely die. They did not believe God and because of their sin all humanity will surely perish with the curse of sin to all generations (Rom 3:23). Then after being forbidden to eat of the tree of life, they were forcibly evicted from the Garden of Eden. Then, came the birth of many children and the first murder by Cain who slew Abel because of his personal pride and jealousy. After this time literally all hell broke loose, very much like today. Every egregious sin which man could commit against God was done. The Word of God tells us in Genesis 6:5-6< 5 Then [c]the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent[d] of the thoughts of his heart was only evil [e]continually. 6 And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. But, Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
The next period of History for the believer is from Noah to Moses and includes the following players of significance – Abram or Abraham as he was renamed by God. Isaac, Jacob, Joseph which basically takes us to the end of the book of Genesis. In this period God has continued His people project. He is calling a people out of the earth to be uniquely His. If you will, “a people for God’s own purposes.” So we see the culling of all these leaders warts and all, with all their mistakes and yet God continues to pursue them to lay the foundations for His deliverer- Jesus the Christ. We see God calling for different attitudes and different behaviors for they are to be a people – the Jews - who are uniquely linked to the God Jehovah. Their lives were to be focused on Him and His temple and His worship. During this period God commands the Jews to be separated from those around them and warns them not to intermarry or attend worship of other Gods. In many cases God actually uses these patriarchs to inflict destruction and death on those outside of Israel. But in the middle of this you have Sodom and Gomorrah, where God allows Abraham to intervene in this destruction down to “even 10 righteous living,” He would not destroy it. Of course the only ones who made it out were Lot and His two daughters. Others were destroyed because of the foulness of their sin.
So again, God set rules for conduct and behavior. The Jew as you know ended up in Egypt rescued by Joseph under God’s guiding and providential hand. They lived there for 400 years flourishing until there arrived a Pharaoh in Egypt who did not know Joseph and the times of cruel bondage began.
Next phase of His Story involves God sending Moses to be His leader and to rescue the people from their bondage in Egypt. They were to be delivered to the promised land- the land of Canaan, which God gave to Abraham as a birth right. During this period of releasing the people from Pharaoh, God performs many destructive and horrendous plagues on the Egyptians. This seems destructive to us, but God warned both Pharaoh and the people that if Pharaoh did not “let My people Go,” there would be terrible consequences.
There are at least two reasons God used these measures. First to warn the people of Egypt and their leader; these Jews were His personal possession and He was not just another god, but He was the one and only God Almighty. The second reason was to break the yoke of mental bondage on His people and draw them unto Himself- for they were and are a people for God’s own purpose. They needed to know God.
In the wilderness, God weeded sin and unbelief out of His people as they were in there for 40 years. The sin of unbelief kept Israel from entering the promised land. God removed unbelievers from entering.
Next, they entered the promised land. There they had to develop a new heart of faith trusting God to provide as He said He would. God uses Joshua to lead the people and their first challenge came at Jerico where God granted a miraculous victory. But the failed at little AI because of sin present among the people.
While the Jews were in the 40 years of sifting, they received the 10 Commandments (our text for today) and Moses wrote the Pentateuch, the first five books to the bible -inclusive of Exodus and Deuteronomy. In these books and by His personal presence before the people in Numbers, God demanded certain behaviors under penalty of death to all Jews who would disobey.
So Deuteronomy 28 lays out specifically the behaviors and the faith/trust which the people would need to place in God as He led them. One other specific item was to avoid and destroy those nations/people who would come against them.
As Balaam rightly prophesied, the way to defeat God’s armies and His people was to invite the Jews to their idol worship festivals or orgies and turn their hearts from God. This is why God commanded His generals and Kings to destroy these nations, and taking nothing and destroying all families, possessions and children. This was to keep the people of God from falling away. Has anything changed in thousands of years? Today sexual sin, pornography, and drugs are turning many hearts away today. This is why God commanded the total destruction of these nations and obedience. Anything less would draw them away, for sin so easily besets them, as it does us.
God is true to Himself and His nature and delivers on all He promises . Our individual obedience and faith track record leaves much to be desired, as we fail moment by moment.
Thank God for Jesus and His saving grace for our times but God is not finished judging a sinful and unbelieving earth for the time of testing and tribulation is coming and destruction and judgment will be total and complete.
While God is not willing that any should perish, some will. But that does not keep you and I from pursuing God, praying with ceasing and in all things giving thanks for the gifts we have received. We should also understand God is at work in us both to will and to work for His good pleasure. He loves you and I and has a plan for each life. May we surrender to Him who holds this world in the palm of His hand. AMEN
Many believers take issue with the God of the Old Testament as being blood thirsty, punishing, threatening and generally being a fear mongering, having almost a hateful attitude toward the children of men, which after all He created. Now far be it from me to stand in the place of the living God, but I personally believe there is little difference between God Almighty in the Old Testament and God Almighty in the New Testament. What we do have in the New Testament is a further revelation or as some call “dispensation” revealed and that is in Jesus Christ. Hebrew 13:8 states, 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So God Does Not change and Jesus is God, for the Father said, “This is My beloved Son, hear Him,” when the disciples were with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. 1st Corinthians 12:5-7 states, 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works [a]all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.
2nd Peter 3:8-9 also states quite clearly, 8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward [c]us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
So Father, Son and Holy Spirit are engaged in the redemption, regeneration and salvation of men. This has not changed. God just stated that He is not willing that any should perish but all would come to redemption. You do realize that both faith and grace had to be extended to Abraham, Noah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and all through the 3 Kings of Israel and into the divided Kingdom and beyond, or no one would have been saved or delivered into the promise of the Father. This is the same faith and grace extended to us and all new testament believers.
So why does God appear to be bloodthirsty, mean, vindictive or whatever adjective description you wish to use?
Let’s investigate this as a means of determining who God is, by using His word and His record of events. Turn with me to find Moses as He is approaching God after having destroyed the original tablets upon which God had written the 10 Commandments. If you remember Moses threw them in the face of the sinning, reveling and sexually promiscuous Israelites who were celebrating their new god which Aaron had made.
Exodus 34: vs.4-11, we read, 4 So he cut two tablets of stone like the first ones. Then Moses rose early in the morning and went up Mount Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him; and he took in his hand the two tablets of stone.
5 Now the Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. 6 And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “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.”
8 So Moses made haste and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped. 9 Then he said, “If now I have found grace <favor> in Your sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray, go among us, even though we are a stiff-necked[a]people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your inheritance.”
The Covenant Renewed
10 And He said: “Behold, I make a covenant. Before all your people I will do [b]marvels such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the people among whom you are shall see the work of the Lord. For it is an awesome thing that I will do with you.
So we can learn from this account who God is. He tells us. 6“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.”
God who from the beginning and through all the rebellious sin accumulated from creation until the days of Noah, even when there was no law for it had yet to be written, loved men and brought them forth to honor and worship Him.
Remember, Adam was given one command to keep; and that was to not eat of the tree of good and evil, for if he did He would surely die. They did not believe God and because of their sin all humanity will surely perish with the curse of sin to all generations (Rom 3:23). Then after being forbidden to eat of the tree of life, they were forcibly evicted from the Garden of Eden. Then, came the birth of many children and the first murder by Cain who slew Abel because of his personal pride and jealousy. After this time literally all hell broke loose, very much like today. Every egregious sin which man could commit against God was done. The Word of God tells us in Genesis 6:5-6< 5 Then [c]the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent[d] of the thoughts of his heart was only evil [e]continually. 6 And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. But, Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
The next period of History for the believer is from Noah to Moses and includes the following players of significance – Abram or Abraham as he was renamed by God. Isaac, Jacob, Joseph which basically takes us to the end of the book of Genesis. In this period God has continued His people project. He is calling a people out of the earth to be uniquely His. If you will, “a people for God’s own purposes.” So we see the culling of all these leaders warts and all, with all their mistakes and yet God continues to pursue them to lay the foundations for His deliverer- Jesus the Christ. We see God calling for different attitudes and different behaviors for they are to be a people – the Jews - who are uniquely linked to the God Jehovah. Their lives were to be focused on Him and His temple and His worship. During this period God commands the Jews to be separated from those around them and warns them not to intermarry or attend worship of other Gods. In many cases God actually uses these patriarchs to inflict destruction and death on those outside of Israel. But in the middle of this you have Sodom and Gomorrah, where God allows Abraham to intervene in this destruction down to “even 10 righteous living,” He would not destroy it. Of course the only ones who made it out were Lot and His two daughters. Others were destroyed because of the foulness of their sin.
So again, God set rules for conduct and behavior. The Jew as you know ended up in Egypt rescued by Joseph under God’s guiding and providential hand. They lived there for 400 years flourishing until there arrived a Pharaoh in Egypt who did not know Joseph and the times of cruel bondage began.
Next phase of His Story involves God sending Moses to be His leader and to rescue the people from their bondage in Egypt. They were to be delivered to the promised land- the land of Canaan, which God gave to Abraham as a birth right. During this period of releasing the people from Pharaoh, God performs many destructive and horrendous plagues on the Egyptians. This seems destructive to us, but God warned both Pharaoh and the people that if Pharaoh did not “let My people Go,” there would be terrible consequences.
There are at least two reasons God used these measures. First to warn the people of Egypt and their leader; these Jews were His personal possession and He was not just another god, but He was the one and only God Almighty. The second reason was to break the yoke of mental bondage on His people and draw them unto Himself- for they were and are a people for God’s own purpose. They needed to know God.
In the wilderness, God weeded sin and unbelief out of His people as they were in there for 40 years. The sin of unbelief kept Israel from entering the promised land. God removed unbelievers from entering.
Next, they entered the promised land. There they had to develop a new heart of faith trusting God to provide as He said He would. God uses Joshua to lead the people and their first challenge came at Jerico where God granted a miraculous victory. But the failed at little AI because of sin present among the people.
While the Jews were in the 40 years of sifting, they received the 10 Commandments (our text for today) and Moses wrote the Pentateuch, the first five books to the bible -inclusive of Exodus and Deuteronomy. In these books and by His personal presence before the people in Numbers, God demanded certain behaviors under penalty of death to all Jews who would disobey.
So Deuteronomy 28 lays out specifically the behaviors and the faith/trust which the people would need to place in God as He led them. One other specific item was to avoid and destroy those nations/people who would come against them.
As Balaam rightly prophesied, the way to defeat God’s armies and His people was to invite the Jews to their idol worship festivals or orgies and turn their hearts from God. This is why God commanded His generals and Kings to destroy these nations, and taking nothing and destroying all families, possessions and children. This was to keep the people of God from falling away. Has anything changed in thousands of years? Today sexual sin, pornography, and drugs are turning many hearts away today. This is why God commanded the total destruction of these nations and obedience. Anything less would draw them away, for sin so easily besets them, as it does us.
God is true to Himself and His nature and delivers on all He promises . Our individual obedience and faith track record leaves much to be desired, as we fail moment by moment.
Thank God for Jesus and His saving grace for our times but God is not finished judging a sinful and unbelieving earth for the time of testing and tribulation is coming and destruction and judgment will be total and complete.
While God is not willing that any should perish, some will. But that does not keep you and I from pursuing God, praying with ceasing and in all things giving thanks for the gifts we have received. We should also understand God is at work in us both to will and to work for His good pleasure. He loves you and I and has a plan for each life. May we surrender to Him who holds this world in the palm of His hand. AMEN
July 9
Oh that our God would come down and ring the heart chimes of His people today, for if we are anything, concerning the churches (bodies of believers) in America today, we are complacent. There is little or no fervor or heat concerning the fear of the Lord and ardor concerning what is happening to His Word or His people. Do you see churches swelling and wanting to conduct rallies, revivals, or prayer meetings? Do you see believers flocking to church services crying out for justice or forgiveness, repentance?
Where is the outcry for God’s mercy and grace to flow into us that we might be used of God for His work and His purposes? Where is prayer in our priorities for seeking God’s favor and empowering us to witness and outreach to the lost and dying in our families, our neighbors, our community and our nation. I must say, as I examine my own heart, I am convicted and must wear the same shoes for they fit my feet as well.
I believe that decision time has come for us as believers. There can be no more sitting on the fence, we are being forcefully engaged by the culture and must be prepared to fight as Christian soldiers, marching for the Lord. Today’s lesson is a call to spiritual arms but is a call for preparation.
We can no longer be complacent for the freedoms you enjoy are rapidly diminishing and if the party of power has its way, there will be no going back despite the next election. Too much is happening to do nothing.
So how are we to engage? I believe that Peter in this text, is delivering to us the mindset of what we should know and how we should engage the culture. So let’s read and pray that God would being to revive us to eliminate our complacency and give us fervor to do His will. Read with me from 2nd Peter, Chapter 3, beginning in verse 1,
3 Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2 that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of [a]us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and [b]perdition of ungodly men.
8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward [c]us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
The Day of the Lord
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be [d]burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
I pray that God would do just that to stir up our hearts and minds and remind us of our place as servants to the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray this in Jesus name and for our sake. AMEN
I. As we begin our mind set should be:
II. Believe it -There is a day of judgement coming for all men. God has always provided warning to those of His impending decision, most of which have been rejected. <exception is Jonah and Nineveh which repented and God forgave them and honored their repentance>
Do you suppose Noah heard this same rebuke recorded in verse 4 saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.
This is a direct challenge concerning the Word of God, but notice what the next verse of our text says, Verse 5:
5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and [b]perdition of ungodly men.
They challenge the truth of creation – we hear this all the time, something continually by all the learned scholars concerning evolution of the species and millions of years. These are all theories parading as facts. Add global warming now modified to climate change as one of these theories folks, another fairy tale by the elites.
And they challenge the flood- which has been proven by geological evidence over and over. Pay attention to this part of the text - this they willfully forget: that by the word of God.
So these professing to be wise have become fools for they have rejected the book of all books and more importantly the God who delivered all of these.
II,(A) Judgement is coming and that is truth. This is despite the prevailing narrative.
Being unloving would mean to deny the truth and allow others to perish. Loving means to tell the truth. God’s work is consistent. God is outside the time of men and does not fit in the way we think it should. God created and God judged in this example. God moves as He sees fit and not to the order of men.
God has the power to “break into His Story any time he wants.” Given the birth of Jesus “in the fulness of time,” God has already proven He has the capacity and will to do so. Destruction of the earth has been promised by fire on the last day – the day of Judgement, since God stated He would never again destroy the earth by a flood.
III. God’s will is merciful, despite what others say – not only were <are> the Scoffers Scoffing about the past but they are ignorant about what God is like.
IV. So how should you be living? (vs. 11) Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God,
Oh that our God would come down and ring the heart chimes of His people today, for if we are anything, concerning the churches (bodies of believers) in America today, we are complacent. There is little or no fervor or heat concerning the fear of the Lord and ardor concerning what is happening to His Word or His people. Do you see churches swelling and wanting to conduct rallies, revivals, or prayer meetings? Do you see believers flocking to church services crying out for justice or forgiveness, repentance?
Where is the outcry for God’s mercy and grace to flow into us that we might be used of God for His work and His purposes? Where is prayer in our priorities for seeking God’s favor and empowering us to witness and outreach to the lost and dying in our families, our neighbors, our community and our nation. I must say, as I examine my own heart, I am convicted and must wear the same shoes for they fit my feet as well.
I believe that decision time has come for us as believers. There can be no more sitting on the fence, we are being forcefully engaged by the culture and must be prepared to fight as Christian soldiers, marching for the Lord. Today’s lesson is a call to spiritual arms but is a call for preparation.
We can no longer be complacent for the freedoms you enjoy are rapidly diminishing and if the party of power has its way, there will be no going back despite the next election. Too much is happening to do nothing.
So how are we to engage? I believe that Peter in this text, is delivering to us the mindset of what we should know and how we should engage the culture. So let’s read and pray that God would being to revive us to eliminate our complacency and give us fervor to do His will. Read with me from 2nd Peter, Chapter 3, beginning in verse 1,
3 Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2 that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of [a]us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and [b]perdition of ungodly men.
8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward [c]us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
The Day of the Lord
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be [d]burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
I pray that God would do just that to stir up our hearts and minds and remind us of our place as servants to the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray this in Jesus name and for our sake. AMEN
I. As we begin our mind set should be:
- to Scoff at the Scoffers and
- what the educated elites think about the truths in God’s Word.
- Some are ignorant because they lack of opportunity to learn
- Some are ignorant because of the lack of information available
- Some lack the ability to learn,
- Others are “willingly ignorant by choice.”
- Verses 1- 3 speak to the fact that God’s Word is true. It is inspired, infallible and inerrant and was given to us by revelation –
- We as believers need to be more than mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets,
- and of the commandment of [a]us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior,
- 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts
- God’s word is absolutely true and we need to very seriously avail ourselves to these truths. These words and events were not some keenly wrought fables but word from God. Which lustful men choose to ignore, disparage and demean.
- Why do they do this Romans Chapter 1 tell us
- who [d]suppress the truth in unrighteousness, (vs 18)
- God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; (vs. 28)
II. Believe it -There is a day of judgement coming for all men. God has always provided warning to those of His impending decision, most of which have been rejected. <exception is Jonah and Nineveh which repented and God forgave them and honored their repentance>
Do you suppose Noah heard this same rebuke recorded in verse 4 saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.
This is a direct challenge concerning the Word of God, but notice what the next verse of our text says, Verse 5:
5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and [b]perdition of ungodly men.
They challenge the truth of creation – we hear this all the time, something continually by all the learned scholars concerning evolution of the species and millions of years. These are all theories parading as facts. Add global warming now modified to climate change as one of these theories folks, another fairy tale by the elites.
And they challenge the flood- which has been proven by geological evidence over and over. Pay attention to this part of the text - this they willfully forget: that by the word of God.
So these professing to be wise have become fools for they have rejected the book of all books and more importantly the God who delivered all of these.
- We need to remember that He is God Almighty and He hath made us and not we ourselves. We have been created in the image of God but He is- I AM that I AM is He
II,(A) Judgement is coming and that is truth. This is despite the prevailing narrative.
Being unloving would mean to deny the truth and allow others to perish. Loving means to tell the truth. God’s work is consistent. God is outside the time of men and does not fit in the way we think it should. God created and God judged in this example. God moves as He sees fit and not to the order of men.
God has the power to “break into His Story any time he wants.” Given the birth of Jesus “in the fulness of time,” God has already proven He has the capacity and will to do so. Destruction of the earth has been promised by fire on the last day – the day of Judgement, since God stated He would never again destroy the earth by a flood.
III. God’s will is merciful, despite what others say – not only were <are> the Scoffers Scoffing about the past but they are ignorant about what God is like.
- They choose to make God in their image and therefore God has their attributes and limitations
- Read vs 8-10- Lord is not slack concerning His promise
- is longsuffering toward [c]us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
- The reason the flood did not happen and the reason the tribulation will not happen until exactly the right time is God is giving men time to repent and come to the knowledge of the Lord until exactly the last sheep has been found. This will happen again in the millennium to come as well.
- God’s timing is not our timing and working all things out according to His plan, applying HIs foreknowledge and His providence
- We exist at the providence of God even Scoffers benefit because of His love
- Repentance comes as a result of the activity of God in the hearts of men
- day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night,
IV. So how should you be living? (vs. 11) Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God,
- Reject Scoffers, false narrative reject
- Believe and have exclusive faith in this delivered Word of God
- look for the new heavens and a new (vs.13)
- Pray and repent of complacency, be diligent and intentional to live godly lives now.
July 2 Sermon
1) where do we obtain the strength to live the spirit-controlled life (CHECK OUT galatians 5:16-18)?
a) We need strength to live the Spirit-controlled life, We don’t have it in and of ourselves
b) According to Galatians 5:16-17
i) Our Strength comes from walking in the Spirit. In this passage, the word “lust” means “has strong desires. ”There is a part of our nature called the “flesh” and a part of our nature (of someone who is saved) called the “Spirit.”
These two are struggling against each other.
ii) The old flesh wants to be in control.
iii) The Holy Spirit and the human spirit want to live for God.
In ourselves, we do not have what it takes to do the things that we should do. We cannot do it by self-effort.
c) Galatians 5:16
i) He does not say, “Don’t fulfill the lust of the flesh, and then you’ll be walking in the Spirit.”
ii) That is backwards, and that is legalism. We do not become more like Jesus by practicing all these particular things.
iii) Our being holy is not the way to Christ.
(1) Jesus Christ is the means to becoming Holy.
iv) Paul does not say that if we do not walk in the flesh, then we will be in the Spirit. He says that if we walk in the Spirit, then we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
d) Where do we get this strength?
i) Galatians 5:18
(1) “Be led by the Spirit” means “to be willingly led of the Spirit.” Not forcefully but willingly being led. Like an animal which responds to the yoke by pulling and not resisting
(2) So in our lives there must come a time when we are willingly led of the Holy Spirit.
(a) To be led of the Spirit is to walk in the Spirit.
(i) This is an act of our will.
e) Now the Spirit-controlled life is just like our walking as human beings.
i) So a walk begins by the commencement of the walk:
(1) As our Chinese brethren say A journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step.
(2) But part of the walk, if we are going to walk, means we have to decide to walk.
(3) And commencing our walk is an act of the will.
(a) Now one thing to remember is the Spirit-controlled life is not lived by our individual will power, but we do enter it by an act of our will.
(4) Walking in the Spirit is not lived by will power; it is lived by the power of the Holy Spirit, which comes from God. Remember and never forget the Holy Spirit He is God
But we must choose to be led of the Spirit. That is what Galatians 5:18 tells us -18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. No one can choose for us.
(5) Ephesians 5:18 is
(a) This verse is not only for contrast but for comparison, because being filled with the Spirit is a lot like getting drunk with wine.
(i) A person must decide to drink. Once he decides to drink, then the liquor takes over. He is now under the control of the liquor.
(b) Similarly, by an act of our will, we decide that we are going to be led of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit takes over, and we are filled with the Spirit of
ii) Second Part II – There is a circumference of the walk in the Spirit:
(1) Galatians 5:16
(a) This verse doesn’t say, “Walk with the Spirit,” or “Walk after the Spirit.” It says, “Walk in the Spirit.”
(2) We are to stay in the Spirit.
(a) The Holy Spirit of God is to be the element in which we walk.
(b) The Holy Spirit of God is to be the environment of where we live or lives.
(c) Now the flesh tries to tell us that outside of the Spirit, there are certain pleasures that we need that will make us happy.
(d) However a person who has decided upon and is leading a Spirit-controlled life has come to the settled conclusion that there is nothing worth having outside of Jesus.
(e) Now, If we do not come to this conclusion, then we will never live a victorious life.
(3) We have to walk in the Spirit.
(a) All things we do need to be in the context of the Holy Spirit of God leading and directing our lives.
(b) The Bible says that we are to let the peace of God referee in our hearts.
Colossians 3:15 says, - 5 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
(4) In this verse, the word for “rule” is the word from which we get the word “umpire”. So, If were to step out of bounds, then the Holy Spirit tells us that we are out of bounds.
(i) Then with the Holy Spirit’s conviction we repent and step back in. That is example of and what is meant by living and walking the Spirit-controlled life.
iii) Part III - The continuance of the walk in the Spirit
(1) Again back to Galatians 5:16
(a) The Greek verb that says, “Walk in the Spirit,” means “to keep walking in the Spirit .” and keep walking.
(2) Walking is a continuous series of steps that begins with a decision but does not end there.
(3) The Spirt-controlled life is a crisis where we say, “I will.”
(a) But it is a crisis that is followed by a process, a step at a time.
(i) Then, we keep on walking.
Colossians 2:6 is a major verse to living the Spirit-controlled life. 6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith,
(b) We receive the Lord Jesus by repentance and faith. So we are to live the victorious life the same way we got it, by repentance and faith.
(4) A walk is one step at a time.
(a) It takes two feet to walk.
(b) When we walk, we are off-balance and will fall if we do not take another step.
(i) We take one step, and then the other step is necessary.
(5) What are the two feet of the Christian faith? They are repentance and faith.
(a) Repentance and faith are not just something that we do in order to be saved. This is how we live the Spirit-controlled life.
(i) Colossians 2:6
(6) How do we walk?
(a) We put down the foot of repentance, and then we put down the foot of faith.
(i) Repentance is God’s means of revealing ourselves <heart> and necessarily our sin to us.
(ii) Faith is God’s way of revealing Jesus Christ and His life to us.
(iii) Repentance is where we see our personal bankruptcy.
(iv) Faith is where we see the glory of Christ our Lord.
(b) When we are saved, we give all we know of us to all we knew of Him.
(c) As we walk in Him:
(i) We learn more about ourselves.
1. We learn more of what we need to repent.
(ii) We also learn more about Jesus.
1. We find more to trust.
(7) Sometimes a person may think that if they are saved, then they would not have a great conviction of sin.
(a) The Truth is we have a conviction of sin because we are saved and because we are learning more about ourselves and more about the Lord Jesus.
(i) It is not a sign that we are not saved.
(ii) It is simply a sign that we are understanding what it is all about.
(8) If we are truly saved, we turn from self, and we turn further to Him.
(a) We realize that we are not in control. God is the one in control through the Holy Spirit. And the flesh has been put out of business, and we are growing in the Lord Jesus.
2) So our satisfaction comes in living the spirit-controlled life (galatians 5:22-23)
a) The devil tries to tell us that we don’t want to live this way.
i) But this is the only satisfactory life.
ii) Paul calls it “fruit.”
(1) Fruit is luscious, beautiful, fragrant; but most of all, it is satisfying.
b) Fruit is to be consumed.
i) It meets our basic hunger.
(1) We have a hunger for the Lord.
(a) That hunger will never be satisfied apart from the Lord Jesus.
c) What a joy it is for a life to be controlled by the Spirit rather than controlled by the flesh.
3) CONCLUSION
a) The flesh and the Spirit are warring within you, and it is up to you.
Sermon by Adrian Rogers-LWF Ministries
1) where do we obtain the strength to live the spirit-controlled life (CHECK OUT galatians 5:16-18)?
a) We need strength to live the Spirit-controlled life, We don’t have it in and of ourselves
b) According to Galatians 5:16-17
i) Our Strength comes from walking in the Spirit. In this passage, the word “lust” means “has strong desires. ”There is a part of our nature called the “flesh” and a part of our nature (of someone who is saved) called the “Spirit.”
These two are struggling against each other.
ii) The old flesh wants to be in control.
iii) The Holy Spirit and the human spirit want to live for God.
In ourselves, we do not have what it takes to do the things that we should do. We cannot do it by self-effort.
c) Galatians 5:16
i) He does not say, “Don’t fulfill the lust of the flesh, and then you’ll be walking in the Spirit.”
ii) That is backwards, and that is legalism. We do not become more like Jesus by practicing all these particular things.
iii) Our being holy is not the way to Christ.
(1) Jesus Christ is the means to becoming Holy.
iv) Paul does not say that if we do not walk in the flesh, then we will be in the Spirit. He says that if we walk in the Spirit, then we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
d) Where do we get this strength?
i) Galatians 5:18
(1) “Be led by the Spirit” means “to be willingly led of the Spirit.” Not forcefully but willingly being led. Like an animal which responds to the yoke by pulling and not resisting
(2) So in our lives there must come a time when we are willingly led of the Holy Spirit.
(a) To be led of the Spirit is to walk in the Spirit.
(i) This is an act of our will.
e) Now the Spirit-controlled life is just like our walking as human beings.
i) So a walk begins by the commencement of the walk:
(1) As our Chinese brethren say A journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step.
(2) But part of the walk, if we are going to walk, means we have to decide to walk.
(3) And commencing our walk is an act of the will.
(a) Now one thing to remember is the Spirit-controlled life is not lived by our individual will power, but we do enter it by an act of our will.
(4) Walking in the Spirit is not lived by will power; it is lived by the power of the Holy Spirit, which comes from God. Remember and never forget the Holy Spirit He is God
But we must choose to be led of the Spirit. That is what Galatians 5:18 tells us -18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. No one can choose for us.
(5) Ephesians 5:18 is
(a) This verse is not only for contrast but for comparison, because being filled with the Spirit is a lot like getting drunk with wine.
(i) A person must decide to drink. Once he decides to drink, then the liquor takes over. He is now under the control of the liquor.
(b) Similarly, by an act of our will, we decide that we are going to be led of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit takes over, and we are filled with the Spirit of
ii) Second Part II – There is a circumference of the walk in the Spirit:
(1) Galatians 5:16
(a) This verse doesn’t say, “Walk with the Spirit,” or “Walk after the Spirit.” It says, “Walk in the Spirit.”
(2) We are to stay in the Spirit.
(a) The Holy Spirit of God is to be the element in which we walk.
(b) The Holy Spirit of God is to be the environment of where we live or lives.
(c) Now the flesh tries to tell us that outside of the Spirit, there are certain pleasures that we need that will make us happy.
(d) However a person who has decided upon and is leading a Spirit-controlled life has come to the settled conclusion that there is nothing worth having outside of Jesus.
(e) Now, If we do not come to this conclusion, then we will never live a victorious life.
(3) We have to walk in the Spirit.
(a) All things we do need to be in the context of the Holy Spirit of God leading and directing our lives.
(b) The Bible says that we are to let the peace of God referee in our hearts.
Colossians 3:15 says, - 5 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
(4) In this verse, the word for “rule” is the word from which we get the word “umpire”. So, If were to step out of bounds, then the Holy Spirit tells us that we are out of bounds.
(i) Then with the Holy Spirit’s conviction we repent and step back in. That is example of and what is meant by living and walking the Spirit-controlled life.
iii) Part III - The continuance of the walk in the Spirit
(1) Again back to Galatians 5:16
(a) The Greek verb that says, “Walk in the Spirit,” means “to keep walking in the Spirit .” and keep walking.
(2) Walking is a continuous series of steps that begins with a decision but does not end there.
(3) The Spirt-controlled life is a crisis where we say, “I will.”
(a) But it is a crisis that is followed by a process, a step at a time.
(i) Then, we keep on walking.
Colossians 2:6 is a major verse to living the Spirit-controlled life. 6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith,
(b) We receive the Lord Jesus by repentance and faith. So we are to live the victorious life the same way we got it, by repentance and faith.
(4) A walk is one step at a time.
(a) It takes two feet to walk.
(b) When we walk, we are off-balance and will fall if we do not take another step.
(i) We take one step, and then the other step is necessary.
(5) What are the two feet of the Christian faith? They are repentance and faith.
(a) Repentance and faith are not just something that we do in order to be saved. This is how we live the Spirit-controlled life.
(i) Colossians 2:6
(6) How do we walk?
(a) We put down the foot of repentance, and then we put down the foot of faith.
(i) Repentance is God’s means of revealing ourselves <heart> and necessarily our sin to us.
(ii) Faith is God’s way of revealing Jesus Christ and His life to us.
(iii) Repentance is where we see our personal bankruptcy.
(iv) Faith is where we see the glory of Christ our Lord.
(b) When we are saved, we give all we know of us to all we knew of Him.
(c) As we walk in Him:
(i) We learn more about ourselves.
1. We learn more of what we need to repent.
(ii) We also learn more about Jesus.
1. We find more to trust.
(7) Sometimes a person may think that if they are saved, then they would not have a great conviction of sin.
(a) The Truth is we have a conviction of sin because we are saved and because we are learning more about ourselves and more about the Lord Jesus.
(i) It is not a sign that we are not saved.
(ii) It is simply a sign that we are understanding what it is all about.
(8) If we are truly saved, we turn from self, and we turn further to Him.
(a) We realize that we are not in control. God is the one in control through the Holy Spirit. And the flesh has been put out of business, and we are growing in the Lord Jesus.
2) So our satisfaction comes in living the spirit-controlled life (galatians 5:22-23)
a) The devil tries to tell us that we don’t want to live this way.
i) But this is the only satisfactory life.
ii) Paul calls it “fruit.”
(1) Fruit is luscious, beautiful, fragrant; but most of all, it is satisfying.
b) Fruit is to be consumed.
i) It meets our basic hunger.
(1) We have a hunger for the Lord.
(a) That hunger will never be satisfied apart from the Lord Jesus.
c) What a joy it is for a life to be controlled by the Spirit rather than controlled by the flesh.
3) CONCLUSION
a) The flesh and the Spirit are warring within you, and it is up to you.
Sermon by Adrian Rogers-LWF Ministries
June 25 Sermon
If you need a yardstick to measure the mire we are immersed in our churches and society today. Here it is direct from scripture telling us about falsehood and those who present and endorse these lies and especially in churches. Now we could delve deeply into the mess we are living in and rail against it but to what purpose? It is more important for us to become more heavenly minded but to put into place tools and measures to help us evaluate what we in churches are being told and then to make plans to effect change not just blow-in-the wind with some bluster and stomp. We need to prepare ourselves mentally and physically for combat for it is here and we are part of the Lord’s army. He is asking us to stand fast in the power and glory of His might and the truth, which He embodies. He is the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father, but by Him. Amen
Read from 2nd Peter 2, verses12 - 22, 12 But these, <false prophets and false teachers> like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, 13 and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to [d]carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, [e]carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, 14 having eyes full of [f]adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. 15 They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet. 17 These are wells without water, [g]clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness [h]forever. <pay attention >
Deceptions of False Teachers
18 For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who [i]have actually escaped from those who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of [j]corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into [k]bondage. 20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit, ”and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”
May God bless the reading of His Word.
Peter is here advising the church on issues related to false teachers and false prophets making inroads into the church and influencing believers and making difficulty for those who don’t know the Lord to find Him. It seems that this is happening today but unlike Peter some are not speaking out and challenging the church to reject false teachings.
Who are these who are doing this?
Men of depraved natures who are living in the flesh, who submit to no authority and are not afraid to attack or defame others in authority are coming against the church. The depraved nature of these men and women who are called natural brute beasts have allowed their sinful natures and pride to elevate themselves and their needs against those of God and His church. These brutish beasts are not afraid to demean and speak out against dignitaries, exalted ones” or even angels as referenced later in this passage. Authority or respect is of no boundary to them. There is a huge problem with this reviling attitude and language which they are using against others with no restraint. They are judging others on what they think is truth and not what is the truth. Their standard of truth is a lie.
Speaking evil of others is a great sin when there is no justification or truth upon which to base their judgement. This is arrogance and the elevation of pride beyond imaging again reflecting on the sinfulness of men.
II. Not only is there a reviling against others but there is their reveling (vs.13-14a). Carousing and feasting in the daytime or the idea of pleasurable or eccentric living is part of this reveling. These who practice apostasy revel in many cases in extravagance. In our society, we see ministries often calling for giving to meet some financial need. But, when you see how the monies are actually being spent on, luxury homes, expensive cars, jewelry and clothing. Which they claim are needed as part of their service to the church. So not only do they deceive others but they deceive themselves for they will quickly use scripture to justify these actions. Can this type of behavior really be the truth of life in Christ? I believe this is deception.
According to Paul, many of these types actually shared the love feasts of the early church, where these feasts were meant to feed the poor. Instead the feasts became opportunities for the wealthy to show off their wealth. Instead of bringing the blessings of fellowship and genuine sharing to others these false teachers were spots and blemishes that actually defiled the assembly. Because these teachers do not minister according to truth of the Word. It is only the word of God which is able to remove the spots and blemishes in people. (Eph. 5.27)
Here is the problem with false teachers – false teachers must either “alter” the Word of God or allow the Word of God to alter them. Because of their hard hearts false teachers will not, nor are they able to allow God’s truth to change their lives. Only God can change a heart. False doctrine leads to false living which then encourages more false doctrine.
Second Peter 2:14 makes it clear apostates attend church services for two purposes first to satisfy their own lusts, and second to capture converts to their own causes- they cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. The evil within them perpetuates and encourages more sin for they have a heart trained in sin. While they appear to be children of the light, they are actually children of the devil. 2 Peter 2. 18 and 19 suggests that they are unable to stop because instead of being free as they teach others their new reality, they are actually in bondage of sin for the lust of pleasure for money and power. Their god is covetousness.
III. Not only is there a reviling and reveling, but they have revolted against the truth. These apostates according to Phillips “they have abandoned the right way.” They know there is a right way, but they have departed from it. So the question remains were their hearts and minds actually regenerated or was there simply an emotional experience, with no real conversion or regeneration?
(Verses 15-19) Here is a great theological discussion raised by Peter about Balaam, son of Beor. Do you remember this story it is in Numbers Chapters 22-25? Balaam represent the problem with the false teachers/prophets. Balaam was easily seduced by the lure of promised wealth and influence from a King to lead the nation of Israel astray. Balaam was unable to curse the nation of Israel for Balak the King. Balaam actually blessed the nation of Israel. But Balaam did give the King, the strategy for leading the nation away from God, by telling the king of Moab to allow the Israelites to share in their pagan feasts. This false worship and sexual lust proved very difficult for the Israelites to resist and they fell into false worship and sin, not separating themselves apart. Balaam revolted against the truth of where God was leading him. Balaam was deceived by his own lusts.
A true servant of the living God patterns himself after the character and nature of the Father, or His Son, Jesus Christ.
Further Peter tells us - These false prophets have patterned themselves by first speaking - great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who [i]have actually escaped from those who live in error.
And second by 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of [j]corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into [k]bondage. This promise of new freedom and new insight into religion and worship is actually an invitation into bondage not just physical but spiritual. False prophets lead people only into bondage and false misguided hopes. We see this evidenced in our own world today and those who promise us this “great spiritual truth and supposed freedom” are false believers. The offer their truth, not God’s truth. Those who are deceivers bring not freedom but bondage by their lies. The Lord Jesus promises freedom by bring us into the truth. John 8:32 says, “and you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Jesus was of course speaking about the Word of God. 17 Sanctify[i] them by Your truth. Your word is truth, is what Jesus prayed about God’s Word in John 17.
Through the Word of God we discover not only God’s truth, but it convicts us about ourselves and we learn the truth about ourselves, often leading us to repentance and necessary change. We cease living in a world of fantasy and enter a world of reality to approach change honestly only through the power of God. Here is a quote from Warren Wiersbe – “ Temporary reformation without true repentance and rebirth only leads to greater sin and judgement. Essentially, reformation may clean up the outside but only repentance and regeneration with God’s help can clean up the inside. True freedom is only experienced in the new life given in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This is why both John the Baptist and Jesus preached “repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Jesus is calling you now – only trust Him. Only trust Him now.” He will save you He will save you. He will save you now. Only receive Him and ask Him now- whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord Jesus can be saved. AMEN
If you need a yardstick to measure the mire we are immersed in our churches and society today. Here it is direct from scripture telling us about falsehood and those who present and endorse these lies and especially in churches. Now we could delve deeply into the mess we are living in and rail against it but to what purpose? It is more important for us to become more heavenly minded but to put into place tools and measures to help us evaluate what we in churches are being told and then to make plans to effect change not just blow-in-the wind with some bluster and stomp. We need to prepare ourselves mentally and physically for combat for it is here and we are part of the Lord’s army. He is asking us to stand fast in the power and glory of His might and the truth, which He embodies. He is the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father, but by Him. Amen
Read from 2nd Peter 2, verses12 - 22, 12 But these, <false prophets and false teachers> like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, 13 and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to [d]carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, [e]carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, 14 having eyes full of [f]adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. 15 They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet. 17 These are wells without water, [g]clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness [h]forever. <pay attention >
Deceptions of False Teachers
18 For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who [i]have actually escaped from those who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of [j]corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into [k]bondage. 20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit, ”and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”
May God bless the reading of His Word.
Peter is here advising the church on issues related to false teachers and false prophets making inroads into the church and influencing believers and making difficulty for those who don’t know the Lord to find Him. It seems that this is happening today but unlike Peter some are not speaking out and challenging the church to reject false teachings.
Who are these who are doing this?
Men of depraved natures who are living in the flesh, who submit to no authority and are not afraid to attack or defame others in authority are coming against the church. The depraved nature of these men and women who are called natural brute beasts have allowed their sinful natures and pride to elevate themselves and their needs against those of God and His church. These brutish beasts are not afraid to demean and speak out against dignitaries, exalted ones” or even angels as referenced later in this passage. Authority or respect is of no boundary to them. There is a huge problem with this reviling attitude and language which they are using against others with no restraint. They are judging others on what they think is truth and not what is the truth. Their standard of truth is a lie.
Speaking evil of others is a great sin when there is no justification or truth upon which to base their judgement. This is arrogance and the elevation of pride beyond imaging again reflecting on the sinfulness of men.
II. Not only is there a reviling against others but there is their reveling (vs.13-14a). Carousing and feasting in the daytime or the idea of pleasurable or eccentric living is part of this reveling. These who practice apostasy revel in many cases in extravagance. In our society, we see ministries often calling for giving to meet some financial need. But, when you see how the monies are actually being spent on, luxury homes, expensive cars, jewelry and clothing. Which they claim are needed as part of their service to the church. So not only do they deceive others but they deceive themselves for they will quickly use scripture to justify these actions. Can this type of behavior really be the truth of life in Christ? I believe this is deception.
According to Paul, many of these types actually shared the love feasts of the early church, where these feasts were meant to feed the poor. Instead the feasts became opportunities for the wealthy to show off their wealth. Instead of bringing the blessings of fellowship and genuine sharing to others these false teachers were spots and blemishes that actually defiled the assembly. Because these teachers do not minister according to truth of the Word. It is only the word of God which is able to remove the spots and blemishes in people. (Eph. 5.27)
Here is the problem with false teachers – false teachers must either “alter” the Word of God or allow the Word of God to alter them. Because of their hard hearts false teachers will not, nor are they able to allow God’s truth to change their lives. Only God can change a heart. False doctrine leads to false living which then encourages more false doctrine.
Second Peter 2:14 makes it clear apostates attend church services for two purposes first to satisfy their own lusts, and second to capture converts to their own causes- they cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. The evil within them perpetuates and encourages more sin for they have a heart trained in sin. While they appear to be children of the light, they are actually children of the devil. 2 Peter 2. 18 and 19 suggests that they are unable to stop because instead of being free as they teach others their new reality, they are actually in bondage of sin for the lust of pleasure for money and power. Their god is covetousness.
III. Not only is there a reviling and reveling, but they have revolted against the truth. These apostates according to Phillips “they have abandoned the right way.” They know there is a right way, but they have departed from it. So the question remains were their hearts and minds actually regenerated or was there simply an emotional experience, with no real conversion or regeneration?
(Verses 15-19) Here is a great theological discussion raised by Peter about Balaam, son of Beor. Do you remember this story it is in Numbers Chapters 22-25? Balaam represent the problem with the false teachers/prophets. Balaam was easily seduced by the lure of promised wealth and influence from a King to lead the nation of Israel astray. Balaam was unable to curse the nation of Israel for Balak the King. Balaam actually blessed the nation of Israel. But Balaam did give the King, the strategy for leading the nation away from God, by telling the king of Moab to allow the Israelites to share in their pagan feasts. This false worship and sexual lust proved very difficult for the Israelites to resist and they fell into false worship and sin, not separating themselves apart. Balaam revolted against the truth of where God was leading him. Balaam was deceived by his own lusts.
A true servant of the living God patterns himself after the character and nature of the Father, or His Son, Jesus Christ.
Further Peter tells us - These false prophets have patterned themselves by first speaking - great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who [i]have actually escaped from those who live in error.
And second by 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of [j]corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into [k]bondage. This promise of new freedom and new insight into religion and worship is actually an invitation into bondage not just physical but spiritual. False prophets lead people only into bondage and false misguided hopes. We see this evidenced in our own world today and those who promise us this “great spiritual truth and supposed freedom” are false believers. The offer their truth, not God’s truth. Those who are deceivers bring not freedom but bondage by their lies. The Lord Jesus promises freedom by bring us into the truth. John 8:32 says, “and you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Jesus was of course speaking about the Word of God. 17 Sanctify[i] them by Your truth. Your word is truth, is what Jesus prayed about God’s Word in John 17.
Through the Word of God we discover not only God’s truth, but it convicts us about ourselves and we learn the truth about ourselves, often leading us to repentance and necessary change. We cease living in a world of fantasy and enter a world of reality to approach change honestly only through the power of God. Here is a quote from Warren Wiersbe – “ Temporary reformation without true repentance and rebirth only leads to greater sin and judgement. Essentially, reformation may clean up the outside but only repentance and regeneration with God’s help can clean up the inside. True freedom is only experienced in the new life given in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This is why both John the Baptist and Jesus preached “repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Jesus is calling you now – only trust Him. Only trust Him now.” He will save you He will save you. He will save you now. Only receive Him and ask Him now- whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord Jesus can be saved. AMEN
June 18 Sermon
2nd Peter 2, verse 2, 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction [a]does not slumber.
Doom of False Teachers
4 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to [b]hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; 6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; 7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-will ed. They are not afraid to speak evil of [c]dignitaries, 11 whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. 12 But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, Amen
I believe we sometimes have very short memories and do not trust that God will do what he promises to do in His word. If so we need to repent and begin believing that when we turn to the Lord, His will, will be done according to what He promises in Isaiah 55 verses 10 & 11 “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
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.
Our world and ears are filled with disinformation everywhere you turn, the truth to these people is irrelevant. It is what is the political speech or current woke pint of view which must be proclaimed. It is very interesting that when a montage of the various talking heads is presented on a particular issue that they all use the same wording to express whatever point of perversion which they are proclaiming. If you listen there must be an email published by some coordinator at midnight which specifies the talking points and woke speech which must be used during the following day. This is so much like communist haranguing practices made during the Korean and cold war.
We need to seriously ponder and consider what Peter is speaking here for it is relevant and will occur during our lifetimes. Notice in our reading of this text the number one characteristic is there is “NO FEAR of the Lord. When man turns his heart away, and you no longer, hear and you serve other gods all sorts of evil occurs.
Msn is so prideful and is rejecting God even in our days. For example what month is it being celebrate and all sorts of evil is occurring especially with regards to indoctrinating our children. This is diabolically evil but part of the strategy of turning the hearts of the children away from their family. Satan’s plan is to kill, maim and to destroy the following; definitions of gender, race, family, country and eliminate God- celebrating the pridefulness and arrogance of man towards because of their sin and selfishness.
In the midst of this we need to remember: Our God is a consuming fire and He loves His children. Those who remain faithful to Him and draw near to Him, He is our shield and buckler. He is the defender of the faithful and with Him all things are possible. And last but far from the least is “this is My Father’s world.” He will prevail and His will, will done on earth as it is in heaven.
So let’s dive into our text and see what the result is of defying God and exalting ourselves over Him.
1. 2nd Peter, Chapter 2, verses 2 &3- 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction [a]does not slumber.
When the way of truth is blasphemed and truth is relative and no weight is given in consideration of what God thinks, the Bible tells us what will happen. Look in the book of Judges – it says “everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” This is destructive just like it says in the text and everyone wants their ears tickled with whatever brand of current philosophy is being endorsed. And where does this way of living lead? It leads to death, just look at the communist countries. The way is clear and it is evident. Proof is in the bible and from current history 1850’s to the present. Men and women become deceived and think they can rebel against God. That is why we say today that what is happening in our day is a spiritual battle for the hearts and souls of men. Evil is rampant and accelerating over the face of the earth.
2. Verses 4 through 12 have a variety of conclusions which relate to one another. First let’s look at the overall picture described in these verses.
a. Rebellion is evident in each case as the hearts of men depart from the instruction of the living God. The rebellion which began in the garden of Eden continues and will continue according to the book of Revelation even past the Millennial kingdom when Jesus reigns on the earth, until the last rebellious heart is condemned to the lake of fire. This is the true evidence of sin and if we check our own hearts it is present in us today. Only because of the indwelling Holy Spirit can we resist and remain pure and forgiven in Christ Jesus.
We see both Noah and Lot living in times of abject rebellion to God. The Angels in heaven actually rebelled against God.
b. God exacted punishment upon those who rebelled because of their denial and rejection of God. As always pride and arrogance of men leads to elevate ourselves over the commandments and instructions of God. Pride is such a debilitating factor leading to our deceptive thinking that somehow, we will not allow God His rightful place in our lives.
c. Sexual sin was and remains a core part of the rejection of God’s instructions. Homosexuality, adultery, fornication, and all sorts of perversion were evident and around Noah and Lot. God was so disappointed that He wonders out loud – “And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.” (Gen.6.6) These sins were present in Sodom and Gomorrah and in Noah’s day, Verse 10 speaks to both cases - 10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-will ed. They are not afraid to speak evil of [c]dignitaries.
Here in this passage, their sin is fully described, as those who walk completely given over to the sinful desires of the flesh, into every perversion, which has entered the mind of man. The Word of God says, they are presumptuous and self-willed denying the truth of God. They, in and of themselves, have no fear of God, and are insistent and deluded, willing to die for a lie. How true is the word of God, when it says, men reach a point where they are given over to strong delusion (2nd Thess. 2:10 – 13). I believe it is here now in our day and being revealed more daily.
Next point d. In those dark days, faithful men still witnessed and proclaimed the truth of God and the need for repentance even in a sinful, hateful culture where God was scorned and rejected. For 120 years every day I am sure that Noah invited repentance and told others of the flood to come because of the evil they were committing. This is confirmed by the words in this passage. Even Lot in the middle of the perverted sickness of Sodom and Gomorrah would have been a witness for righteousness and fear of the Lord, despite the fact of his choice of pitching his tent toward Sodom. I am sure the lure of riches and wealth and whatever else tempted him to make these choices. This proves our choices to sin carry serious consequences to us and to our families. Lot’s choices cost him his wife and his two daughters. And His two daughters committed sin because they believed that no one would ever come to love them. They did not trust the saving providence of God even though God sent an Angel to guide them out of Sodom before its destruction. We do well to remember that God is faithful and true to His Word, and that He knows the beginning and the end. We need to practice this idea - Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5
Last point – e. verse 5 - 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly
And verse 7 and delivered righteous Lot,
And verse 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment.
I believe many of us worry about our survival in these days which are coming, God is looking out for you. He can see what you don’t! Even in the center of destruction God is looking out for those whose heart is tender towards Him. And believe it or not that includes you and I today in this mess we are in as the final days approach and the Father is preparing to bring us to Himself. This is what God wanted from the beginning for a people to have fellowship with Himself. Will you respond to however He is calling you today? He has a future and a hope and a plan for your life, which always ends in Heaven with Jesus. Amen
Call upon the name of the Lord and be saved for eternity. God loves you. That is why He sent His Son to pay the penalty for your sin which separates you from God. Call upon the name of the Lord and be saved today.
2nd Peter 2, verse 2, 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction [a]does not slumber.
Doom of False Teachers
4 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to [b]hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; 6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; 7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-will ed. They are not afraid to speak evil of [c]dignitaries, 11 whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. 12 But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, Amen
I believe we sometimes have very short memories and do not trust that God will do what he promises to do in His word. If so we need to repent and begin believing that when we turn to the Lord, His will, will be done according to what He promises in Isaiah 55 verses 10 & 11 “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
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.
Our world and ears are filled with disinformation everywhere you turn, the truth to these people is irrelevant. It is what is the political speech or current woke pint of view which must be proclaimed. It is very interesting that when a montage of the various talking heads is presented on a particular issue that they all use the same wording to express whatever point of perversion which they are proclaiming. If you listen there must be an email published by some coordinator at midnight which specifies the talking points and woke speech which must be used during the following day. This is so much like communist haranguing practices made during the Korean and cold war.
We need to seriously ponder and consider what Peter is speaking here for it is relevant and will occur during our lifetimes. Notice in our reading of this text the number one characteristic is there is “NO FEAR of the Lord. When man turns his heart away, and you no longer, hear and you serve other gods all sorts of evil occurs.
Msn is so prideful and is rejecting God even in our days. For example what month is it being celebrate and all sorts of evil is occurring especially with regards to indoctrinating our children. This is diabolically evil but part of the strategy of turning the hearts of the children away from their family. Satan’s plan is to kill, maim and to destroy the following; definitions of gender, race, family, country and eliminate God- celebrating the pridefulness and arrogance of man towards because of their sin and selfishness.
In the midst of this we need to remember: Our God is a consuming fire and He loves His children. Those who remain faithful to Him and draw near to Him, He is our shield and buckler. He is the defender of the faithful and with Him all things are possible. And last but far from the least is “this is My Father’s world.” He will prevail and His will, will done on earth as it is in heaven.
So let’s dive into our text and see what the result is of defying God and exalting ourselves over Him.
1. 2nd Peter, Chapter 2, verses 2 &3- 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction [a]does not slumber.
When the way of truth is blasphemed and truth is relative and no weight is given in consideration of what God thinks, the Bible tells us what will happen. Look in the book of Judges – it says “everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” This is destructive just like it says in the text and everyone wants their ears tickled with whatever brand of current philosophy is being endorsed. And where does this way of living lead? It leads to death, just look at the communist countries. The way is clear and it is evident. Proof is in the bible and from current history 1850’s to the present. Men and women become deceived and think they can rebel against God. That is why we say today that what is happening in our day is a spiritual battle for the hearts and souls of men. Evil is rampant and accelerating over the face of the earth.
2. Verses 4 through 12 have a variety of conclusions which relate to one another. First let’s look at the overall picture described in these verses.
a. Rebellion is evident in each case as the hearts of men depart from the instruction of the living God. The rebellion which began in the garden of Eden continues and will continue according to the book of Revelation even past the Millennial kingdom when Jesus reigns on the earth, until the last rebellious heart is condemned to the lake of fire. This is the true evidence of sin and if we check our own hearts it is present in us today. Only because of the indwelling Holy Spirit can we resist and remain pure and forgiven in Christ Jesus.
We see both Noah and Lot living in times of abject rebellion to God. The Angels in heaven actually rebelled against God.
b. God exacted punishment upon those who rebelled because of their denial and rejection of God. As always pride and arrogance of men leads to elevate ourselves over the commandments and instructions of God. Pride is such a debilitating factor leading to our deceptive thinking that somehow, we will not allow God His rightful place in our lives.
c. Sexual sin was and remains a core part of the rejection of God’s instructions. Homosexuality, adultery, fornication, and all sorts of perversion were evident and around Noah and Lot. God was so disappointed that He wonders out loud – “And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.” (Gen.6.6) These sins were present in Sodom and Gomorrah and in Noah’s day, Verse 10 speaks to both cases - 10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-will ed. They are not afraid to speak evil of [c]dignitaries.
Here in this passage, their sin is fully described, as those who walk completely given over to the sinful desires of the flesh, into every perversion, which has entered the mind of man. The Word of God says, they are presumptuous and self-willed denying the truth of God. They, in and of themselves, have no fear of God, and are insistent and deluded, willing to die for a lie. How true is the word of God, when it says, men reach a point where they are given over to strong delusion (2nd Thess. 2:10 – 13). I believe it is here now in our day and being revealed more daily.
Next point d. In those dark days, faithful men still witnessed and proclaimed the truth of God and the need for repentance even in a sinful, hateful culture where God was scorned and rejected. For 120 years every day I am sure that Noah invited repentance and told others of the flood to come because of the evil they were committing. This is confirmed by the words in this passage. Even Lot in the middle of the perverted sickness of Sodom and Gomorrah would have been a witness for righteousness and fear of the Lord, despite the fact of his choice of pitching his tent toward Sodom. I am sure the lure of riches and wealth and whatever else tempted him to make these choices. This proves our choices to sin carry serious consequences to us and to our families. Lot’s choices cost him his wife and his two daughters. And His two daughters committed sin because they believed that no one would ever come to love them. They did not trust the saving providence of God even though God sent an Angel to guide them out of Sodom before its destruction. We do well to remember that God is faithful and true to His Word, and that He knows the beginning and the end. We need to practice this idea - Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5
Last point – e. verse 5 - 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly
And verse 7 and delivered righteous Lot,
And verse 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment.
I believe many of us worry about our survival in these days which are coming, God is looking out for you. He can see what you don’t! Even in the center of destruction God is looking out for those whose heart is tender towards Him. And believe it or not that includes you and I today in this mess we are in as the final days approach and the Father is preparing to bring us to Himself. This is what God wanted from the beginning for a people to have fellowship with Himself. Will you respond to however He is calling you today? He has a future and a hope and a plan for your life, which always ends in Heaven with Jesus. Amen
Call upon the name of the Lord and be saved for eternity. God loves you. That is why He sent His Son to pay the penalty for your sin which separates you from God. Call upon the name of the Lord and be saved today.
June 11 Sermon
2nd Peter 2, verse 2, 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction [a]does not slumber.
Doom of False Teachers
4 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to [b]hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; 6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; 7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-will ed. They are not afraid to speak evil of [c]dignitaries, 11 whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. 12 But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, Amen
I believe we sometimes have very short memories and do not trust that God will do what he promises to do in His word. If so we need to repent and begin believing that when we turn to the Lord, His will, will be done according to what He promises in Isaiah 55 verses 10 & 11 “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
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.
Our world and ears are filled with disinformation everywhere you turn, the truth to these people is irrelevant. It is what is the political speech or current woke pint of view which must be proclaimed. It is very interesting that when a montage of the various talking heads is presented on a particular issue that they all use the same wording to express whatever point of perversion which they are proclaiming. If you listen there must be an email published by some coordinator at midnight which specifies the talking points and woke speech which must be used during the following day. This is so much like communist haranguing practices made during the Korean and cold war.
We need to seriously ponder and consider what Peter is speaking here for it is relevant and will occur during our lifetimes. Notice in our reading of this text the number one characteristic is there is “NO FEAR of the Lord. When man turns his heart away, and you no longer, hear and you serve other gods all sorts of evil occurs.
Msn is so prideful and is rejecting God even in our days. For example what month is it being celebrate and all sorts of evil is occurring especially with regards to indoctrinating our children. This is diabolically evil but part of the strategy of turning the hearts of the children away from their family. Satan’s plan is to kill, maim and to destroy the following; definitions of gender, race, family, country and eliminate God- celebrating the pridefulness and arrogance of man towards because of their sin and selfishness.
In the midst of this we need to remember: Our God is a consuming fire and He loves His children. Those who remain faithful to Him and draw near to Him, He is our shield and buckler. He is the defender of the faithful and with Him all things are possible. And last but far from the least is “this is My Father’s world.” He will prevail and His will, will done on earth as it is in heaven.
So let’s dive into our text and see what the result is of defying God and exalting ourselves over Him.
1. 2nd Peter, Chapter 2, verses 2 &3- 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction [a]does not slumber.
When the way of truth is blasphemed and truth is relative and no weight is given in consideration of what God thinks, the Bible tells us what will happen. Look in the book of Judges – it says “everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” This is destructive just like it says in the text and everyone wants their ears tickled with whatever brand of current philosophy is being endorsed. And where does this way of living lead? It leads to death, just look at the communist countries. The way is clear and it is evident. Proof is in the bible and from current history 1850’s to the present. Men and women become deceived and think they can rebel against God. That is why we say today that what is happening in our day is a spiritual battle for the hearts and souls of men. Evil is rampant and accelerating over the face of the earth.
2. Verses 4 through 12 have a variety of conclusions which relate to one another. First let’s look at the overall picture described in these verses.
a. Rebellion is evident in each case as the hearts of men depart from the instruction of the living God. The rebellion which began in the garden of Eden continues and will continue according to the book of Revelation even past the Millennial kingdom when Jesus reigns on the earth, until the last rebellious heart is condemned to the lake of fire. This is the true evidence of sin and if we check our own hearts it is present in us today. Only because of the indwelling Holy Spirit can we resist and remain pure and forgiven in Christ Jesus.
We see both Noah and Lot living in times of abject rebellion to God. The Angels in heaven actually rebelled against God.
b. God exacted punishment upon those who rebelled because of their denial and rejection of God. As always pride and arrogance of men leads to elevate ourselves over the commandments and instructions of God. Pride is such a debilitating factor leading to our deceptive thinking that somehow, we will not allow God His rightful place in our lives.
c. Sexual sin was and remains a core part of the rejection of God’s instructions. Homosexuality, adultery, fornication, and all sorts of perversion were evident and around Noah and Lot. God was so disappointed that He wonders out loud – “And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.” (Gen.6.6) These sins were present in Sodom and Gomorrah and in Noah’s day, Verse 10 speaks to both cases - 10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-will ed. They are not afraid to speak evil of [c]dignitaries.
Here in this passage, their sin is fully described, as those who walk completely given over to the sinful desires of the flesh, into every perversion, which has entered the mind of man. The Word of God says, they are presumptuous and self-willed denying the truth of God. They, in and of themselves, have no fear of God, and are insistent and deluded, willing to die for a lie. How true is the word of God, when it says, men reach a point where they are given over to strong delusion (2nd Thess. 2:10 – 13). I believe it is here now in our day and being revealed more daily.
Next point d. In those dark days, faithful men still witnessed and proclaimed the truth of God and the need for repentance even in a sinful, hateful culture where God was scorned and rejected. For 120 years every day I am sure that Noah invited repentance and told others of the flood to come because of the evil they were committing. This is confirmed by the words in this passage. Even Lot in the middle of the perverted sickness of Sodom and Gomorrah would have been a witness for righteousness and fear of the Lord, despite the fact of his choice of pitching his tent toward Sodom. I am sure the lure of riches and wealth and whatever else tempted him to make these choices. This proves our choices to sin carry serious consequences to us and to our families. Lot’s choices cost him his wife and his two daughters. And His two daughters committed sin because they believed that no one would ever come to love them. They did not trust the saving providence of God even though God sent an Angel to guide them out of Sodom before its destruction. We do well to remember that God is faithful and true to His Word, and that He knows the beginning and the end. We need to practice this idea - Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5
Last point – e. verse 5 - 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly
And verse 7 and delivered righteous Lot,
And verse 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment.
I believe many of us worry about our survival in these days which are coming, God is looking out for you. He can see what you don’t! Even in the center of destruction God is looking out for those whose heart is tender towards Him. And believe it or not that includes you and I today in this mess we are in as the final days approach and the Father is preparing to bring us to Himself. This is what God wanted from the beginning for a people to have fellowship with Himself. Will you respond to however He is calling you today? He has a future and a hope and a plan for your life, which always ends in Heaven with Jesus. Amen
Call upon the name of the Lord and be saved for eternity. God loves you. That is why He sent His Son to pay the penalty for your sin which separates you from God. Call upon the name of the Lord and be saved today.
2nd Peter 2, verse 2, 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction [a]does not slumber.
Doom of False Teachers
4 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to [b]hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; 6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; 7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-will ed. They are not afraid to speak evil of [c]dignitaries, 11 whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. 12 But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, Amen
I believe we sometimes have very short memories and do not trust that God will do what he promises to do in His word. If so we need to repent and begin believing that when we turn to the Lord, His will, will be done according to what He promises in Isaiah 55 verses 10 & 11 “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
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.
Our world and ears are filled with disinformation everywhere you turn, the truth to these people is irrelevant. It is what is the political speech or current woke pint of view which must be proclaimed. It is very interesting that when a montage of the various talking heads is presented on a particular issue that they all use the same wording to express whatever point of perversion which they are proclaiming. If you listen there must be an email published by some coordinator at midnight which specifies the talking points and woke speech which must be used during the following day. This is so much like communist haranguing practices made during the Korean and cold war.
We need to seriously ponder and consider what Peter is speaking here for it is relevant and will occur during our lifetimes. Notice in our reading of this text the number one characteristic is there is “NO FEAR of the Lord. When man turns his heart away, and you no longer, hear and you serve other gods all sorts of evil occurs.
Msn is so prideful and is rejecting God even in our days. For example what month is it being celebrate and all sorts of evil is occurring especially with regards to indoctrinating our children. This is diabolically evil but part of the strategy of turning the hearts of the children away from their family. Satan’s plan is to kill, maim and to destroy the following; definitions of gender, race, family, country and eliminate God- celebrating the pridefulness and arrogance of man towards because of their sin and selfishness.
In the midst of this we need to remember: Our God is a consuming fire and He loves His children. Those who remain faithful to Him and draw near to Him, He is our shield and buckler. He is the defender of the faithful and with Him all things are possible. And last but far from the least is “this is My Father’s world.” He will prevail and His will, will done on earth as it is in heaven.
So let’s dive into our text and see what the result is of defying God and exalting ourselves over Him.
1. 2nd Peter, Chapter 2, verses 2 &3- 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction [a]does not slumber.
When the way of truth is blasphemed and truth is relative and no weight is given in consideration of what God thinks, the Bible tells us what will happen. Look in the book of Judges – it says “everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” This is destructive just like it says in the text and everyone wants their ears tickled with whatever brand of current philosophy is being endorsed. And where does this way of living lead? It leads to death, just look at the communist countries. The way is clear and it is evident. Proof is in the bible and from current history 1850’s to the present. Men and women become deceived and think they can rebel against God. That is why we say today that what is happening in our day is a spiritual battle for the hearts and souls of men. Evil is rampant and accelerating over the face of the earth.
2. Verses 4 through 12 have a variety of conclusions which relate to one another. First let’s look at the overall picture described in these verses.
a. Rebellion is evident in each case as the hearts of men depart from the instruction of the living God. The rebellion which began in the garden of Eden continues and will continue according to the book of Revelation even past the Millennial kingdom when Jesus reigns on the earth, until the last rebellious heart is condemned to the lake of fire. This is the true evidence of sin and if we check our own hearts it is present in us today. Only because of the indwelling Holy Spirit can we resist and remain pure and forgiven in Christ Jesus.
We see both Noah and Lot living in times of abject rebellion to God. The Angels in heaven actually rebelled against God.
b. God exacted punishment upon those who rebelled because of their denial and rejection of God. As always pride and arrogance of men leads to elevate ourselves over the commandments and instructions of God. Pride is such a debilitating factor leading to our deceptive thinking that somehow, we will not allow God His rightful place in our lives.
c. Sexual sin was and remains a core part of the rejection of God’s instructions. Homosexuality, adultery, fornication, and all sorts of perversion were evident and around Noah and Lot. God was so disappointed that He wonders out loud – “And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.” (Gen.6.6) These sins were present in Sodom and Gomorrah and in Noah’s day, Verse 10 speaks to both cases - 10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-will ed. They are not afraid to speak evil of [c]dignitaries.
Here in this passage, their sin is fully described, as those who walk completely given over to the sinful desires of the flesh, into every perversion, which has entered the mind of man. The Word of God says, they are presumptuous and self-willed denying the truth of God. They, in and of themselves, have no fear of God, and are insistent and deluded, willing to die for a lie. How true is the word of God, when it says, men reach a point where they are given over to strong delusion (2nd Thess. 2:10 – 13). I believe it is here now in our day and being revealed more daily.
Next point d. In those dark days, faithful men still witnessed and proclaimed the truth of God and the need for repentance even in a sinful, hateful culture where God was scorned and rejected. For 120 years every day I am sure that Noah invited repentance and told others of the flood to come because of the evil they were committing. This is confirmed by the words in this passage. Even Lot in the middle of the perverted sickness of Sodom and Gomorrah would have been a witness for righteousness and fear of the Lord, despite the fact of his choice of pitching his tent toward Sodom. I am sure the lure of riches and wealth and whatever else tempted him to make these choices. This proves our choices to sin carry serious consequences to us and to our families. Lot’s choices cost him his wife and his two daughters. And His two daughters committed sin because they believed that no one would ever come to love them. They did not trust the saving providence of God even though God sent an Angel to guide them out of Sodom before its destruction. We do well to remember that God is faithful and true to His Word, and that He knows the beginning and the end. We need to practice this idea - Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5
Last point – e. verse 5 - 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly
And verse 7 and delivered righteous Lot,
And verse 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment.
I believe many of us worry about our survival in these days which are coming, God is looking out for you. He can see what you don’t! Even in the center of destruction God is looking out for those whose heart is tender towards Him. And believe it or not that includes you and I today in this mess we are in as the final days approach and the Father is preparing to bring us to Himself. This is what God wanted from the beginning for a people to have fellowship with Himself. Will you respond to however He is calling you today? He has a future and a hope and a plan for your life, which always ends in Heaven with Jesus. Amen
Call upon the name of the Lord and be saved for eternity. God loves you. That is why He sent His Son to pay the penalty for your sin which separates you from God. Call upon the name of the Lord and be saved today.
June 4 Sermon
To reap and to sow is an agricultural principle. If you plant wheat, you hope and expect to reap wheat in return. What is true in the physical world is true for the spiritual world as well. We have sown evil in America and we are now reaping the whirlwind of the harvest. Rejecting the truth and premises of scripture about fearing and honoring God, we are now in the same place as the idolatrous Israelites who having rejected the kindness and mercy of God, were now being punished and disciplined by God as God sowed corruption, reprobate minds turned them over to their delusions. With this they no longer had the ability to distinguish the truth. The nation apart from God and His repentance continued to accelerate into degenerative behavior. Is this not what we see more clearly daily in our nation? Are we blinded today even in the church and do not recognize the truth of this teaching?
6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Notes. 6:8 sows to his flesh. Here it means pandering to the flesh’s evil desires. corruption. From the Gr. word for degeneration, as in decaying food. Sin always corrupts and, when left unchecked, always makes a person progressively worse in character (cf. Rom. 6:23). sows to the Spirit. To walk by the Holy Spirit (see notes on; Eph. 5:18; cf. John 8:31; 15:7; Rom. 12:1, 2. everlasting life.
I. Do you know about the message the founder of the Salvation Army sent to their inter- national convention? General William Booth was unable to attend because of ill health, so he cabled a message to the convention containing one word: “OTHERS!” This was to be the focus of their ministry efforts.
II. So “One another” is one of the key phrases in the Christian’s vocabulary. “Love one another” is found at least a dozen times in the New Testament, along with “pray one for another” (James 5:16), “edify one another” (1 Thess. 5:11), prefer one another (Rom. 12:10), “use hospitality one to another” (1 Peter 4:9), and many other like admonitions. And in Gal. 6:2, Paul adds another phrase: “Bear ye one another’s burdens”. The Spirit-led Christian mind thinks of others and how he can minister to them.
III. Just as one another is a key phrase in the Christian vocabulary, so is the word fellowship (translated “communicate” in Gal. 6:6). From the very beginning of the church, sharing was one of the marks of Christians (Acts 2:41–47). The Greek word has now we use in our English vocabulary, is the word koinonia here. It means “to have in common,” and refers to our fellowship in Christ (Gal. 2:9), our common faith (Jude 3), and our sharing in the sufferings of Christ (Phil. 3:10). Often in the New Testament, koinonia refers to the sharing of material blessings with one another. It is this that Paul had in mind in here.
So for one another:
a. Paul starts with a precept (in Gal. 6:6), urging us to share with one another. The teacher of the Word shares spiritual treasures, and those who are taught ought to share with the teacher their material treasures. We need to understand however that how we handle material things is an indication of how we value and handle spiritual things. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:21).
The precept in Gal. 6:6, urges us to share with one another. The teacher of the Word shares spiritual treasures, and those who are taught ought to share material treasures.
Because the apostle Paul did not want money to be a stumbling block to the unsaved, he earned his own living (see 1 Cor. 9), but he repeatedly taught that the spiritual leader in the church was to be sup- ported by the gifts of the people. Jesus said, “The laborer is worthy of his hire” (Luke 10:7), and Paul echoed this.
b. But we must realize there is a spiritual principle that lies behind this precept. God does not command believers to give simply that pastors and teachers (and missionaries, Phil. 4:10–19) might have their material needs met, but that the givers might receive the greater blessing (Gal. 6:7–8). The principle of sowing and reaping is found throughout the entire Bible. God has ordained that we reap what we sow. Were it not for this law, the whole principle of cause and effect would fail. The farmer who sows a crop expects to reap the same crop. Otherwise, there would be chaos all over.
God has also told us to be careful where we sow, and it is this principle that Paul is dealing with here. He looked on our material possessions as seed, and he sees two possible kinds of soil: the flesh and the Spirit. We can use our goods to promote the flesh, or to promote the Spirit. But once we have finished sowing, we cannot change the harvest.
Money sown to the flesh brings a harvest of corruption (see Gal. 5:19–21). That money is gone and can never be reclaimed. Money sown to the Spirit (such as sharing with those who teach the Word) produces life, and generated future seeds that can be planted for another harvest, and on and on into eternity. If believers would only look on their material wealth as seed, and plant it correctly, there would be no lack for the God’s work. Sadly, much seed is wasted on earthly things which never brings glory to God.
c. Beyond this, there is a much broader application of this principle to our lives; all we do in life is either an investment in the flesh or the Spirit. We shall reap whatever we have sown, and we shall reap in proportion to what we have sown. “He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully” (2 Cor. 9:6). The believer who walks in the Spirit and “sows” in the Spirit is going to reap a spiritual harvest. If his sowing has been generous, the harvest will be bountiful, if not in this life, certainly in the life to come.
Paul’s enemies, the Judaizers, did not have this attitude toward giving and receiving. Paul sacrificed and labored that he might not be a burden to the churches, but the false teachers used the churches to promote their schemes and fill their fat wallets.
d. Having given us the precept (Gal. 6:6) and the principle behind the precept (Gal. 6:7–8), Paul now gave us a promise (Gal. 6:9): “In due season we shall reap if we faint not.” Behind this promise is a peril: growing weary in the work of the Lord, and then fainting, and stopping the ministry. Sometimes spiritual fainting is caused by a lack of devotion to the Lord. It is interesting to contrast two churches that are commended for “work, labor, and patience.” In Rev. 2:2), the church at Ephesus had left its first love and was backslidden (Rev. 2:4–5). Why? The answer is seen in the commendation to the Thessalonian church: “Work of faith, labor of love, patience of hope.” Not just work, labor, and patience, but the proper motivation: “faith, love, and hope.” How easy it is for us to work for the Lord, but permit His spiritual motivation to die.
Scripture says – in Proverbs - Guard your heart for out if flow the issues of life. Share and Shine for Jesus – this is a critical part of sharing for Jesus in word, in deed and in kind. Learn to reap and sow and be blessed by giving to the Lord of all that we have.
Amen
To reap and to sow is an agricultural principle. If you plant wheat, you hope and expect to reap wheat in return. What is true in the physical world is true for the spiritual world as well. We have sown evil in America and we are now reaping the whirlwind of the harvest. Rejecting the truth and premises of scripture about fearing and honoring God, we are now in the same place as the idolatrous Israelites who having rejected the kindness and mercy of God, were now being punished and disciplined by God as God sowed corruption, reprobate minds turned them over to their delusions. With this they no longer had the ability to distinguish the truth. The nation apart from God and His repentance continued to accelerate into degenerative behavior. Is this not what we see more clearly daily in our nation? Are we blinded today even in the church and do not recognize the truth of this teaching?
6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Notes. 6:8 sows to his flesh. Here it means pandering to the flesh’s evil desires. corruption. From the Gr. word for degeneration, as in decaying food. Sin always corrupts and, when left unchecked, always makes a person progressively worse in character (cf. Rom. 6:23). sows to the Spirit. To walk by the Holy Spirit (see notes on; Eph. 5:18; cf. John 8:31; 15:7; Rom. 12:1, 2. everlasting life.
I. Do you know about the message the founder of the Salvation Army sent to their inter- national convention? General William Booth was unable to attend because of ill health, so he cabled a message to the convention containing one word: “OTHERS!” This was to be the focus of their ministry efforts.
II. So “One another” is one of the key phrases in the Christian’s vocabulary. “Love one another” is found at least a dozen times in the New Testament, along with “pray one for another” (James 5:16), “edify one another” (1 Thess. 5:11), prefer one another (Rom. 12:10), “use hospitality one to another” (1 Peter 4:9), and many other like admonitions. And in Gal. 6:2, Paul adds another phrase: “Bear ye one another’s burdens”. The Spirit-led Christian mind thinks of others and how he can minister to them.
III. Just as one another is a key phrase in the Christian vocabulary, so is the word fellowship (translated “communicate” in Gal. 6:6). From the very beginning of the church, sharing was one of the marks of Christians (Acts 2:41–47). The Greek word has now we use in our English vocabulary, is the word koinonia here. It means “to have in common,” and refers to our fellowship in Christ (Gal. 2:9), our common faith (Jude 3), and our sharing in the sufferings of Christ (Phil. 3:10). Often in the New Testament, koinonia refers to the sharing of material blessings with one another. It is this that Paul had in mind in here.
So for one another:
a. Paul starts with a precept (in Gal. 6:6), urging us to share with one another. The teacher of the Word shares spiritual treasures, and those who are taught ought to share with the teacher their material treasures. We need to understand however that how we handle material things is an indication of how we value and handle spiritual things. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:21).
The precept in Gal. 6:6, urges us to share with one another. The teacher of the Word shares spiritual treasures, and those who are taught ought to share material treasures.
Because the apostle Paul did not want money to be a stumbling block to the unsaved, he earned his own living (see 1 Cor. 9), but he repeatedly taught that the spiritual leader in the church was to be sup- ported by the gifts of the people. Jesus said, “The laborer is worthy of his hire” (Luke 10:7), and Paul echoed this.
b. But we must realize there is a spiritual principle that lies behind this precept. God does not command believers to give simply that pastors and teachers (and missionaries, Phil. 4:10–19) might have their material needs met, but that the givers might receive the greater blessing (Gal. 6:7–8). The principle of sowing and reaping is found throughout the entire Bible. God has ordained that we reap what we sow. Were it not for this law, the whole principle of cause and effect would fail. The farmer who sows a crop expects to reap the same crop. Otherwise, there would be chaos all over.
God has also told us to be careful where we sow, and it is this principle that Paul is dealing with here. He looked on our material possessions as seed, and he sees two possible kinds of soil: the flesh and the Spirit. We can use our goods to promote the flesh, or to promote the Spirit. But once we have finished sowing, we cannot change the harvest.
Money sown to the flesh brings a harvest of corruption (see Gal. 5:19–21). That money is gone and can never be reclaimed. Money sown to the Spirit (such as sharing with those who teach the Word) produces life, and generated future seeds that can be planted for another harvest, and on and on into eternity. If believers would only look on their material wealth as seed, and plant it correctly, there would be no lack for the God’s work. Sadly, much seed is wasted on earthly things which never brings glory to God.
c. Beyond this, there is a much broader application of this principle to our lives; all we do in life is either an investment in the flesh or the Spirit. We shall reap whatever we have sown, and we shall reap in proportion to what we have sown. “He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully” (2 Cor. 9:6). The believer who walks in the Spirit and “sows” in the Spirit is going to reap a spiritual harvest. If his sowing has been generous, the harvest will be bountiful, if not in this life, certainly in the life to come.
Paul’s enemies, the Judaizers, did not have this attitude toward giving and receiving. Paul sacrificed and labored that he might not be a burden to the churches, but the false teachers used the churches to promote their schemes and fill their fat wallets.
d. Having given us the precept (Gal. 6:6) and the principle behind the precept (Gal. 6:7–8), Paul now gave us a promise (Gal. 6:9): “In due season we shall reap if we faint not.” Behind this promise is a peril: growing weary in the work of the Lord, and then fainting, and stopping the ministry. Sometimes spiritual fainting is caused by a lack of devotion to the Lord. It is interesting to contrast two churches that are commended for “work, labor, and patience.” In Rev. 2:2), the church at Ephesus had left its first love and was backslidden (Rev. 2:4–5). Why? The answer is seen in the commendation to the Thessalonian church: “Work of faith, labor of love, patience of hope.” Not just work, labor, and patience, but the proper motivation: “faith, love, and hope.” How easy it is for us to work for the Lord, but permit His spiritual motivation to die.
Scripture says – in Proverbs - Guard your heart for out if flow the issues of life. Share and Shine for Jesus – this is a critical part of sharing for Jesus in word, in deed and in kind. Learn to reap and sow and be blessed by giving to the Lord of all that we have.
Amen
May 28 Sermon
Criticism is dangerous especially today when each man has his/her own standard and definition of what is right and just, as defined in their own minds and spirits. This today tells you just how wicked we have become in society and in treating one another. “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? (Jeremiah.17:9)
God knows the human heart, He created it and has seen it. Jesus experienced its hatred and evil first hand on the cross- so this is really the truth about the hearts of men.
So in my day, my mother corrected me when she saw wickedness coming from me and said look at your own flaws first….sort of sound like what we just read from Brother Paul, called the Apostle out of time.
So today, when there are no bounds to criticism whether directly or on line. We are without a standard of truth. There is actually in our culture a war raging concerning an agreed upon definition of what words mean. The media bluster and abusive folly of foul mouthed, illiterate and uneducated, evil people is spreading everywhere and is almost inescapable across the marketplace and in our culture.
This war on in the culture and it is all about the definition of terms and the words we use. The far left, progressives, regressives want to dumb down words like woman to fit their toxic narrative of gender identity and irrational equality. We call murder in the womb – choice. We indenture people into servitude and dependence whether it is health care or we have labeled welfare when it enslaves and impoverishes people. We call a mass invasion of our country by sick and impoverished people – open borders when we are also allowing thousands of military aged, single men entry, who will soon reap rebellion and destruction in our country inside our borders.
So by dumbing down words and obscuring definitions we can call evil good and good evil, sour sweet and sweet is sour and fool those who want to be deceived.
So criticism can be cause healing if applied in love with the intent of correction and truth or it can be detrimental if meant to harm and cause pain.
Our text today speaks concerning these issues and reflects the spiritual view of what and how God wants us to treat one another and walk in Jesus Christ. Remember this if our relationship with God is in harmony and fellowship. Where we are attending to His word and being led by the holy Spirit we will most likely have a good horizontal relationship with our brothers and sisters and those in the world. Let’s read from the word-
Galatians 5 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 6
Brethren, if a man is [a]overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.
Beginning at Galatians 5, verse 24, should take us back to Chapter 2, verse 20 - 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. This is a pivotal verse for us all and it would be good if we spent some time memorizing it as has much truth packed within its meaning. At the moment of regeneration which we call conversion- upon accepting God’s invitation to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior all your sins has been hung upon the body and blood of Jesus. His sinless life and sacrifice have paid the infinite price needed to redeem you with God the Father. So by definition you have been crucified with Christ. Now, the life of Christ in the Holy Spirit lives within you. So the life you now live, you should have the desire and will to live by faith in the One, who died and gave Himself for you. Why did He do this for us is because of His and the Father’s great love for you. Isn’t that what the message of John 3:16 is all about?
Verse 25 state a condition which we must meet -25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Technically, if we live in the Spirit then we should also by definition we should be walking in the Spirit. But as with anything in the human condition it requires us to choose continually to walk in the Holy Spirit’s leading, listening for God’s direction and leading. Moses as He was directed by God in Numbers 20 - 10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” 11 Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank.
12 Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”
13 This was the water of [b]Meribah, because the children of Israel contended with the Lord, and He was hallowed among them. Moses because of his temper did not walk according to the Word of God. And in many case our greatest failures come at the moment of prior spiritual victory. Seems that is often when we are weakest and not listening to what God has said. But as with Moses, what are we to do when we falter, which we all do, is to repent, then press on with our Lord.
So by choosing to walk in the Spirit we will not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another, as stated in verse 26. What we noted earlier is if our relationship to God is close, where we are seeking Him daily then we have the opportunity for civil and kind relationships with others. Do you remember what one of Jesus’ commands to His disciples john 13:34 -35 - 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
There needs to be unity in the body of Christ and we are commanded by Jesus and will be led by the Holy Spirit to develop the gift of love as part of His work.
Moving next to Chapter 6, we find this -we find instruction as to how to loving provide correction and reproof, which leads to restoration hopefully, if the individual (s) truly repents.
Here is what the text in Chapter 6 says, Brethren, if a man is [a]overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
How are we to treat one another especially, when we fall into sin, which most of us do, once in a while? Certainly we are to love one another. But this will not happen if we vilify and titter crucify others in public media. If we are to show love and listen to the Holy Spirit’s leading then criticism, backbiting and talking out of school or gossip will not happen. We often misuse the concept of “speaking the truth in love.” In instances, using this phrase is just an excuse to tee off on another and describe all their faults in detail, with no means of reconciling just trash the person for no reason. God wants a different norm and so again if the Holy Spirit is in us, He will warn us if we listening and direct our speech and behavior to meet the needs for leading one to repentance and ultimately to being restored to fellowship in Christ. Again this refers back to what the Holy Spirit enables and these are fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and the like. All this advances in our character traits, come because God is growing us and conforming us into the image of His Son. These qualities or traits enable us to share and to bear one another’s burdens. Aren’t you glad He is not finished with you yet! AMEN
Now comes the crux of the matter and it revolves around the human heart. There are some preponderant themes you will hear here each Sunday and this topic of the toxicity of the human heart is a key one. The disease we all have is sin and it is one of the heart issues-sin! Galatians 6 verse 3 -3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.
Our role as believers means we all must start at the foot of the cross – for all have sinned. The wages of that sin is death but the gift of God is new life in Him for eternity which is immeasurable. Self-love, egotism, narcissism or whatever is beyond our ken or understanding will follow and produces corrupted behavior. Our starting point must always be the foot of the cross, and I repeat this for a point- for without Me you can do nothing (Jn. 15.5).
Now the Holy Spirit plays a key role in the completion of our text to God be the glory! Verse 3 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.
Who examines our heart but God using the Holy Spirit/ It is God then who through Jesus gives us the Spirit of Truth, who is our guide and teacher. Since God desire truth in the inner man, He provides a way to enhance, preserve and protect it in our hearts. But you must guard your heart for from it grow the issues of life.
So from our perspective as believers we absolutely must walk by faith and in the Spirit, understanding the freedoms we have in Jesus are not license. And to be guided by the genuine love of Jesus to not think of ourselves too highly or conceitedly.
Amen – Do you today right this moment know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior if not call me or the Billy Graham Association to find help in receiving and understanding what Jesus has done for you.
Criticism is dangerous especially today when each man has his/her own standard and definition of what is right and just, as defined in their own minds and spirits. This today tells you just how wicked we have become in society and in treating one another. “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? (Jeremiah.17:9)
God knows the human heart, He created it and has seen it. Jesus experienced its hatred and evil first hand on the cross- so this is really the truth about the hearts of men.
So in my day, my mother corrected me when she saw wickedness coming from me and said look at your own flaws first….sort of sound like what we just read from Brother Paul, called the Apostle out of time.
So today, when there are no bounds to criticism whether directly or on line. We are without a standard of truth. There is actually in our culture a war raging concerning an agreed upon definition of what words mean. The media bluster and abusive folly of foul mouthed, illiterate and uneducated, evil people is spreading everywhere and is almost inescapable across the marketplace and in our culture.
This war on in the culture and it is all about the definition of terms and the words we use. The far left, progressives, regressives want to dumb down words like woman to fit their toxic narrative of gender identity and irrational equality. We call murder in the womb – choice. We indenture people into servitude and dependence whether it is health care or we have labeled welfare when it enslaves and impoverishes people. We call a mass invasion of our country by sick and impoverished people – open borders when we are also allowing thousands of military aged, single men entry, who will soon reap rebellion and destruction in our country inside our borders.
So by dumbing down words and obscuring definitions we can call evil good and good evil, sour sweet and sweet is sour and fool those who want to be deceived.
So criticism can be cause healing if applied in love with the intent of correction and truth or it can be detrimental if meant to harm and cause pain.
Our text today speaks concerning these issues and reflects the spiritual view of what and how God wants us to treat one another and walk in Jesus Christ. Remember this if our relationship with God is in harmony and fellowship. Where we are attending to His word and being led by the holy Spirit we will most likely have a good horizontal relationship with our brothers and sisters and those in the world. Let’s read from the word-
Galatians 5 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 6
Brethren, if a man is [a]overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.
Beginning at Galatians 5, verse 24, should take us back to Chapter 2, verse 20 - 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. This is a pivotal verse for us all and it would be good if we spent some time memorizing it as has much truth packed within its meaning. At the moment of regeneration which we call conversion- upon accepting God’s invitation to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior all your sins has been hung upon the body and blood of Jesus. His sinless life and sacrifice have paid the infinite price needed to redeem you with God the Father. So by definition you have been crucified with Christ. Now, the life of Christ in the Holy Spirit lives within you. So the life you now live, you should have the desire and will to live by faith in the One, who died and gave Himself for you. Why did He do this for us is because of His and the Father’s great love for you. Isn’t that what the message of John 3:16 is all about?
Verse 25 state a condition which we must meet -25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Technically, if we live in the Spirit then we should also by definition we should be walking in the Spirit. But as with anything in the human condition it requires us to choose continually to walk in the Holy Spirit’s leading, listening for God’s direction and leading. Moses as He was directed by God in Numbers 20 - 10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” 11 Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank.
12 Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”
13 This was the water of [b]Meribah, because the children of Israel contended with the Lord, and He was hallowed among them. Moses because of his temper did not walk according to the Word of God. And in many case our greatest failures come at the moment of prior spiritual victory. Seems that is often when we are weakest and not listening to what God has said. But as with Moses, what are we to do when we falter, which we all do, is to repent, then press on with our Lord.
So by choosing to walk in the Spirit we will not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another, as stated in verse 26. What we noted earlier is if our relationship to God is close, where we are seeking Him daily then we have the opportunity for civil and kind relationships with others. Do you remember what one of Jesus’ commands to His disciples john 13:34 -35 - 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
There needs to be unity in the body of Christ and we are commanded by Jesus and will be led by the Holy Spirit to develop the gift of love as part of His work.
Moving next to Chapter 6, we find this -we find instruction as to how to loving provide correction and reproof, which leads to restoration hopefully, if the individual (s) truly repents.
Here is what the text in Chapter 6 says, Brethren, if a man is [a]overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
How are we to treat one another especially, when we fall into sin, which most of us do, once in a while? Certainly we are to love one another. But this will not happen if we vilify and titter crucify others in public media. If we are to show love and listen to the Holy Spirit’s leading then criticism, backbiting and talking out of school or gossip will not happen. We often misuse the concept of “speaking the truth in love.” In instances, using this phrase is just an excuse to tee off on another and describe all their faults in detail, with no means of reconciling just trash the person for no reason. God wants a different norm and so again if the Holy Spirit is in us, He will warn us if we listening and direct our speech and behavior to meet the needs for leading one to repentance and ultimately to being restored to fellowship in Christ. Again this refers back to what the Holy Spirit enables and these are fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and the like. All this advances in our character traits, come because God is growing us and conforming us into the image of His Son. These qualities or traits enable us to share and to bear one another’s burdens. Aren’t you glad He is not finished with you yet! AMEN
Now comes the crux of the matter and it revolves around the human heart. There are some preponderant themes you will hear here each Sunday and this topic of the toxicity of the human heart is a key one. The disease we all have is sin and it is one of the heart issues-sin! Galatians 6 verse 3 -3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.
Our role as believers means we all must start at the foot of the cross – for all have sinned. The wages of that sin is death but the gift of God is new life in Him for eternity which is immeasurable. Self-love, egotism, narcissism or whatever is beyond our ken or understanding will follow and produces corrupted behavior. Our starting point must always be the foot of the cross, and I repeat this for a point- for without Me you can do nothing (Jn. 15.5).
Now the Holy Spirit plays a key role in the completion of our text to God be the glory! Verse 3 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.
Who examines our heart but God using the Holy Spirit/ It is God then who through Jesus gives us the Spirit of Truth, who is our guide and teacher. Since God desire truth in the inner man, He provides a way to enhance, preserve and protect it in our hearts. But you must guard your heart for from it grow the issues of life.
So from our perspective as believers we absolutely must walk by faith and in the Spirit, understanding the freedoms we have in Jesus are not license. And to be guided by the genuine love of Jesus to not think of ourselves too highly or conceitedly.
Amen – Do you today right this moment know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior if not call me or the Billy Graham Association to find help in receiving and understanding what Jesus has done for you.
May 21 Sermon
What is freedom? What do many people think freedom is? I believe many people believe freedom or liberty is the right to do whatever a person wants and however a person chooses to express that liberty or freedom. But that is not the true definition of freedom or liberty that idea is actually called anarchy. Anarchy is unbridled, unrestrained, unbounded, self-motivated and uncontrolled behavior which enables anyone to do anything they want to anybody, anytime and anywhere. Many confuse freedom for this type of behavior. Freedom or liberty is not anarchy. Liberty as understood and defined in the bible and the constitution is to have the freedom to choose and function within a system of rules which reflects the natural law given by God and among men. This is what we should mean when we are discussing liberty and freedom. The statement by Patrick Henry of “Give me liberty or give me death” reflects this idea that to not have liberty or freedom is to be an abject slave with no choices. This idea of freedom/liberty is included in the New Testament and in the Bible as a whole, as God has always given men the opportunity to choose to live according to His precepts or outside of the bounds of His love. Just like the Galatians, we are free to choose to operate or function in the freedom which was bought by the blood of Jesus Christ or choose to live in the bondage of idolatry as some did; or even to adopt Judaism or CRT, BLM precepts or modern management theories as part of their walking with Christ. But the freedom to choose to function in Christ this way does not mean that it is correct way to walk in the faith. For example, look at Adam and Eve or Judas the betrayer or King Saul, each had the freedom to choose how to live and honor or worship God but how did that work for them and for the people that followed them? Well you know that because of free choice by Adam and Eve, sin entered the world and the entire creation has been corrupted and subjected to sin. Because of Judas’ unbelief Jesus was betrayed. But that wasn’t the worst part, for because of his sin and lack of faith he lost all hope and hung himselfdooming him to hell for eternity. King Saul’s self-love and failure to honor God, doomed the nation of Israel, ultimately led to their inglorious defeat and caused him to sin another time against God by calling the witch to raise Samuel from the dead. He became accursed before God and led the nation astray. Jesus declare that God word is truth and when you know the truth and the truth lives in you, and in the truth, you will be set free (Jn. 8:32). God gave freedom to Israel from slavery through Moses but it was not unrestrained, it required them to obey God’s direction. Which they ultimately disobeyed and were punished. God’s absolute freedom comes in Christ Jesus to be free from the laws of sin and death and its consequences (Rev. 1:5-5) and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom (2 Cor.3:17). Liberty and freedom is found in living in obedience to the living God, that is what our text is trying to prove to us and the Galatians. Start with verse 1 of Chapter 5- For Freedom, Christ set us free. And we are to stand firm Now go to verse 13 of Chapter 5, 13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! Walking in the Spirit 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, 230520_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +6 “The Spirit enables us in Christ in 2023?” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 230520_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +6 “The Spirit enables us in Christ in 2023?” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 2 and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: [d]adultery, [e] fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, [f]murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. There are three distinct parts to this discussion of liberty or freedom. Part 1 includes verses 13- 15. This section talks about Christian liberty and living togetherRead again from 13 - 13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! Speaking to the believers at Galatia as having in Christ been set free from the law and therefore from sin and death. This was accomplished by Jesus as a perfect sacrifice for sin. And by faith in Jesus they have been set free to spiritual freedom or liberty. Then Paul calls upon them, since they have been freed, not to go back to sin in the flesh and bondage, as desired by, the Judaizers to revoke what Christ has done. But in love they are to serve one another. For under the law it is every man for himself, I must earn my salvation and perfection. But the law is not fulfilled by keeping the law perfectly but by embracing the love of God, and then embracing and loving one another in service. How much shall you love your neighbor – you shall love your neighbor as yourself. He warns us, even today if we add what is not scriptural or spiritual into our worship and if you continue pursuing the flesh as with the Judaizers, you will eventually consume and devour one another. Not a good outcome when we dilute or distort what God is teaching us. The next section or Part 2 includes verses 16 through 18. Paul, here provides the antidote or the remedy for walking in the flesh and the law. That is to walk in the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit. - 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. You must understand as a Christian that the power of Christ resides in you. Read Romans 8:19 with me please, 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. This verse says, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you, you are not in the flesh. And if anyone does not have the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ you don’t belong to Jesus. So to walk in bondage as in the flesh is not how we are to walk as believers. And verse 17 is the condition of those who walk in the flesh - For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. If we choose this path and it is a choice we are not allowing God to lead us, we are directing our steps and that is the broad path which leads to destruction. Adding other elements into what Christ and God the Father have given us as worship leads us to bondage and destruction. But under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit Paul has one more verse and that is verse18 - 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. So the 230520_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +6 “The Spirit enables us in Christ in 2023?” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 230520_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +6 “The Spirit enables us in Christ in 2023?” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 3 expectation and truth here is that if we are led by the Holy Spirit we will not fall sway to the influences of other doctrines or teachings such as CRT, DEI or other lies coming from anywhere in the culture, leadership, politics, inside the church or the media. Truth will find a way to reveal itself. Then there is Part III which includes verses 19 through 21. Paul here provides a compare and contrast using concrete exemplars of behavior which we know as sinful and unproductive to demonstrate clearly about walking in the flesh – Let’s read - 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: [d]adultery, [e] fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, [f]murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like. Now many of us would want to qualify or rationalize these, saying sometimes these behaviors are justified depending upon the circumstances. According to the great Judge in Heaven the Father they are not justified nor excusable. Several of these are sexual sins including, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, and lewdness. Then there are revelries which could also include drunken parties. But idolatry, envy, murder, heresies, and sorcery are against God’s commandments. Sorceries which include witchcraft, Blackmagic, and sorcery. These sins include drug pharmacopeia which is drug use. Many, who call themselves Christian today, freely use drugs. These sins are so prevalent in American culture today it is a miracle we are still functioning as a nation. I believe it is only by the grace of God that America still functions as a nation for we are certainly not under God. Notice what the remainder of the verse states – end of verse 22 - of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. This is quite a statement but before reacting let’s think about it. The key phrase is those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. If I am actually a bornagain believer. I may sin by choice but hopefully not perpetually or as is said here I do not practice such things. This means I may slip and demonstrate bad behavior occasionally but not continually. If I am walking in the Spirit the Holy Spirit is going to convict me of sin, John 16:8 tells us this truth. But I can quench the Spirit and not hear by choice. The Question boils down to this – do you want to walk in liberty or the freedom of the Spirit or do you want to walk in the bondage of sin and under the law. Freedom requires a choice. Why would you be like Lot’s wife and turn back to sin. Her is what Jesus says 34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:34- 36) Don’t be a slave to sin be free in Christ, turn back or come to Jesus today to be free and not a slave to sin.
What is freedom? What do many people think freedom is? I believe many people believe freedom or liberty is the right to do whatever a person wants and however a person chooses to express that liberty or freedom. But that is not the true definition of freedom or liberty that idea is actually called anarchy. Anarchy is unbridled, unrestrained, unbounded, self-motivated and uncontrolled behavior which enables anyone to do anything they want to anybody, anytime and anywhere. Many confuse freedom for this type of behavior. Freedom or liberty is not anarchy. Liberty as understood and defined in the bible and the constitution is to have the freedom to choose and function within a system of rules which reflects the natural law given by God and among men. This is what we should mean when we are discussing liberty and freedom. The statement by Patrick Henry of “Give me liberty or give me death” reflects this idea that to not have liberty or freedom is to be an abject slave with no choices. This idea of freedom/liberty is included in the New Testament and in the Bible as a whole, as God has always given men the opportunity to choose to live according to His precepts or outside of the bounds of His love. Just like the Galatians, we are free to choose to operate or function in the freedom which was bought by the blood of Jesus Christ or choose to live in the bondage of idolatry as some did; or even to adopt Judaism or CRT, BLM precepts or modern management theories as part of their walking with Christ. But the freedom to choose to function in Christ this way does not mean that it is correct way to walk in the faith. For example, look at Adam and Eve or Judas the betrayer or King Saul, each had the freedom to choose how to live and honor or worship God but how did that work for them and for the people that followed them? Well you know that because of free choice by Adam and Eve, sin entered the world and the entire creation has been corrupted and subjected to sin. Because of Judas’ unbelief Jesus was betrayed. But that wasn’t the worst part, for because of his sin and lack of faith he lost all hope and hung himselfdooming him to hell for eternity. King Saul’s self-love and failure to honor God, doomed the nation of Israel, ultimately led to their inglorious defeat and caused him to sin another time against God by calling the witch to raise Samuel from the dead. He became accursed before God and led the nation astray. Jesus declare that God word is truth and when you know the truth and the truth lives in you, and in the truth, you will be set free (Jn. 8:32). God gave freedom to Israel from slavery through Moses but it was not unrestrained, it required them to obey God’s direction. Which they ultimately disobeyed and were punished. God’s absolute freedom comes in Christ Jesus to be free from the laws of sin and death and its consequences (Rev. 1:5-5) and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom (2 Cor.3:17). Liberty and freedom is found in living in obedience to the living God, that is what our text is trying to prove to us and the Galatians. Start with verse 1 of Chapter 5- For Freedom, Christ set us free. And we are to stand firm Now go to verse 13 of Chapter 5, 13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! Walking in the Spirit 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, 230520_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +6 “The Spirit enables us in Christ in 2023?” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 230520_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +6 “The Spirit enables us in Christ in 2023?” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 2 and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: [d]adultery, [e] fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, [f]murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. There are three distinct parts to this discussion of liberty or freedom. Part 1 includes verses 13- 15. This section talks about Christian liberty and living togetherRead again from 13 - 13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! Speaking to the believers at Galatia as having in Christ been set free from the law and therefore from sin and death. This was accomplished by Jesus as a perfect sacrifice for sin. And by faith in Jesus they have been set free to spiritual freedom or liberty. Then Paul calls upon them, since they have been freed, not to go back to sin in the flesh and bondage, as desired by, the Judaizers to revoke what Christ has done. But in love they are to serve one another. For under the law it is every man for himself, I must earn my salvation and perfection. But the law is not fulfilled by keeping the law perfectly but by embracing the love of God, and then embracing and loving one another in service. How much shall you love your neighbor – you shall love your neighbor as yourself. He warns us, even today if we add what is not scriptural or spiritual into our worship and if you continue pursuing the flesh as with the Judaizers, you will eventually consume and devour one another. Not a good outcome when we dilute or distort what God is teaching us. The next section or Part 2 includes verses 16 through 18. Paul, here provides the antidote or the remedy for walking in the flesh and the law. That is to walk in the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit. - 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. You must understand as a Christian that the power of Christ resides in you. Read Romans 8:19 with me please, 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. This verse says, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you, you are not in the flesh. And if anyone does not have the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ you don’t belong to Jesus. So to walk in bondage as in the flesh is not how we are to walk as believers. And verse 17 is the condition of those who walk in the flesh - For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. If we choose this path and it is a choice we are not allowing God to lead us, we are directing our steps and that is the broad path which leads to destruction. Adding other elements into what Christ and God the Father have given us as worship leads us to bondage and destruction. But under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit Paul has one more verse and that is verse18 - 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. So the 230520_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +6 “The Spirit enables us in Christ in 2023?” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 230520_Oakland Baptist Church - Easter +6 “The Spirit enables us in Christ in 2023?” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 3 expectation and truth here is that if we are led by the Holy Spirit we will not fall sway to the influences of other doctrines or teachings such as CRT, DEI or other lies coming from anywhere in the culture, leadership, politics, inside the church or the media. Truth will find a way to reveal itself. Then there is Part III which includes verses 19 through 21. Paul here provides a compare and contrast using concrete exemplars of behavior which we know as sinful and unproductive to demonstrate clearly about walking in the flesh – Let’s read - 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: [d]adultery, [e] fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, [f]murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like. Now many of us would want to qualify or rationalize these, saying sometimes these behaviors are justified depending upon the circumstances. According to the great Judge in Heaven the Father they are not justified nor excusable. Several of these are sexual sins including, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, and lewdness. Then there are revelries which could also include drunken parties. But idolatry, envy, murder, heresies, and sorcery are against God’s commandments. Sorceries which include witchcraft, Blackmagic, and sorcery. These sins include drug pharmacopeia which is drug use. Many, who call themselves Christian today, freely use drugs. These sins are so prevalent in American culture today it is a miracle we are still functioning as a nation. I believe it is only by the grace of God that America still functions as a nation for we are certainly not under God. Notice what the remainder of the verse states – end of verse 22 - of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. This is quite a statement but before reacting let’s think about it. The key phrase is those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. If I am actually a bornagain believer. I may sin by choice but hopefully not perpetually or as is said here I do not practice such things. This means I may slip and demonstrate bad behavior occasionally but not continually. If I am walking in the Spirit the Holy Spirit is going to convict me of sin, John 16:8 tells us this truth. But I can quench the Spirit and not hear by choice. The Question boils down to this – do you want to walk in liberty or the freedom of the Spirit or do you want to walk in the bondage of sin and under the law. Freedom requires a choice. Why would you be like Lot’s wife and turn back to sin. Her is what Jesus says 34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:34- 36) Don’t be a slave to sin be free in Christ, turn back or come to Jesus today to be free and not a slave to sin.
May 14 Sermon
What is freedom? What do many people think freedom is? I believe many people believe freedom or liberty is the right to do whatever a person wants and however a person chooses to express that liberty or freedom. But that is not the true definition of freedom or liberty that idea is actually called anarchy. Anarchy is unbridled, unrestrained, unbounded, self-motivated and uncontrolled behavior which enables anyone to do anything they want to anybody, anytime and anywhere. Many confuse freedom for this type of behavior.
Freedom or liberty is not anarchy. Liberty as understood and defined in the bible and the constitution is to have the freedom to choose and function within a system of rules which reflects the natural law given by God and among men. This is what we should mean when we are discussing liberty and freedom. The statement by Patrick Henry of “Give me liberty or give me death” reflects this idea that to not have liberty or freedom is to be an abject slave with no choices.
This idea of freedom/liberty is included in the New Testament and in the Bible as a whole, as God has always given men the opportunity to choose to live according to His precepts or outside of the bounds of His love. Just like the Galatians, we are free to choose to operate or function in the freedom which was bought by the blood of Jesus Christ or choose to live in the bondage of idolatry as some did; or even to adopt Judaism or CRT, BLM precepts or modern management theories as part of their walking with Christ. But the freedom to choose to function in Christ this way does not mean that it is correct way to walk in the faith.
For example, look at Adam and Eve or Judas the betrayer or King Saul, each had the freedom to choose how to live and honor or worship God but how did that work for them and for the people that followed them? Well you know that because of free choice by Adam and Eve, sin entered the world and the entire creation has been corrupted and subjected to sin. Because of Judas’ unbelief Jesus was betrayed. But that wasn’t the worst part, for because of his sin and lack of faith he lost all hope and hung himself- dooming him to hell for eternity. King Saul’s self-love and failure to honor God, doomed the nation of Israel, ultimately led to their inglorious defeat and caused him to sin another time against God by calling the witch to raise Samuel from the dead. He became accursed before God and led the nation astray.
Jesus declare that God word is truth and when you know the truth and the truth lives in you, and in the truth, you will be set free (Jn. 8:32). God gave freedom to Israel from slavery through Moses but it was not unrestrained, it required them to obey God’s direction. Which they ultimately disobeyed and were punished. God’s absolute freedom comes in Christ Jesus to be free from the laws of sin and death and its consequences (Rev. 1:5-5) and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom (2 Cor.3:17). Liberty and freedom is found in living in obedience to the living God, that is what our text is trying to prove to us and the Galatians.
Start with verse 1 of Chapter 5- For Freedom, Christ set us free. And we are to stand firm
Now go to verse 13 of Chapter 5,
13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!
Walking in the Spirit
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: [d]adultery, [e]fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, [f]murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
There are three distinct parts to this discussion of liberty or freedom. Part 1 includes verses 13- 15. This section talks about Christian liberty and living together- Read again from 13 -13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!
Speaking to the believers at Galatia as having in Christ been set free from the law and therefore from sin and death. This was accomplished by Jesus as a perfect sacrifice for sin. And by faith in Jesus they have been set free to spiritual freedom or liberty. Then Paul calls upon them, since they have been freed, not to go back to sin in the flesh and bondage, as desired by, the Judaizers to revoke what Christ has done. But in love they are to serve one another. For under the law it is every man for himself, I must earn my salvation and perfection. But the law is not fulfilled by keeping the law perfectly but by embracing the love of God, and then embracing and loving one another in service. How much shall you love your neighbor – you shall love your neighbor as yourself. He warns us, even today if we add what is not scriptural or spiritual into our worship and if you continue pursuing the flesh as with the Judaizers, you will eventually consume and devour one another. Not a good outcome when we dilute or distort what God is teaching us.
The next section or Part 2 includes verses 16 through 18. Paul, here provides the antidote or the remedy for walking in the flesh and the law. That is to walk in the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit. - 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
You must understand as a Christian that the power of Christ resides in you. Read Romans 8:19 with me please, 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. This verse says, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you, you are not in the flesh. And if anyone does not have the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ you don’t belong to Jesus. So to walk in bondage as in the flesh is not how we are to walk as believers. And verse 17 is the condition of those who walk in the flesh - For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. If we choose this path and it is a choice we are not allowing God to lead us, we are directing our steps and that is the broad path which leads to destruction. Adding other elements into what Christ and God the Father have given us as worship leads us to bondage and destruction. But under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit Paul has one more verse and that is verse18 - 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. So the expectation and truth here is that if we are led by the Holy Spirit we will not fall sway to the influences of other doctrines or teachings such as CRT, DEI or other lies coming from anywhere in the culture, leadership, politics, inside the church or the media. Truth will find a way to reveal itself.
Then there is Part III which includes verses 19 through 21. Paul here provides a compare and contrast using concrete exemplars of behavior which we know as sinful and unproductive to demonstrate clearly about walking in the flesh – Let’s read -
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: [d]adultery, [e]fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, [f]murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like.
Now many of us would want to qualify or rationalize these, saying sometimes these behaviors are justified depending upon the circumstances. According to the great Judge in Heaven the Father they are not justified nor excusable. Several of these are sexual sins including, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, and lewdness. Then there are revelries which could also include drunken parties. But idolatry, envy, murder, heresies, and sorcery are against God’s commandments. Sorceries which include witchcraft, Blackmagic, and sorcery. These sins include drug pharmacopeia which is drug use. Many, who call themselves Christian today, freely use drugs.
These sins are so prevalent in American culture today it is a miracle we are still functioning as a nation. I believe it is only by the grace of God that America still functions as a nation for we are certainly not under God.
Notice what the remainder of the verse states – end of verse 22 - of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
This is quite a statement but before reacting let’s think about it. The key phrase is those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. If I am actually a born-again believer. I may sin by choice but hopefully not perpetually or as is said here I do not practice such things. This means I may slip and demonstrate bad behavior occasionally but not continually. If I am walking in the Spirit the Holy Spirit is going to convict me of sin, John 16:8 tells us this truth. But I can quench the Spirit and not hear by choice.
The Question boils down to this – do you want to walk in liberty or the freedom of the Spirit or do you want to walk in the bondage of sin and under the law. Freedom requires a choice. Why would you be like Lot’s wife and turn back to sin. Her is what Jesus says 34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:34-36)
Don’t be a slave to sin be free in Christ, turn back or come to Jesus today to be free and not a slave to sin.
What is freedom? What do many people think freedom is? I believe many people believe freedom or liberty is the right to do whatever a person wants and however a person chooses to express that liberty or freedom. But that is not the true definition of freedom or liberty that idea is actually called anarchy. Anarchy is unbridled, unrestrained, unbounded, self-motivated and uncontrolled behavior which enables anyone to do anything they want to anybody, anytime and anywhere. Many confuse freedom for this type of behavior.
Freedom or liberty is not anarchy. Liberty as understood and defined in the bible and the constitution is to have the freedom to choose and function within a system of rules which reflects the natural law given by God and among men. This is what we should mean when we are discussing liberty and freedom. The statement by Patrick Henry of “Give me liberty or give me death” reflects this idea that to not have liberty or freedom is to be an abject slave with no choices.
This idea of freedom/liberty is included in the New Testament and in the Bible as a whole, as God has always given men the opportunity to choose to live according to His precepts or outside of the bounds of His love. Just like the Galatians, we are free to choose to operate or function in the freedom which was bought by the blood of Jesus Christ or choose to live in the bondage of idolatry as some did; or even to adopt Judaism or CRT, BLM precepts or modern management theories as part of their walking with Christ. But the freedom to choose to function in Christ this way does not mean that it is correct way to walk in the faith.
For example, look at Adam and Eve or Judas the betrayer or King Saul, each had the freedom to choose how to live and honor or worship God but how did that work for them and for the people that followed them? Well you know that because of free choice by Adam and Eve, sin entered the world and the entire creation has been corrupted and subjected to sin. Because of Judas’ unbelief Jesus was betrayed. But that wasn’t the worst part, for because of his sin and lack of faith he lost all hope and hung himself- dooming him to hell for eternity. King Saul’s self-love and failure to honor God, doomed the nation of Israel, ultimately led to their inglorious defeat and caused him to sin another time against God by calling the witch to raise Samuel from the dead. He became accursed before God and led the nation astray.
Jesus declare that God word is truth and when you know the truth and the truth lives in you, and in the truth, you will be set free (Jn. 8:32). God gave freedom to Israel from slavery through Moses but it was not unrestrained, it required them to obey God’s direction. Which they ultimately disobeyed and were punished. God’s absolute freedom comes in Christ Jesus to be free from the laws of sin and death and its consequences (Rev. 1:5-5) and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom (2 Cor.3:17). Liberty and freedom is found in living in obedience to the living God, that is what our text is trying to prove to us and the Galatians.
Start with verse 1 of Chapter 5- For Freedom, Christ set us free. And we are to stand firm
Now go to verse 13 of Chapter 5,
13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!
Walking in the Spirit
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: [d]adultery, [e]fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, [f]murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
There are three distinct parts to this discussion of liberty or freedom. Part 1 includes verses 13- 15. This section talks about Christian liberty and living together- Read again from 13 -13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!
Speaking to the believers at Galatia as having in Christ been set free from the law and therefore from sin and death. This was accomplished by Jesus as a perfect sacrifice for sin. And by faith in Jesus they have been set free to spiritual freedom or liberty. Then Paul calls upon them, since they have been freed, not to go back to sin in the flesh and bondage, as desired by, the Judaizers to revoke what Christ has done. But in love they are to serve one another. For under the law it is every man for himself, I must earn my salvation and perfection. But the law is not fulfilled by keeping the law perfectly but by embracing the love of God, and then embracing and loving one another in service. How much shall you love your neighbor – you shall love your neighbor as yourself. He warns us, even today if we add what is not scriptural or spiritual into our worship and if you continue pursuing the flesh as with the Judaizers, you will eventually consume and devour one another. Not a good outcome when we dilute or distort what God is teaching us.
The next section or Part 2 includes verses 16 through 18. Paul, here provides the antidote or the remedy for walking in the flesh and the law. That is to walk in the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit. - 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
You must understand as a Christian that the power of Christ resides in you. Read Romans 8:19 with me please, 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. This verse says, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you, you are not in the flesh. And if anyone does not have the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ you don’t belong to Jesus. So to walk in bondage as in the flesh is not how we are to walk as believers. And verse 17 is the condition of those who walk in the flesh - For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. If we choose this path and it is a choice we are not allowing God to lead us, we are directing our steps and that is the broad path which leads to destruction. Adding other elements into what Christ and God the Father have given us as worship leads us to bondage and destruction. But under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit Paul has one more verse and that is verse18 - 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. So the expectation and truth here is that if we are led by the Holy Spirit we will not fall sway to the influences of other doctrines or teachings such as CRT, DEI or other lies coming from anywhere in the culture, leadership, politics, inside the church or the media. Truth will find a way to reveal itself.
Then there is Part III which includes verses 19 through 21. Paul here provides a compare and contrast using concrete exemplars of behavior which we know as sinful and unproductive to demonstrate clearly about walking in the flesh – Let’s read -
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: [d]adultery, [e]fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, [f]murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like.
Now many of us would want to qualify or rationalize these, saying sometimes these behaviors are justified depending upon the circumstances. According to the great Judge in Heaven the Father they are not justified nor excusable. Several of these are sexual sins including, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, and lewdness. Then there are revelries which could also include drunken parties. But idolatry, envy, murder, heresies, and sorcery are against God’s commandments. Sorceries which include witchcraft, Blackmagic, and sorcery. These sins include drug pharmacopeia which is drug use. Many, who call themselves Christian today, freely use drugs.
These sins are so prevalent in American culture today it is a miracle we are still functioning as a nation. I believe it is only by the grace of God that America still functions as a nation for we are certainly not under God.
Notice what the remainder of the verse states – end of verse 22 - of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
This is quite a statement but before reacting let’s think about it. The key phrase is those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. If I am actually a born-again believer. I may sin by choice but hopefully not perpetually or as is said here I do not practice such things. This means I may slip and demonstrate bad behavior occasionally but not continually. If I am walking in the Spirit the Holy Spirit is going to convict me of sin, John 16:8 tells us this truth. But I can quench the Spirit and not hear by choice.
The Question boils down to this – do you want to walk in liberty or the freedom of the Spirit or do you want to walk in the bondage of sin and under the law. Freedom requires a choice. Why would you be like Lot’s wife and turn back to sin. Her is what Jesus says 34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:34-36)
Don’t be a slave to sin be free in Christ, turn back or come to Jesus today to be free and not a slave to sin.
May 7 Sermon
Paul keeps asking those in the church at Colossae, why do you want to go back under the law? This is very similar to the question of why do believers want to continue to reject the freedoms found in Jesus to return to their cesspool of sin? Why is it so easy for supposed believers to reject the absolute provision of our God’ love, forgiveness and righteousness to immerse themselves back into filth and dirt. Is this true of believers or are these people fakes? From what we see in scripture it appears some believers can fall away and slip back into their sin. Perhaps we should we ask ourselves this question – were these supposed believers really converted sinners, born from above, by the Holy Spirit, into newness of life or did they just have a religious experience and totally miss regeneration and being adopted into new life? They were not genuine believers, the combination of weeds and tares.
I believe if one has been truly born from above it would not be hard to note the differences in a transformed mind and spirit according to Romans 12:1-2. A transformed life is hard to miss.
But here is Paul calling on Colossians to change their ways as having been deceived. How could they who had joyfully received the gospel of Good news in Jesus Christ be swayed back into the bondage of a religion which requires continual burnt offerings and other types of sin offerings, dictates religious holidays, fasting, feasts and temple worship?
How can we who have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, quickly shove it all aside to go backward? I think the answer lies in our sin nature and we are never free of it until we are in heaven. So that is why today many who we have labeled as believers perhaps were never believers to begin with and what we are seeing concerning deception is actually the beginnings of the great falling away. COVID was an initiator and excuse for people to quit coming together to worship as some do. Then deception after deception; first about medications and inoculations which were actually harmful not beneficial. Lockdowns in schools, lockdowns in churches, misrepresentation, mischaracterizations, changes in the definitions of terms within the culture, all have contributed to delusion and deception. These are manifestations of evil which God is permitting to show itself, first in a culture which is no longer Christian, that is rejecting God and reaping the whirlwind because of it in its people. It is and has reached into the churches and so we have Pastors today being more concerning with being politically correct that instructing themselves and others biblical truth both inside and outside of the churches. Abandonment of all that God has provided for us because we kowtow to what men might say and have no fear of God. It is true the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom for Jesus said in Matt 10:28 - 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 hell.
There is one key to saving grace in Christ Jesus and that is this – there are no works, no church or synagogue membership, or anything which you can earn or bring to heaven that will allow you to enter heaven because of personal merit. Here is the key - 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.
This is the message which Paul had delivered and now they were being drawn away by the Judaizers adding in all the requirements of worshiping Jews. So Paul ever the teacher and persuader takes them back to Genesis 21 to instruct them regarding the two covenant of Abraham.
Reading we begin in verse 19 of Chapter 4 of Galatians
19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, 20 I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.
Two Covenants
21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, 24 which things are symbolic. For these are [g]the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar— 25 for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children— 26 but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. 27 For it is written:
“Rejoice, O barren,
You who do not bear!
Break forth and shout,
You who are not in labor!
For the desolate has many more children
Than she who has a husband.”
28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. 29 But, as he who was born according to the flesh (Hagar’s son- Ishmael)then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit (Isaac), even so it is now. 30 Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.” 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.
May God grant us understanding and application of this truth as we learn to walk in it
Let’s understand something as we begin- Paul is questioning why these “little children” have lost their way, do I need to teach you again for I have doubts about you today. Obviously, they are not mature or have never been saved in the beginning and have become confused now that the competition has delivered a false message and they can’t discern the truth. Has the Holy Spirit stopped doing His job? I don’t think so, so this must be a people problem with a lack of faith or redemption and God never tolerates a lack of faith.
So from what we have read and studied so far People are saved because they have come to faith in Jesus Christ for there is no other way, not because of anything they individually or collectively can do. Paul contends that those who are enslaved to the law are represented by Hagar- the slave wife or bondwoman who is the mother of Ishmael. Those who have been freed from the bonds of the law are represented by Sarah, the freewoman and mother of the promised son – Isaac. Ishmael’s persecution of the promised son _ Isaac is representative of the what the Gentile believers were receiving from the Judaizes who were urging them to return to and keep the law in order to receive salvation. However, God chose Sarah to be mother to the child of promise, not the child of the slave for salvation. It was through Isaac that the promise came not through Ishmael, just as those who worship Christ in faith also become and receive all the benefits and blessings of the child of promise. Why then turn back.
Verses 21-26 discuss being under the law - 21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, 24 which things are symbolic. For these are [g]the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar— 25 for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. So according to what Paul is teaching - the law does not lead to freedom in salvation but leads to bondage. If you will read Genesis Chapter 21 you can read the details and gain a deeper perspective of these events.
The verse which is quoted and following speaks to the condition of Hagar as well as to those under the law- 27 For it is written:
“Rejoice, O barren,
You who do not bear!
Break forth and shout,
You who are not in labor!
For the desolate has many more children
Then she who has a husband.”
Hagar had no husband but was convinced to sleep with Abraham to accomplish in the flesh what God intended in the Spirit to accomplish. As usual the hand and mind of man never thinks or acts in the manner of God!
Now verses 28-31 relate to the promised son - 28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. 29 But, as he who was born according to the flesh (Hagar’s son- Ishmael)then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit (Isaac), even so it is now. 30 Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.” 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.
We are children of the promise of God which began in Abraham’s day, actually it began in Genesis 3, when Adam and Eve sinned and God made a promise about the Redeemer- He is the actual Child of Promise for it was through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the others fathers cited in Luke, but was accomplished ultimately by the Promise of God in the Holy Spirit. For the Father of Jesus was no man but God , who caused the womb of Mary, the ultimate promised messiah to create Jesus Christ. Ultimately through the careful providence, planning and promise of God all was accomplished to bring salvation as the free gift in Christ.
Remember there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby ye must be saved except the name of Jesus.
Stay true, don’t turn to other means methods or plans for the all lead to a hellish, broad path which leads to destruction. But focus on Christ the narrow way – He leadeth Me He leadeth Me, by His own hand He leadeth me. His faithful follower I would be for by His hand He leadeth Me.
And He is the only one who will lead me in the way everlasting AMEN
Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior today? If not come and receive Him for He is the child of promise, the Messiah, the Savior of the World. Receive Him today for now is the day of Salvation to as many as would receive Him.
Paul keeps asking those in the church at Colossae, why do you want to go back under the law? This is very similar to the question of why do believers want to continue to reject the freedoms found in Jesus to return to their cesspool of sin? Why is it so easy for supposed believers to reject the absolute provision of our God’ love, forgiveness and righteousness to immerse themselves back into filth and dirt. Is this true of believers or are these people fakes? From what we see in scripture it appears some believers can fall away and slip back into their sin. Perhaps we should we ask ourselves this question – were these supposed believers really converted sinners, born from above, by the Holy Spirit, into newness of life or did they just have a religious experience and totally miss regeneration and being adopted into new life? They were not genuine believers, the combination of weeds and tares.
I believe if one has been truly born from above it would not be hard to note the differences in a transformed mind and spirit according to Romans 12:1-2. A transformed life is hard to miss.
But here is Paul calling on Colossians to change their ways as having been deceived. How could they who had joyfully received the gospel of Good news in Jesus Christ be swayed back into the bondage of a religion which requires continual burnt offerings and other types of sin offerings, dictates religious holidays, fasting, feasts and temple worship?
How can we who have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, quickly shove it all aside to go backward? I think the answer lies in our sin nature and we are never free of it until we are in heaven. So that is why today many who we have labeled as believers perhaps were never believers to begin with and what we are seeing concerning deception is actually the beginnings of the great falling away. COVID was an initiator and excuse for people to quit coming together to worship as some do. Then deception after deception; first about medications and inoculations which were actually harmful not beneficial. Lockdowns in schools, lockdowns in churches, misrepresentation, mischaracterizations, changes in the definitions of terms within the culture, all have contributed to delusion and deception. These are manifestations of evil which God is permitting to show itself, first in a culture which is no longer Christian, that is rejecting God and reaping the whirlwind because of it in its people. It is and has reached into the churches and so we have Pastors today being more concerning with being politically correct that instructing themselves and others biblical truth both inside and outside of the churches. Abandonment of all that God has provided for us because we kowtow to what men might say and have no fear of God. It is true the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom for Jesus said in Matt 10:28 - 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 hell.
There is one key to saving grace in Christ Jesus and that is this – there are no works, no church or synagogue membership, or anything which you can earn or bring to heaven that will allow you to enter heaven because of personal merit. Here is the key - 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.
This is the message which Paul had delivered and now they were being drawn away by the Judaizers adding in all the requirements of worshiping Jews. So Paul ever the teacher and persuader takes them back to Genesis 21 to instruct them regarding the two covenant of Abraham.
Reading we begin in verse 19 of Chapter 4 of Galatians
19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, 20 I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.
Two Covenants
21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, 24 which things are symbolic. For these are [g]the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar— 25 for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children— 26 but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. 27 For it is written:
“Rejoice, O barren,
You who do not bear!
Break forth and shout,
You who are not in labor!
For the desolate has many more children
Than she who has a husband.”
28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. 29 But, as he who was born according to the flesh (Hagar’s son- Ishmael)then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit (Isaac), even so it is now. 30 Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.” 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.
May God grant us understanding and application of this truth as we learn to walk in it
Let’s understand something as we begin- Paul is questioning why these “little children” have lost their way, do I need to teach you again for I have doubts about you today. Obviously, they are not mature or have never been saved in the beginning and have become confused now that the competition has delivered a false message and they can’t discern the truth. Has the Holy Spirit stopped doing His job? I don’t think so, so this must be a people problem with a lack of faith or redemption and God never tolerates a lack of faith.
So from what we have read and studied so far People are saved because they have come to faith in Jesus Christ for there is no other way, not because of anything they individually or collectively can do. Paul contends that those who are enslaved to the law are represented by Hagar- the slave wife or bondwoman who is the mother of Ishmael. Those who have been freed from the bonds of the law are represented by Sarah, the freewoman and mother of the promised son – Isaac. Ishmael’s persecution of the promised son _ Isaac is representative of the what the Gentile believers were receiving from the Judaizes who were urging them to return to and keep the law in order to receive salvation. However, God chose Sarah to be mother to the child of promise, not the child of the slave for salvation. It was through Isaac that the promise came not through Ishmael, just as those who worship Christ in faith also become and receive all the benefits and blessings of the child of promise. Why then turn back.
Verses 21-26 discuss being under the law - 21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, 24 which things are symbolic. For these are [g]the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar— 25 for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. So according to what Paul is teaching - the law does not lead to freedom in salvation but leads to bondage. If you will read Genesis Chapter 21 you can read the details and gain a deeper perspective of these events.
The verse which is quoted and following speaks to the condition of Hagar as well as to those under the law- 27 For it is written:
“Rejoice, O barren,
You who do not bear!
Break forth and shout,
You who are not in labor!
For the desolate has many more children
Then she who has a husband.”
Hagar had no husband but was convinced to sleep with Abraham to accomplish in the flesh what God intended in the Spirit to accomplish. As usual the hand and mind of man never thinks or acts in the manner of God!
Now verses 28-31 relate to the promised son - 28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. 29 But, as he who was born according to the flesh (Hagar’s son- Ishmael)then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit (Isaac), even so it is now. 30 Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.” 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.
We are children of the promise of God which began in Abraham’s day, actually it began in Genesis 3, when Adam and Eve sinned and God made a promise about the Redeemer- He is the actual Child of Promise for it was through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the others fathers cited in Luke, but was accomplished ultimately by the Promise of God in the Holy Spirit. For the Father of Jesus was no man but God , who caused the womb of Mary, the ultimate promised messiah to create Jesus Christ. Ultimately through the careful providence, planning and promise of God all was accomplished to bring salvation as the free gift in Christ.
Remember there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby ye must be saved except the name of Jesus.
Stay true, don’t turn to other means methods or plans for the all lead to a hellish, broad path which leads to destruction. But focus on Christ the narrow way – He leadeth Me He leadeth Me, by His own hand He leadeth me. His faithful follower I would be for by His hand He leadeth Me.
And He is the only one who will lead me in the way everlasting AMEN
Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior today? If not come and receive Him for He is the child of promise, the Messiah, the Savior of the World. Receive Him today for now is the day of Salvation to as many as would receive Him.
April 30 Sermon
In today’s world there are two types of threats one internal to the church itself – these are called heresies and half-truths - and another threat which is external or from outside of the church. Now heresies can also be imported from outside the church, as well like CRT. These threats are both Satan’s approaches for destruction of Christians individually, their church and ultimately the ministry of Christ. The Bible gives us two types of standing fast which are needed, but they are related, and function or operate from the same spiritual principles.
Threat Type I. is found in Galatians, Chapter 5:1-5 and is essentially standing fast in the church to our fundamental believes establishing us in our Christian Liberty. This is the principles of knowing what you believe, why you believe them and then walking by faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
Let’s read from Galatians, Chapter 5, verses 1-5
Stand[a] fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is [b]a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
Paul is preaching the word here about standing fast in your faith on the basis of what you have believed. In Christ, Paul was teaching there is liberty, freedom because by His life, death, burial and resurrection He has set you free from your sin and removed you from being a debtor under the law. Jesus has paid a price tag you couldn’t never pay and thereby removed the enmity between you and His Father in Heaven. You ask why is there enmity? Simply a holy God has approached a people and given them the path to life by obeying His precepts and commands. We have rejected Him by disobeying His instruction. The Father is holy and without sin, so unless someone redeems you and pays the price for your sin, you can never stand in God’s presence in heaven. God cannot tolerate sin. This is the yoke of bondage which all men have and the law convicts of this sin.
So the Judaizers are telling the Galatians follow the requirements of the law, get circumcised, attend all the feasts, make all the appropriate sacrifices and they you will be holy enough to get to heaven and be all the Christ wants you to be- after all Jesus was a Jew also- wrong!
Verse 3 and 4 shows us this is wrong - 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is [b]a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
You see salvation is by grace alone, in faith alone, in Christ alone.
Ephesians 2:8-10- 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
So circumcision is no avenue to being saved and according to what Paul is saying you have become separated from Christ – the word here is estranged by your personal and individual attempt to keep the law. Justification – the act of being forgiven for your sin cannot be earned by keeping the tenets of the law. Only God through the Holy Spirit can bring a person to justification by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 5 and 6 say, 5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
God’s love and provision saved us. We often quote John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.
Threat Type II or the second type of threat which Satan uses comes from intrusions outside the body of believers. This is usually when man adds something to the scriptures. Again this requires us to stand fast as the church by faith in Jesus Christ. To be able to stand requires you to know in whom you believe, exactly what you believe and having confidence to share or speak for Him to others usually in the presence of hateful speech, derision and possibly persecution. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:14-20 about this
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
So the result of all this preparation is Result of standing fast and our aim is that I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Now notice what needs to be done –
- having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace- studying the word
- taking the shield of faith, by an act of will walking by faith and not by sight
- And take the helmet of salvation, know and be assured of God’s eternal salvation
-(take the) sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Study and obey the Bible
- 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit- always pray
- being watchful to this end- waiting and seeing how God responds
So if we are to stand fast, there are different threats but they are related. Both threats can be defeated by execution of the same practices. If we, the body of Christ, would dedicate ourselves to carefully following these traits and disciplines dictated here, yes disciplines we would have fewer problems and issues coming against the church. Practicing and actually standing fast against these threats requires faith and a deep abiding relationship with the Son of God who loves you and died for you. Only the Holy Spirit can enable any of us to do these activities in Ephesians 6, will you ask Him right now to be filled with His Spirit that you might not obey the things of the flesh but will walk in the glorious newness of life promise in Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN
I ask you again, do you know Jesus Christ today as your Lord and Savior and have you come asked Him to save you from your sin? Are you really one of the whosoever wills who have called upon the Lord to be saved? No church attendance or good deeds or giving or any self-righteous act of your own can save you. Only by receiving Him and asking Him can you be saved. PRAY
In today’s world there are two types of threats one internal to the church itself – these are called heresies and half-truths - and another threat which is external or from outside of the church. Now heresies can also be imported from outside the church, as well like CRT. These threats are both Satan’s approaches for destruction of Christians individually, their church and ultimately the ministry of Christ. The Bible gives us two types of standing fast which are needed, but they are related, and function or operate from the same spiritual principles.
Threat Type I. is found in Galatians, Chapter 5:1-5 and is essentially standing fast in the church to our fundamental believes establishing us in our Christian Liberty. This is the principles of knowing what you believe, why you believe them and then walking by faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
Let’s read from Galatians, Chapter 5, verses 1-5
Stand[a] fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is [b]a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
Paul is preaching the word here about standing fast in your faith on the basis of what you have believed. In Christ, Paul was teaching there is liberty, freedom because by His life, death, burial and resurrection He has set you free from your sin and removed you from being a debtor under the law. Jesus has paid a price tag you couldn’t never pay and thereby removed the enmity between you and His Father in Heaven. You ask why is there enmity? Simply a holy God has approached a people and given them the path to life by obeying His precepts and commands. We have rejected Him by disobeying His instruction. The Father is holy and without sin, so unless someone redeems you and pays the price for your sin, you can never stand in God’s presence in heaven. God cannot tolerate sin. This is the yoke of bondage which all men have and the law convicts of this sin.
So the Judaizers are telling the Galatians follow the requirements of the law, get circumcised, attend all the feasts, make all the appropriate sacrifices and they you will be holy enough to get to heaven and be all the Christ wants you to be- after all Jesus was a Jew also- wrong!
Verse 3 and 4 shows us this is wrong - 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is [b]a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
You see salvation is by grace alone, in faith alone, in Christ alone.
Ephesians 2:8-10- 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
So circumcision is no avenue to being saved and according to what Paul is saying you have become separated from Christ – the word here is estranged by your personal and individual attempt to keep the law. Justification – the act of being forgiven for your sin cannot be earned by keeping the tenets of the law. Only God through the Holy Spirit can bring a person to justification by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 5 and 6 say, 5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
God’s love and provision saved us. We often quote John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.
Threat Type II or the second type of threat which Satan uses comes from intrusions outside the body of believers. This is usually when man adds something to the scriptures. Again this requires us to stand fast as the church by faith in Jesus Christ. To be able to stand requires you to know in whom you believe, exactly what you believe and having confidence to share or speak for Him to others usually in the presence of hateful speech, derision and possibly persecution. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:14-20 about this
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
So the result of all this preparation is Result of standing fast and our aim is that I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Now notice what needs to be done –
- gird your waist with truth
- having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace- studying the word
- taking the shield of faith, by an act of will walking by faith and not by sight
- And take the helmet of salvation, know and be assured of God’s eternal salvation
-(take the) sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Study and obey the Bible
- 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit- always pray
- being watchful to this end- waiting and seeing how God responds
So if we are to stand fast, there are different threats but they are related. Both threats can be defeated by execution of the same practices. If we, the body of Christ, would dedicate ourselves to carefully following these traits and disciplines dictated here, yes disciplines we would have fewer problems and issues coming against the church. Practicing and actually standing fast against these threats requires faith and a deep abiding relationship with the Son of God who loves you and died for you. Only the Holy Spirit can enable any of us to do these activities in Ephesians 6, will you ask Him right now to be filled with His Spirit that you might not obey the things of the flesh but will walk in the glorious newness of life promise in Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN
I ask you again, do you know Jesus Christ today as your Lord and Savior and have you come asked Him to save you from your sin? Are you really one of the whosoever wills who have called upon the Lord to be saved? No church attendance or good deeds or giving or any self-righteous act of your own can save you. Only by receiving Him and asking Him can you be saved. PRAY
April 23 Sermon
When we look back at our lives can you think back and do you seem to remember someone who you thought had it all together and for some reason they made a mess of their lives and lost everything. I think of Judy Garland who when you think of one of the great stars of early Hollywood and “Somewhere over the Rainbow” and how she blew it all for alcohol/drugs. Or think of some of the great athletes who had such wonderful potential but blew it all. My favorite was Paul Hornung of the Green Bay Packers who because of gambling was banned from the sport of football. Pete Rose will probably never make the baseball hall of fame because of his gambling as well.
Today, we see many, who we thought were strong Christians, seemingly falling away from the faith, having been deceived or perhaps, were never really believers from the beginning – only God know their hearts. These believers seem to have never fully understood their birthright and are selling out on the wonderful heritage and salvation which has come from our Redeemer and Lord. Why is this? Is the allure of the World such that they are just distracted or is it they never really knew of the richness which was available because of their position in Christ?
We look at the world around us today and we see perpetual lying and deceit in the highest positions in government. We observe leaders who have rejected and denied their duties under the constitution, apparently with no consequences. Artificially our elected rulers have created inflation by massive spending, raised the prices on everything, adopted woke policies on energy and demanded we only use electric vehicles. Millions have been impacted by open borders and we have not yet reaped the whirlwind which is coming from that activity. Although now free education, medical care and all sorts of aid is available to the “homeless” invaders of America. Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid are now for everyone except those who worked and paid for it. There is no assistance or justice available for Americans first anywhere. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. There is a ton more about political correctness, gender ideology and wokeness which to a rational person makes you scratch your head. How could you become so disoriented that you could not see the transformation away from truth? Well it is happening and perhaps it is the spirit of the age where God gives us over to deception.
Paul may have been asking himself a similar question when Judaizers were attacking the church at Galatia and the people were reversing course and moving from Christianity back to Judaism and the Law/sacrifices demanded in its practice? There is deep meaning here in Chapter 4 of Galatians for believers to know and understand the truth of the heritage Christ has given us in Him. Let’s now take a look at our text from Galatians Chapter 4: verses 1-11 on how we can become Sons and Heirs Through Jesus Christ, reading
4 Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, 2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born[a] of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, [b]“Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir [c]of God [d]through Christ.
Fears for the Church
8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. 9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years. 11 I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.
Pray - now may God add HIs blessing to the reading of His Word and our understanding and application to our lives. Amen
Most of us want to grow as believers and Christians but sometimes we try to grow up and mature the wrong way. I am sure the motivation of these Galatian church was the same- wanting to grow quickly. But many times we are led astray because we choose to do it our way and, in our time, which disregards and displaces the leadership and plan of our God for our lives. We try to do it ourselves apart from God based upon our best efforts. Our disregard for the plan of God for our lives puts us in jeopardy and allows to Satan to come in and help us. Since many of us have not been slaves, yet we need to understand the differences between being adopted and being a servant in a household.
Paul here begins to explain what it means to become adopted as a child into the family of God and what privileges it bestows because of your new position in Christ. By knowing what it confers to the believer it then becomes apparent what we lose when we decide to move away from the truth we have in Jesus Christ.
When by faith you receive Him you are newborn babes 1 Peter 2:2, but positionally you are adult sons of the Son of God (John 1.12)
I. We were Children in bondage (vs. 1-3)
When God had the world providentially ready for the Savior to be born, He did so in the fulness of time
Contrast between begin a child of God and a Son of God include
What are the attributes of sons vs. servants:
a. The son has the same nature as the father, but the servant does not. When we become believers the Holy Spirit indwells us, so we become partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). The law could never establish the divine nature within a person. So going back to the law is defying and denying the divine nature of God, giving the old nature opportunity to work
According to the Bible, we have a two-stage adoption as sons – the first upon believing and professing Jesus Christ and being born from above. This is the private transforming and indwelling of God as believers. The public form of this will be in the redemption of the new body – “for we shall be like Him as He is” (1 Jn. 3:1-3)
IV. Paul laments their regression (vs. 8-11). According to Paul they abandoned liberty in Christ for renewed bondage under the law.
The Galatians were dropping out of the school of grace and reentering the kindergarten of the law. In effect they were ceding or giving up the power of the gospel for the weakness of the law and were seeking to cast away the wealth of the gospel for the poverty under the law. The law had never made anyone rich or powerful, on the contrary is was to prove men’s weakness and spiritual bankruptcy. This was why Paul was pinging the church at Galatia.
We are inviting spiritual and physical weakness back into our lives and our society by failing to hold our leaders and ourselves accountable for Christian values and moral principles across the nation. We may be abandoning the power of God by not standing and being watchmen on the wall.
Are you surrendering the power of God for the myths of the world; are you deceived or are you denying your heritage as a son of God?
Perhaps you need a savior today?
When we look back at our lives can you think back and do you seem to remember someone who you thought had it all together and for some reason they made a mess of their lives and lost everything. I think of Judy Garland who when you think of one of the great stars of early Hollywood and “Somewhere over the Rainbow” and how she blew it all for alcohol/drugs. Or think of some of the great athletes who had such wonderful potential but blew it all. My favorite was Paul Hornung of the Green Bay Packers who because of gambling was banned from the sport of football. Pete Rose will probably never make the baseball hall of fame because of his gambling as well.
Today, we see many, who we thought were strong Christians, seemingly falling away from the faith, having been deceived or perhaps, were never really believers from the beginning – only God know their hearts. These believers seem to have never fully understood their birthright and are selling out on the wonderful heritage and salvation which has come from our Redeemer and Lord. Why is this? Is the allure of the World such that they are just distracted or is it they never really knew of the richness which was available because of their position in Christ?
We look at the world around us today and we see perpetual lying and deceit in the highest positions in government. We observe leaders who have rejected and denied their duties under the constitution, apparently with no consequences. Artificially our elected rulers have created inflation by massive spending, raised the prices on everything, adopted woke policies on energy and demanded we only use electric vehicles. Millions have been impacted by open borders and we have not yet reaped the whirlwind which is coming from that activity. Although now free education, medical care and all sorts of aid is available to the “homeless” invaders of America. Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid are now for everyone except those who worked and paid for it. There is no assistance or justice available for Americans first anywhere. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. There is a ton more about political correctness, gender ideology and wokeness which to a rational person makes you scratch your head. How could you become so disoriented that you could not see the transformation away from truth? Well it is happening and perhaps it is the spirit of the age where God gives us over to deception.
Paul may have been asking himself a similar question when Judaizers were attacking the church at Galatia and the people were reversing course and moving from Christianity back to Judaism and the Law/sacrifices demanded in its practice? There is deep meaning here in Chapter 4 of Galatians for believers to know and understand the truth of the heritage Christ has given us in Him. Let’s now take a look at our text from Galatians Chapter 4: verses 1-11 on how we can become Sons and Heirs Through Jesus Christ, reading
4 Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, 2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born[a] of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, [b]“Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir [c]of God [d]through Christ.
Fears for the Church
8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. 9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years. 11 I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.
Pray - now may God add HIs blessing to the reading of His Word and our understanding and application to our lives. Amen
Most of us want to grow as believers and Christians but sometimes we try to grow up and mature the wrong way. I am sure the motivation of these Galatian church was the same- wanting to grow quickly. But many times we are led astray because we choose to do it our way and, in our time, which disregards and displaces the leadership and plan of our God for our lives. We try to do it ourselves apart from God based upon our best efforts. Our disregard for the plan of God for our lives puts us in jeopardy and allows to Satan to come in and help us. Since many of us have not been slaves, yet we need to understand the differences between being adopted and being a servant in a household.
Paul here begins to explain what it means to become adopted as a child into the family of God and what privileges it bestows because of your new position in Christ. By knowing what it confers to the believer it then becomes apparent what we lose when we decide to move away from the truth we have in Jesus Christ.
When by faith you receive Him you are newborn babes 1 Peter 2:2, but positionally you are adult sons of the Son of God (John 1.12)
I. We were Children in bondage (vs. 1-3)
- Spiritual condition was under the bondage of the law, a tutor, taskmaster, a guardian until maturity
- Judaizers wished to bring Galatians back into legalism; they were leading them not only into religious bondage, but also into moral and spiritual immaturity. The law was not God’s final revelation, that was and is Jesus. He is the “Alpha and Omega” and He encompasses all of God’s revelation to man.
When God had the world providentially ready for the Savior to be born, He did so in the fulness of time
- The Roman Empire greatly enabled the spreading of the gospel through one government structure with laws and Roman roads. Prepared the way for Jesus
- Paul points out the dual nature of Christ Jesus (vs.4) He is both God and man. Jesus came forth, but as a man He was, “made of a woman.” (Gen. 3.15)
- Paul tells us now why He came (vs.5)- “to redeem them that were under the law.” Definition of redeem- to set free by paying a price. Slave markets of Rome.
Contrast between begin a child of God and a Son of God include
- A Child - made by regeneration
- A Son – by adoption, enjoying the family, full liberty as an adult, an heir of the Father.
What are the attributes of sons vs. servants:
a. The son has the same nature as the father, but the servant does not. When we become believers the Holy Spirit indwells us, so we become partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). The law could never establish the divine nature within a person. So going back to the law is defying and denying the divine nature of God, giving the old nature opportunity to work
- The son has a father while the servant has a master. No servant can ever say father to his master. As a son and in receiving the Holy Spirit within us, the Spirit tells us, we are a child of the Father (Rom. 8.15). The Holy Spirit enters our heart we cry, “Abba” Father or papa. No servant can do this.
- the son obeys out of love, while the servant obeys out of fear. The Spirit moves in the heart to quick and increase the love of the son for the Father in heaven. One of the fruit of the Spirit in Gal 5.22 is love and is the first fruit in our hearts. The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom 5.5). The Judaizers told the Galatians they would become better believers by submitting to the law, but the law never produced obedience look at the Pharisees. Only God’s love can change a heart.
According to the Bible, we have a two-stage adoption as sons – the first upon believing and professing Jesus Christ and being born from above. This is the private transforming and indwelling of God as believers. The public form of this will be in the redemption of the new body – “for we shall be like Him as He is” (1 Jn. 3:1-3)
IV. Paul laments their regression (vs. 8-11). According to Paul they abandoned liberty in Christ for renewed bondage under the law.
The Galatians were dropping out of the school of grace and reentering the kindergarten of the law. In effect they were ceding or giving up the power of the gospel for the weakness of the law and were seeking to cast away the wealth of the gospel for the poverty under the law. The law had never made anyone rich or powerful, on the contrary is was to prove men’s weakness and spiritual bankruptcy. This was why Paul was pinging the church at Galatia.
We are inviting spiritual and physical weakness back into our lives and our society by failing to hold our leaders and ourselves accountable for Christian values and moral principles across the nation. We may be abandoning the power of God by not standing and being watchmen on the wall.
Are you surrendering the power of God for the myths of the world; are you deceived or are you denying your heritage as a son of God?
Perhaps you need a savior today?
Apr 16 Sermon
Who is mentoring you and your heart in the year of our Lord -2023? Men and women today are distracted and deceived by the world and all it offers. I believe this can be and is also true of believers. This distracts and deceives even believers many times from being what God calls and desires them to be; and it causes them to fall from the grace and deny where God would leading them. This causes non-believers to become deceived and fixated on what the world offers, denying His truth. There is a name for this disease, it is called sin and comes from an evil, unbelieving heart- Heb 3.12- 12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God, ref. Psalm 95:7-11
2 Tm 3:15 gives more indication about deceptions and says this 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,
So the spirit of deception is working mightily in our world and is having a greater impact, because the more we are deceived the more we sin. More and greater sin means more and greater deception, it is a downward and ever depressing cycle.
So the Prince of the power of the air is the author of deception and denial, and scripture says, he has been a liar since the beginning (of days). He is the one who is in the world advising and mentoring those who choose unbelief and rebellion from God. Now if you and I are honest we should remember this was you and I a few short years ago.
But “God’s counselor, the Teacher, the Spirit of Truth He managed to guide us into all truth and brought us by faith to the Lord Jesus Christ, where we chose Him, because He first loved us and saved us.
So all have a choice as to who should be their counselor, mentor or advisor in their lives.
Everyone one has an advisor -
Gal 3:23- 4:1-7 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, [f]kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our [g]tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
Sons and Heirs
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized <spiritually not physically> into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female <note there is nothing and I repeat nothing here about race, gender or equity>; for you <united> are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Reading from Chapter 4 - Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, 2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born[a] of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, [b]“Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir [c]of God [d]through Christ.
Now may God of all creation and power, add His blessing to the reading of His Word, to our understanding and application in HIs truth Amen.
The first two points here go together
First. We had a tutor before we came to faith in Jesus Christ and it was the law of Moses, the Ten Commandments in its simplest form, but in which are embodied all the general principles of the Levitical teachings to the Jews
Second. But after faith has come, we are no longer under our tutor which is the law.
Did you get it? First we all had a tutor before we came to faith in Jesus and that is the Law of God, from Moses on down. Second after faith has come we are free from the law of sin and death- for the wages of sin, breaking the law, is death (Rom 6:23).
Our text says this - 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, [f]kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our [g]tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
These verses imply a great exchange has happened in the life of a sinner, who has now become a child of the king. Christ’s righteousness for our sin and His redeeming power, and the right to become a Son or Daughter of God, to as many who have received Him by faith. So the law of God while convicting us of sin was our tutor which was to bring us to salvation by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ – pure and simple. This change of state which has happened, this great exchange has produce a new person, who no longer requires a tutor. Now remember this tutor which Paul speaks of here is a slave in your family dedicated to getting you to school on time, responsible for your studies, grades and ultimately your success, who made you work and succeed. This was not someone who just helped you with your homework and oh by the way licked you fanny or provided discipline when you were disobedient and, and had your parent’s permission to do so as an obligation of their service.
After faith had come -25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
This change of state or great exchange produces in us righteousness, not our righteousness but the righteousness of Christ in the life of everyone who believes and note this is important – is born from above. The indwelling presence of Christ is the Holy Spirit of God and so now the requirement to be under the law is replaced by being under grace through faith in Jesus. As you have heard many time this is the great exchange that happens because of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. His shed blood is our payment for life.
Point number 3 since we have been changed there are some new conditions which have been made in our lives, which are important as to how we should live as sons of God. Read again beginning in verse 26, 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized <spiritually not physically> into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female <note there is nothing and I repeat nothing here about race, gender or equity>; for you <united> are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. God’s promise to Abraham would make him a blessing and a father to many nations because of his faith in trusting God. This is the act of redemption which when imputed to you because you have trusted the Lord Jesus to be your savior. Your act of faith has made you a recipient of the promise which was fulfilled in Christ’s sacrifice and death at Calvary.
Note these new conditions in your life:
Point number 4, God knew our condition and He had a plan to rescue us from our sin and spiritual condition. Read again beginning in verse 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born[a] of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, [b]“Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir [c]of God [d]through Christ.
Items –
fullness of the time had come – when all God had planned and purposed had come to fruition. This was according to His ways which are not are ways, and which are higher than our ways. But again this happened in the fulness of His timing.
Next - God sent forth His Son- the pre-existent Son of God came to Earth {Phil.2:5-11}this is quite a statement.
Jesus was Born of a <virgin> woman, yet holy and without sin in all his life, so He is also the Son of Man. God in man together as one. This is radical
Jesus was Born into a sinful world yet totally without sin under the taskmaster of the law same as we are but quite different. No sin!
The purpose of Jesus’ sinless life was see verse 5, 5 to redeem those who were under the law that we might receive the adoption as sons. Jesus was sent to provide a means for us to receive sonship from God
The result of becoming a part of God’s family is verses 6 and 7 - 6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, [b]“Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir [c]of God [d]through Christ.
His life in us should radically change how we should live today. The question is does His new life really make us different? AMEN.
Who is mentoring you and your heart in the year of our Lord -2023? Men and women today are distracted and deceived by the world and all it offers. I believe this can be and is also true of believers. This distracts and deceives even believers many times from being what God calls and desires them to be; and it causes them to fall from the grace and deny where God would leading them. This causes non-believers to become deceived and fixated on what the world offers, denying His truth. There is a name for this disease, it is called sin and comes from an evil, unbelieving heart- Heb 3.12- 12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God, ref. Psalm 95:7-11
2 Tm 3:15 gives more indication about deceptions and says this 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,
So the spirit of deception is working mightily in our world and is having a greater impact, because the more we are deceived the more we sin. More and greater sin means more and greater deception, it is a downward and ever depressing cycle.
So the Prince of the power of the air is the author of deception and denial, and scripture says, he has been a liar since the beginning (of days). He is the one who is in the world advising and mentoring those who choose unbelief and rebellion from God. Now if you and I are honest we should remember this was you and I a few short years ago.
But “God’s counselor, the Teacher, the Spirit of Truth He managed to guide us into all truth and brought us by faith to the Lord Jesus Christ, where we chose Him, because He first loved us and saved us.
So all have a choice as to who should be their counselor, mentor or advisor in their lives.
Everyone one has an advisor -
Gal 3:23- 4:1-7 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, [f]kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our [g]tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
Sons and Heirs
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized <spiritually not physically> into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female <note there is nothing and I repeat nothing here about race, gender or equity>; for you <united> are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Reading from Chapter 4 - Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, 2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born[a] of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, [b]“Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir [c]of God [d]through Christ.
Now may God of all creation and power, add His blessing to the reading of His Word, to our understanding and application in HIs truth Amen.
The first two points here go together
First. We had a tutor before we came to faith in Jesus Christ and it was the law of Moses, the Ten Commandments in its simplest form, but in which are embodied all the general principles of the Levitical teachings to the Jews
Second. But after faith has come, we are no longer under our tutor which is the law.
Did you get it? First we all had a tutor before we came to faith in Jesus and that is the Law of God, from Moses on down. Second after faith has come we are free from the law of sin and death- for the wages of sin, breaking the law, is death (Rom 6:23).
Our text says this - 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, [f]kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our [g]tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
These verses imply a great exchange has happened in the life of a sinner, who has now become a child of the king. Christ’s righteousness for our sin and His redeeming power, and the right to become a Son or Daughter of God, to as many who have received Him by faith. So the law of God while convicting us of sin was our tutor which was to bring us to salvation by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ – pure and simple. This change of state which has happened, this great exchange has produce a new person, who no longer requires a tutor. Now remember this tutor which Paul speaks of here is a slave in your family dedicated to getting you to school on time, responsible for your studies, grades and ultimately your success, who made you work and succeed. This was not someone who just helped you with your homework and oh by the way licked you fanny or provided discipline when you were disobedient and, and had your parent’s permission to do so as an obligation of their service.
After faith had come -25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
This change of state or great exchange produces in us righteousness, not our righteousness but the righteousness of Christ in the life of everyone who believes and note this is important – is born from above. The indwelling presence of Christ is the Holy Spirit of God and so now the requirement to be under the law is replaced by being under grace through faith in Jesus. As you have heard many time this is the great exchange that happens because of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. His shed blood is our payment for life.
Point number 3 since we have been changed there are some new conditions which have been made in our lives, which are important as to how we should live as sons of God. Read again beginning in verse 26, 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized <spiritually not physically> into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female <note there is nothing and I repeat nothing here about race, gender or equity>; for you <united> are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. God’s promise to Abraham would make him a blessing and a father to many nations because of his faith in trusting God. This is the act of redemption which when imputed to you because you have trusted the Lord Jesus to be your savior. Your act of faith has made you a recipient of the promise which was fulfilled in Christ’s sacrifice and death at Calvary.
Note these new conditions in your life:
- baptized <spiritually not physically> into Christ having put on Christ.
- neither Jew nor Greek, <God is no respecter of persons>
- neither slave nor free, you are Christ’s bondservants
- neither male nor female <note there is nothing and I repeat nothing here about race, gender or equity or multiple genders >;
- united> all in Christ Jesus.
- 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed or heir.
Point number 4, God knew our condition and He had a plan to rescue us from our sin and spiritual condition. Read again beginning in verse 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born[a] of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, [b]“Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir [c]of God [d]through Christ.
Items –
fullness of the time had come – when all God had planned and purposed had come to fruition. This was according to His ways which are not are ways, and which are higher than our ways. But again this happened in the fulness of His timing.
Next - God sent forth His Son- the pre-existent Son of God came to Earth {Phil.2:5-11}this is quite a statement.
Jesus was Born of a <virgin> woman, yet holy and without sin in all his life, so He is also the Son of Man. God in man together as one. This is radical
Jesus was Born into a sinful world yet totally without sin under the taskmaster of the law same as we are but quite different. No sin!
The purpose of Jesus’ sinless life was see verse 5, 5 to redeem those who were under the law that we might receive the adoption as sons. Jesus was sent to provide a means for us to receive sonship from God
The result of becoming a part of God’s family is verses 6 and 7 - 6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, [b]“Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir [c]of God [d]through Christ.
His life in us should radically change how we should live today. The question is does His new life really make us different? AMEN.
Apr 9 Easter Sermon
“The Risen and Resurrected Christ in 2023??” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 230409_Oakland Baptist Church + Easter “The Risen and Resurrected Christ in 2023??” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 1 Let’s pray - Father thank you for Jesus and thank you for the best of all days when we celebrate His resurrection from the dead. He is risen and He is no longer in the tomb and now we serve a risen savior and, in His name, we pray, may He live richly in us. Amen He is Risen – He is Risen indeed! The following words from the song tell us the story of Easter1. Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia! 2. Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia! Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia! Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia! Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia! 3. Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia! Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia! 4. Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia! Following our exalted Head, Alleluia! Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia! Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia! If you are born again by the baptism from above then this is the message of Easter morning. But let’s look at Jesus as He now lives in Heaven to meet Him as He is. If you would - please turn to Revelation Chapter 1 beginning in verse 10 - 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, [g]“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches [h]which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying [i] to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of [j]Hades and of Death. Here are 9 verses in the book of Revelation which proclaim the reality and destiny of the one called Jesus the Christ. He who was once nailed upon the cross and died but lives again. 9 verses which are symbolic of the healed, resurrected, glorified and ascended Jesus. They testify that He alone, was, is and remains the Holy Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world 9 verses which proclaim the glorious result of the agony of Gethsemane, and the perilous sacrifice of good Friday. They reflect upon the promise which He made saying, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many [a]mansions; if it were not so,[b] I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and 230409_Oakland Baptist Church + Easter “The Risen and Resurrected Christ in 2023??” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 230409_Oakland Baptist Church + Easter “The Risen and Resurrected Christ in 2023??” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 2 prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14.1-3) 9 verses which are beyond, yet reflect the horror of false trials at the hands of sinful men, Pharisees and Sadducees. Past the spitting, beatings, and whippings by Roman soldiers; and past the fierce bite of the cat of nine tails as it strips the flesh from His bones and make bloody stripes by which we are healed 9 verses which tell the full story of the Son of Man who gave Himself a ransom for many on that cruel cross. Scripture says, For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Cor.5.21) 9 verses which proclaim loudly the beneficial sacrifice of His perfect and sinless life. His shed blood which payed the penalty for my sin and for yours -for without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin, otherwise we would suffer eternal death and have no hope. 9 verses which define Him as God - g]“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” “ 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of [j]Hades and of Death.” 9 verses in which see Him who was once the humble and gentle carpenter; who gave up His throne in heaven and came to earth to satisfy the will of the Father; and who is the savior of the world because of His great love for us. 9 verses which proclaim the true majesty of He who was crucified but rose again from the dead and was resurrected from the rich man’s tomb on that third day which we celebrate today as Easter morn. 9 verses which open our eyes to Jesus in all his splendor and glory. Read with me again part of these 9 verses – {Jesus is standing and it says,}in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying [i] to me, “Do not be afraid; 9 verses which demonstrate the power of God in the resurrected and glorified person of Jesus in the book of Revelation. 9 verses that define to each of us that this indeed is the one to whom you and I will meet, when we are transitioned to heaven, not the Jesus who walked this earth. But His nature and character remain the same and has He said to the Apostle John - “Do not be afraid, He says the same to you today. In the book of Matthew Chapter 11, Jesus speaking and teaching the multitudes says this, 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am[a] gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. This Easter do you have Jesus’ rest in your soul? If you have never asked Jesus to come into your life to be your Lord and Savior you need to do so today, otherwise 230409_Oakland Baptist Church + Easter “The Risen and Resurrected Christ in 2023??” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 230409_Oakland Baptist Church + Easter “The Risen and Resurrected Christ in 2023??” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 3 you miss the real blessing of Easter. For the best blessing of Easter is that to believers, ones who have been born from above and asked Jesus into their hearts, He is living in their hearts today. Yes, the living Christ by the power of God’s Holy Spirit is living in each believers heart today. Don’t miss the true blessing of Easter ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior today. Amen He is Risen, He is Risen indeed
“The Risen and Resurrected Christ in 2023??” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 230409_Oakland Baptist Church + Easter “The Risen and Resurrected Christ in 2023??” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 1 Let’s pray - Father thank you for Jesus and thank you for the best of all days when we celebrate His resurrection from the dead. He is risen and He is no longer in the tomb and now we serve a risen savior and, in His name, we pray, may He live richly in us. Amen He is Risen – He is Risen indeed! The following words from the song tell us the story of Easter1. Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia! 2. Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia! Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia! Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia! Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia! 3. Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia! Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia! 4. Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia! Following our exalted Head, Alleluia! Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia! Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia! If you are born again by the baptism from above then this is the message of Easter morning. But let’s look at Jesus as He now lives in Heaven to meet Him as He is. If you would - please turn to Revelation Chapter 1 beginning in verse 10 - 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, [g]“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches [h]which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying [i] to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of [j]Hades and of Death. Here are 9 verses in the book of Revelation which proclaim the reality and destiny of the one called Jesus the Christ. He who was once nailed upon the cross and died but lives again. 9 verses which are symbolic of the healed, resurrected, glorified and ascended Jesus. They testify that He alone, was, is and remains the Holy Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world 9 verses which proclaim the glorious result of the agony of Gethsemane, and the perilous sacrifice of good Friday. They reflect upon the promise which He made saying, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many [a]mansions; if it were not so,[b] I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and 230409_Oakland Baptist Church + Easter “The Risen and Resurrected Christ in 2023??” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 230409_Oakland Baptist Church + Easter “The Risen and Resurrected Christ in 2023??” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 2 prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14.1-3) 9 verses which are beyond, yet reflect the horror of false trials at the hands of sinful men, Pharisees and Sadducees. Past the spitting, beatings, and whippings by Roman soldiers; and past the fierce bite of the cat of nine tails as it strips the flesh from His bones and make bloody stripes by which we are healed 9 verses which tell the full story of the Son of Man who gave Himself a ransom for many on that cruel cross. Scripture says, For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Cor.5.21) 9 verses which proclaim loudly the beneficial sacrifice of His perfect and sinless life. His shed blood which payed the penalty for my sin and for yours -for without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin, otherwise we would suffer eternal death and have no hope. 9 verses which define Him as God - g]“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” “ 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of [j]Hades and of Death.” 9 verses in which see Him who was once the humble and gentle carpenter; who gave up His throne in heaven and came to earth to satisfy the will of the Father; and who is the savior of the world because of His great love for us. 9 verses which proclaim the true majesty of He who was crucified but rose again from the dead and was resurrected from the rich man’s tomb on that third day which we celebrate today as Easter morn. 9 verses which open our eyes to Jesus in all his splendor and glory. Read with me again part of these 9 verses – {Jesus is standing and it says,}in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying [i] to me, “Do not be afraid; 9 verses which demonstrate the power of God in the resurrected and glorified person of Jesus in the book of Revelation. 9 verses that define to each of us that this indeed is the one to whom you and I will meet, when we are transitioned to heaven, not the Jesus who walked this earth. But His nature and character remain the same and has He said to the Apostle John - “Do not be afraid, He says the same to you today. In the book of Matthew Chapter 11, Jesus speaking and teaching the multitudes says this, 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am[a] gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. This Easter do you have Jesus’ rest in your soul? If you have never asked Jesus to come into your life to be your Lord and Savior you need to do so today, otherwise 230409_Oakland Baptist Church + Easter “The Risen and Resurrected Christ in 2023??” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 230409_Oakland Baptist Church + Easter “The Risen and Resurrected Christ in 2023??” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 3 you miss the real blessing of Easter. For the best blessing of Easter is that to believers, ones who have been born from above and asked Jesus into their hearts, He is living in their hearts today. Yes, the living Christ by the power of God’s Holy Spirit is living in each believers heart today. Don’t miss the true blessing of Easter ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior today. Amen He is Risen, He is Risen indeed
April 2
Things are not always what they seem, just ask the disciples. It seemed like every time they thought they understood and knew what Jesus was about it turned out completely different. They were arguing about forgetting the bread when Jesus was talking about His being the Bread of Life. They were fussing about who would sit at the right and left hand when Jesus was weighed down with dread, knowing that soon all the sin of the world was to poured down on Him at the cross. They were accusing Jesus about not caring for them in the midst of the storm and they could not cast out a demon from a Young lad when He had granted them authority over all demons and sickness. In these latter two cases Jesus properly accused their lack of faith.
But this is true in viewing today’s circumstances for those without a biblical world view and faith in the living Lord Jesus. Appearances can be deceiving that is why believers are told to walk by faith and not by sight. God is the absolute ruler of the earth and we should quickly remind ourselves of this truth sometimes daily. Satan is still of power of the air and the great deceiver. He will make it seem that this is all there is and there is no more. Bow down and worship me he cries just like he did to Jesus in the wilderness temptation. Jesus never waves for He says, it is written. We are to live by the words from the Word of God for they are truth and they are life. Jesus declared on the night He was betrayed. Thy Word is truth. I need the truth and I need it daily. I can’t say I am always faithful to do so, but He feeds me in many cases when I don’t.
John 12:12-36. Oh Oh I hear it now He’s going to use 24 total verses. We will be here forever. No you won’t be here forever and I am not going to discourse on every verse.
So calm your motors maybe you will remember what I just said – things are not always as they appear now do they. Can I have an Amen.
Two things to keep in mind as were read here are; Jesus has raised Lazarus from the dead and this news has spread like wildfire. So now Jesus is traveling to Bethany with Lazarus. And as a result of Jesus’ activities the Jew are plotting to kill Lazarus in addition to Jesus, who they already hate. This is the setting for the Triumphant Entry, Let’s read from John 12:12-27
The Triumphal Entry
12 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out:
“Hosanna!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
The King of Israel!”
14 Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written:
15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion;
Behold, your King is coming,
Sitting on a donkey’s colt.” (Zech.9:9)
16 His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and
17 Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. 18 For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”
The Fruitful Grain of Wheat
20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”
22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus.23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much [d]grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 2< predicting His death and the result >6 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. <Promise of His eternal faithfulness>
Jesus Predicts His Death on the Cross
27 “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour.28 Father, glorify Your name.” <Jesus avows His purpose>
Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” <affirmation by Our Father>
30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 And I, if I am[e]lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die.
believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”
This is an amazing passage of Scripture. Many might ask including you, how can you call this a triumphant entry? Jesus is about to die. Doesn’t that cancel triumphant? Let’s see, how many people can live perfect and sinless lives for 33 and survive among a very sinful and evil people, as we are all want to be? Not too many have been able to do so.
So we started this with the statement – things are not always as they seem. It appears as if Jesus is forlornly being driven to the cross by the events which seem to surround Him and the plotting of the Pharisees. You will remember elsewhere in the gospels it says the Pharisee’s wanted His death before the Passover and they wanted it done quietly. Well Jesus ensured as did His
Father that the Perfect Passover Lamb would be sacrificed on the correct day – which we call Good Friday. I believe this is called the day of Atonement in the Jewish calendar.
So a public spectacle as forecast in prophecy was the happening event.
The scene is set by the Son of God who is orchestrating all the events for His blood sacrifice as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
After this event in verses 23, Jesus now says The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Every other time when discussing the future events He says; My hour has not yet come.
Then He says, 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much [d]grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 2< Here He is predicting His specific death and the eventual resulting harvest >6 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. <Promise of His eternal faithfulness> So this raises a question, How can anyone serve a dead man ? And how can He make a promise? If you know Him you know He lives in Heaven today,
But He was troubled, then avows His continued purpose- You see things are not always how they seem. God is at work here and now just as He is this minute in our world events. Events may seem to be uncontrolled but they are not.
Next the Father affirms Jesus, Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” <Jesus affirmation by the God of Heaven >
Now Jesus comments on these events - 30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 And I, if I am[e]lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die.
believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”
This is the revelation and completion of the symbol on a pole set up in the Wilderness for those who were bitten by the asp to find healing -Numbers 21:8 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.”
Jesus states He will be lifted up indicating the manner of His death but before verse 32 is verse 31 and guess who this message is being delivered – Satan. And His is cast out- no longer ruler of this world.
And by Hid death Jesus will unite all people unto Himself and if we believe this we are sons of light.
What do we learn with our 20/20 vision on the other side of the cross.
First, things are not always as they appear especially when the creator and His Son and the Holy Spirit are at work in the world. We mistook the events leading up to the crucifixion as being directed by Satan and destroying the Savior. But it was not so, Jesus was leading to the cross. It was necessary and His purpose to die.
Next, We thought Satan was achieving victory but he was actually being judged. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Finally, That the cross far from being the ending of life was the beginning, Hebrews 9:22 says,
… and without shedding of blood there is no remission <of sin>.
Then on Easter Sunday there was a resurrection to life
He is at work in your life today – are you seeking Him?
Things are not always what they seem, just ask the disciples. It seemed like every time they thought they understood and knew what Jesus was about it turned out completely different. They were arguing about forgetting the bread when Jesus was talking about His being the Bread of Life. They were fussing about who would sit at the right and left hand when Jesus was weighed down with dread, knowing that soon all the sin of the world was to poured down on Him at the cross. They were accusing Jesus about not caring for them in the midst of the storm and they could not cast out a demon from a Young lad when He had granted them authority over all demons and sickness. In these latter two cases Jesus properly accused their lack of faith.
But this is true in viewing today’s circumstances for those without a biblical world view and faith in the living Lord Jesus. Appearances can be deceiving that is why believers are told to walk by faith and not by sight. God is the absolute ruler of the earth and we should quickly remind ourselves of this truth sometimes daily. Satan is still of power of the air and the great deceiver. He will make it seem that this is all there is and there is no more. Bow down and worship me he cries just like he did to Jesus in the wilderness temptation. Jesus never waves for He says, it is written. We are to live by the words from the Word of God for they are truth and they are life. Jesus declared on the night He was betrayed. Thy Word is truth. I need the truth and I need it daily. I can’t say I am always faithful to do so, but He feeds me in many cases when I don’t.
John 12:12-36. Oh Oh I hear it now He’s going to use 24 total verses. We will be here forever. No you won’t be here forever and I am not going to discourse on every verse.
So calm your motors maybe you will remember what I just said – things are not always as they appear now do they. Can I have an Amen.
Two things to keep in mind as were read here are; Jesus has raised Lazarus from the dead and this news has spread like wildfire. So now Jesus is traveling to Bethany with Lazarus. And as a result of Jesus’ activities the Jew are plotting to kill Lazarus in addition to Jesus, who they already hate. This is the setting for the Triumphant Entry, Let’s read from John 12:12-27
The Triumphal Entry
12 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out:
“Hosanna!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
The King of Israel!”
14 Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written:
15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion;
Behold, your King is coming,
Sitting on a donkey’s colt.” (Zech.9:9)
16 His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and
17 Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. 18 For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”
The Fruitful Grain of Wheat
20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”
22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus.23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much [d]grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 2< predicting His death and the result >6 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. <Promise of His eternal faithfulness>
Jesus Predicts His Death on the Cross
27 “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour.28 Father, glorify Your name.” <Jesus avows His purpose>
Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” <affirmation by Our Father>
30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 And I, if I am[e]lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die.
believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”
This is an amazing passage of Scripture. Many might ask including you, how can you call this a triumphant entry? Jesus is about to die. Doesn’t that cancel triumphant? Let’s see, how many people can live perfect and sinless lives for 33 and survive among a very sinful and evil people, as we are all want to be? Not too many have been able to do so.
So we started this with the statement – things are not always as they seem. It appears as if Jesus is forlornly being driven to the cross by the events which seem to surround Him and the plotting of the Pharisees. You will remember elsewhere in the gospels it says the Pharisee’s wanted His death before the Passover and they wanted it done quietly. Well Jesus ensured as did His
Father that the Perfect Passover Lamb would be sacrificed on the correct day – which we call Good Friday. I believe this is called the day of Atonement in the Jewish calendar.
So a public spectacle as forecast in prophecy was the happening event.
The scene is set by the Son of God who is orchestrating all the events for His blood sacrifice as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
After this event in verses 23, Jesus now says The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Every other time when discussing the future events He says; My hour has not yet come.
Then He says, 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much [d]grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 2< Here He is predicting His specific death and the eventual resulting harvest >6 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. <Promise of His eternal faithfulness> So this raises a question, How can anyone serve a dead man ? And how can He make a promise? If you know Him you know He lives in Heaven today,
But He was troubled, then avows His continued purpose- You see things are not always how they seem. God is at work here and now just as He is this minute in our world events. Events may seem to be uncontrolled but they are not.
Next the Father affirms Jesus, Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” <Jesus affirmation by the God of Heaven >
Now Jesus comments on these events - 30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 And I, if I am[e]lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die.
believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”
This is the revelation and completion of the symbol on a pole set up in the Wilderness for those who were bitten by the asp to find healing -Numbers 21:8 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.”
Jesus states He will be lifted up indicating the manner of His death but before verse 32 is verse 31 and guess who this message is being delivered – Satan. And His is cast out- no longer ruler of this world.
And by Hid death Jesus will unite all people unto Himself and if we believe this we are sons of light.
What do we learn with our 20/20 vision on the other side of the cross.
First, things are not always as they appear especially when the creator and His Son and the Holy Spirit are at work in the world. We mistook the events leading up to the crucifixion as being directed by Satan and destroying the Savior. But it was not so, Jesus was leading to the cross. It was necessary and His purpose to die.
Next, We thought Satan was achieving victory but he was actually being judged. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Finally, That the cross far from being the ending of life was the beginning, Hebrews 9:22 says,
… and without shedding of blood there is no remission <of sin>.
Then on Easter Sunday there was a resurrection to life
He is at work in your life today – are you seeking Him?
March 26 Sermon
Easter is fast approaching and we are already 3 months into the new year. Have you spent any time assessing whether you and I are growing in faith in 2023? Understand this, you and I as believers, will one day stand before our Lord and Savior and be questioned on how we spent the time, the days and years which He gave us. To be prepared and not be shamed on that day we should reflect on how we are spending our time and resources. So a question relevant to this type of assessing would be “am I growing in my faith in Jesus Christ this year?”
This is a good and a valid question which we should not avoid but use to motivate us to prayer and repentance. You see, we as well as Jesus, are required to grow in wisdom and knowledge in the Lord. We should be honoring our son or daughter status; for we have as those adopted by grace into something which is so far beyond our understanding. We as humble servants would want to graciously please our Master and Lord to do His will. Have you ever considered your relationship with Jesus in this way? Maybe not, but you should. Living in America we have been spoiled by our freedoms and our open society, which is now radically changing to deconstruct into socialism or communism. These freedoms which we are relishing in are not given by big government, but are given an inalienable rights by God our Father. Those who wrote the constitution knew this, but because of social justice fallacious denial of truth our students our children have no appreciation for what God granted America.
You and I must stand today for the truth. Truth and faith were turned aside in Paul’s day because of the Judaizers in the Galatian church. Without a firm foundation in the truth there can be little to no growth in your faith. Thank God Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help us when we are unable to help ourselves. He guides us into the truth and gives us faith if we but ask. Ask for faith when you have unbelief and Lord help my unbelief to become faith in you. So how can we grow in understanding from applying this text to my life? What is there to learn.
Read in the NT in Chapter Galatians 3:13-26 - 13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
The Changeless Promise
15 Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. 16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God [e]in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. 18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Purpose of the Law
19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one.
21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. 22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, [f]kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our [g]tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
Sons and Heirs
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
So let me give you the outline and we can get schooled on what the Lord wants us to learn. Remember it is the teaching of the Holy Spirit through His opening the Word of God to us that we receive His truth and His life. Let’s do it!
I. The Law cannot change the promise of God (3:15-18)
II. The Law is not greater than the promise (3:19-20)
a. The law was temporary (v. 19a)
b. The law required a mediator (v.19b-20)
III. The Law is not contrary to the promise of God (3:21-26)
a. The law was not given to provide life (v. 21b)
b. The law was given to reveal sin (vv.19a, 23)
c. The law was given to prepare the way for Christ (vv. 23-26)
IV. The law cannot do what the promise can do (3:27-29)
Pray with me - Father increase our faith as we see what you have done by given us the law of God in preparation for sending Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen
Let’s begin with Point I. The Law cannot change the promise of God (3:15-18)
Actually we need to start before this using verses 13 -14, 13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
The point of these verses will ring through the rest of our study. Jesus became a curse for us on the tree that we (Gentiles, you and I) might receive the promise of the Holy Spirit through faith in Him. So The Law cannot change the promise of God (3:15-18) God promised that in Abraham all the nations of the earth would be blessed (Gen 12:1-3) The promise involves being justified in faith and having all the blessings of salvation.
Two parties came together to form an agreement does not mean in the future someone can come along (Judaizers) and redefine it. The only people who can change an original agreement are the original parties. Any other changes are by definition illegal. It was God who made the covenant promise as the greater (God) to the lesser (Abraham), not men.
God made the promise not just to Abraham but also to Christ. The bible concept of “seed” goes back to Genesis 3:15, after the fall of man. God state there will be a conflict between Satan’s seed and the seed of the woman (God’s children and ultimately Jesus). The bible demonstrates this conflict from the murder of Abel to the book of Acts until today’s martyrs. The true versus the counterfeit, the wheat and the tares of (Matt 13:24-30). This would include Satan’s attempt to destroy the baby Jesus after His birth. It was his attempt to prevent the seed from even being born into the earth.
Now the covenants of promise with
Abraham was made through Jesus through
Christ as His seed of promise. So the only two parties who could change the covenant would be Jesus and God, not the Judaizers who sought to redefine the promise. They wanted to add to God’s grace and take away His promises and make this fake truth the standard of worship. Time (430 Yrs.) no matter how many years does not allow modification or adjustment of a ratified covenant which God made not men.
From there in verse 19 and 20 Paul makes another radical claim - II. The Law is not greater than the promise of the covenant (3:19-20)
a. The law was temporary (v. 19a) 19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made. We find no ifs, or conditional clauses present in the covenant made with Abraham in Genesis, but the blessings of the law would come only if they were kept perfectly. Jesus did that as the promised seed and He fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law which you could not. So the law was temporary
b. The law required a mediator (v.19b-20)When God gave the law to men it required the mediation of Moses; *Acts 7.53) with the disposition of angels as the intermediary between God and Moses. But in Genesis God personally made His covenant directly with Abraham with no mediator. There was no mediator here between Abraham and God. His promise was direct and His covenant was permanent and therefore it is greater than the law. The Judaizers could not argue this point that the covenant promise is greater than the law which again is temporary.
Next major is Point III. The Law is not contrary to the promise of God (3:21-26). This whole idea about the law would have stirred up the Judaizers who would say, you are saying God doesn’t know what He is doing. But Paul was not saying the two ideas contradict he was saying the law and the promise complement each other. Let’s examine this in verse 21following-
a. First, the law was not given to provide life (v. 21b). The law was given to regulate the lives of the Jewish people, but it did not and could not provide spiritual life to the people. If life and righteousness could come through the law then Jesus Christ’s coming was unnecessary. Just think it was the nations worshiping of the law which led to their falling away
b. The law was given to reveal sin (vv.19a, 23) Read verses 19 a and 23 and you see this. Without the law we had no standard to regulate and compare our behavior. The law is “holy and just and good (Rom.7:12), but we are just the opposite. The lawful use of the law is to reveal our sin. We cannot obtain salvation by keeping the law – it is only by faith in Christ.
c. Here is the key point - the law was given to prepare the way for Christ (vv. 23-26). Here Paul uses the idea of a guardian. This is the ancient idea of a guardian who would discipline, guard, direct and manage their education/training- this is what Paul means by a schoolmaster. Jew therefore were not born through the law but were brought up by and in the law. The guardian was not the parent of the child he was his master and disciplinarian. So the law did not give life to the people it regulated the life of the people. Judaizers were teaching the law was necessary for life and righteousness.ered h
Second, the law as guardian was simply the preparation for the child’s future maturity, when he no longer needed a guardian. So the law was preparation for the nation of Israel until the coming of the promised seed, Jesus Christ.
The demands from the law reminded the people daily of their need for a savior. The types and symbols of the law were pictures and foreshadowing’s of the coming Messiah.
A good example of this is the rich young ruler we encounter in Matthew 19:16 and following- He kept the law all through his young life but something was missing. The emptiness of satisfying the law was not enough, his heart yearned for more satisfaction/salvation. He had a sense of guild and need, which most sinners have, but the commandments brou
ght him to Christ. For the commandment could not give him spiritual life and righteousness, which is what he really needed. Unfortunately, he was not honest before Jesus. If he had been, he would have been released from the taskmaster of the law and received eternal life and Christ’s righteousness by salvation through faith. Where was his faith in God?
Do you need salvation from the taskmaster of laws where none of us can keep each one perfectly? The Bible says the wages of living an imperfect life is death -eternal death, separation from God. Jesus says, 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am [a]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matt 11: 28-29)
Do you need rest then whosoever calls upon the Name of the Lord and you will be saved!
Amen
Easter is fast approaching and we are already 3 months into the new year. Have you spent any time assessing whether you and I are growing in faith in 2023? Understand this, you and I as believers, will one day stand before our Lord and Savior and be questioned on how we spent the time, the days and years which He gave us. To be prepared and not be shamed on that day we should reflect on how we are spending our time and resources. So a question relevant to this type of assessing would be “am I growing in my faith in Jesus Christ this year?”
This is a good and a valid question which we should not avoid but use to motivate us to prayer and repentance. You see, we as well as Jesus, are required to grow in wisdom and knowledge in the Lord. We should be honoring our son or daughter status; for we have as those adopted by grace into something which is so far beyond our understanding. We as humble servants would want to graciously please our Master and Lord to do His will. Have you ever considered your relationship with Jesus in this way? Maybe not, but you should. Living in America we have been spoiled by our freedoms and our open society, which is now radically changing to deconstruct into socialism or communism. These freedoms which we are relishing in are not given by big government, but are given an inalienable rights by God our Father. Those who wrote the constitution knew this, but because of social justice fallacious denial of truth our students our children have no appreciation for what God granted America.
You and I must stand today for the truth. Truth and faith were turned aside in Paul’s day because of the Judaizers in the Galatian church. Without a firm foundation in the truth there can be little to no growth in your faith. Thank God Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help us when we are unable to help ourselves. He guides us into the truth and gives us faith if we but ask. Ask for faith when you have unbelief and Lord help my unbelief to become faith in you. So how can we grow in understanding from applying this text to my life? What is there to learn.
Read in the NT in Chapter Galatians 3:13-26 - 13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
The Changeless Promise
15 Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. 16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God [e]in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. 18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Purpose of the Law
19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one.
21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. 22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, [f]kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our [g]tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
Sons and Heirs
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
So let me give you the outline and we can get schooled on what the Lord wants us to learn. Remember it is the teaching of the Holy Spirit through His opening the Word of God to us that we receive His truth and His life. Let’s do it!
I. The Law cannot change the promise of God (3:15-18)
II. The Law is not greater than the promise (3:19-20)
a. The law was temporary (v. 19a)
b. The law required a mediator (v.19b-20)
III. The Law is not contrary to the promise of God (3:21-26)
a. The law was not given to provide life (v. 21b)
b. The law was given to reveal sin (vv.19a, 23)
c. The law was given to prepare the way for Christ (vv. 23-26)
IV. The law cannot do what the promise can do (3:27-29)
Pray with me - Father increase our faith as we see what you have done by given us the law of God in preparation for sending Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen
Let’s begin with Point I. The Law cannot change the promise of God (3:15-18)
Actually we need to start before this using verses 13 -14, 13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
The point of these verses will ring through the rest of our study. Jesus became a curse for us on the tree that we (Gentiles, you and I) might receive the promise of the Holy Spirit through faith in Him. So The Law cannot change the promise of God (3:15-18) God promised that in Abraham all the nations of the earth would be blessed (Gen 12:1-3) The promise involves being justified in faith and having all the blessings of salvation.
Two parties came together to form an agreement does not mean in the future someone can come along (Judaizers) and redefine it. The only people who can change an original agreement are the original parties. Any other changes are by definition illegal. It was God who made the covenant promise as the greater (God) to the lesser (Abraham), not men.
God made the promise not just to Abraham but also to Christ. The bible concept of “seed” goes back to Genesis 3:15, after the fall of man. God state there will be a conflict between Satan’s seed and the seed of the woman (God’s children and ultimately Jesus). The bible demonstrates this conflict from the murder of Abel to the book of Acts until today’s martyrs. The true versus the counterfeit, the wheat and the tares of (Matt 13:24-30). This would include Satan’s attempt to destroy the baby Jesus after His birth. It was his attempt to prevent the seed from even being born into the earth.
Now the covenants of promise with
Abraham was made through Jesus through
Christ as His seed of promise. So the only two parties who could change the covenant would be Jesus and God, not the Judaizers who sought to redefine the promise. They wanted to add to God’s grace and take away His promises and make this fake truth the standard of worship. Time (430 Yrs.) no matter how many years does not allow modification or adjustment of a ratified covenant which God made not men.
From there in verse 19 and 20 Paul makes another radical claim - II. The Law is not greater than the promise of the covenant (3:19-20)
a. The law was temporary (v. 19a) 19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made. We find no ifs, or conditional clauses present in the covenant made with Abraham in Genesis, but the blessings of the law would come only if they were kept perfectly. Jesus did that as the promised seed and He fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law which you could not. So the law was temporary
b. The law required a mediator (v.19b-20)When God gave the law to men it required the mediation of Moses; *Acts 7.53) with the disposition of angels as the intermediary between God and Moses. But in Genesis God personally made His covenant directly with Abraham with no mediator. There was no mediator here between Abraham and God. His promise was direct and His covenant was permanent and therefore it is greater than the law. The Judaizers could not argue this point that the covenant promise is greater than the law which again is temporary.
Next major is Point III. The Law is not contrary to the promise of God (3:21-26). This whole idea about the law would have stirred up the Judaizers who would say, you are saying God doesn’t know what He is doing. But Paul was not saying the two ideas contradict he was saying the law and the promise complement each other. Let’s examine this in verse 21following-
a. First, the law was not given to provide life (v. 21b). The law was given to regulate the lives of the Jewish people, but it did not and could not provide spiritual life to the people. If life and righteousness could come through the law then Jesus Christ’s coming was unnecessary. Just think it was the nations worshiping of the law which led to their falling away
b. The law was given to reveal sin (vv.19a, 23) Read verses 19 a and 23 and you see this. Without the law we had no standard to regulate and compare our behavior. The law is “holy and just and good (Rom.7:12), but we are just the opposite. The lawful use of the law is to reveal our sin. We cannot obtain salvation by keeping the law – it is only by faith in Christ.
c. Here is the key point - the law was given to prepare the way for Christ (vv. 23-26). Here Paul uses the idea of a guardian. This is the ancient idea of a guardian who would discipline, guard, direct and manage their education/training- this is what Paul means by a schoolmaster. Jew therefore were not born through the law but were brought up by and in the law. The guardian was not the parent of the child he was his master and disciplinarian. So the law did not give life to the people it regulated the life of the people. Judaizers were teaching the law was necessary for life and righteousness.ered h
Second, the law as guardian was simply the preparation for the child’s future maturity, when he no longer needed a guardian. So the law was preparation for the nation of Israel until the coming of the promised seed, Jesus Christ.
The demands from the law reminded the people daily of their need for a savior. The types and symbols of the law were pictures and foreshadowing’s of the coming Messiah.
A good example of this is the rich young ruler we encounter in Matthew 19:16 and following- He kept the law all through his young life but something was missing. The emptiness of satisfying the law was not enough, his heart yearned for more satisfaction/salvation. He had a sense of guild and need, which most sinners have, but the commandments brou
ght him to Christ. For the commandment could not give him spiritual life and righteousness, which is what he really needed. Unfortunately, he was not honest before Jesus. If he had been, he would have been released from the taskmaster of the law and received eternal life and Christ’s righteousness by salvation through faith. Where was his faith in God?
Do you need salvation from the taskmaster of laws where none of us can keep each one perfectly? The Bible says the wages of living an imperfect life is death -eternal death, separation from God. Jesus says, 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am [a]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matt 11: 28-29)
Do you need rest then whosoever calls upon the Name of the Lord and you will be saved!
Amen
March 19 Sermon
In today’s culture or controlled misinformation or you may choose to think of it as information or disinformation warfare, it is easy to become confused and disoriented to the truth. It seems this is not the first time this has happened in history and as the Bible accurately predicts it will definitely happen in the future to an amount which we will find hard to understand. We as believers need to keep our eyes on Jesus so in our case the best way to do so is to be a person of the book. I continue to press you 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2nd Tim. 2:15) KJV
The Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to convey the truths found in His Word to your heart and mind. He also prepares your heart to walk in His truth even before He reveals it. You must endeavor to persist in walking in the truth otherwise it will not be revealed. This is not an easy path for any of us but it is the way God chooses to speak in that still small voice so we can walk in His ways.
So we will find the failure of the Galatian church in Chapter 3 which Paul is going to combat. This will be the first of several messages in the book of Galatians where we will find correction. You might ask why is Paul so extensive in his writing, was it really that bad? Well the answer is yes! The Judaizers were challenging everything that Paul had taught them. He was not there in Galatia to defend the word of truth. His teaching was biblical and the Judaizers was not. He was fighting to ensure the truth of God’s Word in the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ was preserved. Paul just might think that was as important as life and death so this book emphasizes the rejection of a false doctrine and the preservation of truth. WE spoke last week about Paul being a freedom fighter we will find more of that here.
This is to give you and I a perspective of how important the word of God is to us a believers and how all the saints through the ages died to preserve it, protect it and defend it. May we be found faithful in living, defending and preserving the Word of God, as God’s love letter to us and His unspeakable gift of Jesus Christ. Let’s pray before we begin – Father open our eyes and prepare our hearts Lord to encounter you and your truth, Your righteousness and Your holiness as we study Your love letter to us in the Bible
Lets’ read Galatian’s chapter 3, beginning with verse 1- 3 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you [a]that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed [b]among you as crucified? 2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so [c]many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?
5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
The Law Brings a Curse
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” 11 But that no one is [d]justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.” 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.”
13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Point I. Statement of the problem in verses 1-4, 3 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you [a]that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed [b]among you as crucified? 2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so [c]many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?
Paul lays out the problem pretty straight forward- obviously something had happened these believers. Magic was a big deal back then but obviously it was enhanced by Satan so Paul being “hip” to the times use the word bewitched to describe their departure quickly from the truth. This was despite the fact that the had witness testimony as to the truth of who Jesus was and how He gave His life a ransom for many. Now comes a clear question - Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Paul’s response was -3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? In other words your profession of faith was spiritual as a result of God’s Holy Spirit, now you are adding earthly requirements for fasting, celebrations and sacrifices in addition to what Christ has already done. Are you so foolish??? The he asked have you considered so many things in vain. Suffered here is an older word meaning have you considered. Have you really assessed this activity of the Judaizers who want to add all the temple worship and all the other Jewish traditions when this is not what Jesus set you free by grace to receive? Consider what Jesus has already done.
Point II. After Point 1, the statement of the problem, what follows is discussion -5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
So grace and the love of God is what He gives freely to those who trust Him; and we receive salvation and justification because God chose to deliver us. Read verses 5-7, 5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. Parse the verses with me, God is the one who supplies His Holy Spirit to you, He works miracles and He does this not because of your works but by faith (verse 5). Then Paul provides the biblical historical reference for us to grow by -verse 6; 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” So if this truth as true for Abraham how is it true for us as believers? 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. It was by faith that Abraham (see Romans 4: 2, 3, 4,12,13) that he was considered righteous before God not by his works.
So to emphasize this point Pau adds verses 8 and 9,8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. Note with care verse 8 - 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” This is so important that God beforehand knew that the Gentiles would be receiving the truth and turned to Him by God’s Son. It says in the OT My righteous servant will justify many (Isa 53:11) and in Him we are blessed by faith through grace and not by works. Verse 9 follows - 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. So the same conditions exist for today’s believers as it did for Abraham. If is by faith through grace. So we must be aware of heresies and untruths which come against us continually. And many are repeats of past lies which are repackaged under new glossy ideas – relevant ideas such as, ,all fall into these domains.
Point III. Is where Paul tells us The Law Brings a Curse which comes from God’s decrees in the Old Testament
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” 11 But that no one is [d]justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.” 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.”
This verse is quoted from Deut. 27:26 to show that failure to perfectly keep the law brings divine judgment and condemnation. One violation of the law deserves the curse of God. Cf. Deut. 27, 28. all things. Not a very favorable outcome for those of us who have feet of clay is it? Paul doesn’t stop there he continues in verse eleven - 11 But that no one is [d]justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.” This verse again from the Old Testament proves that justification does not come from keeping the law; this quote from Hab. 2:4 shows that justification is by faith alone. And specific to our case our faith is in Christ alone in God alone. This is how we receive justification by faith. So the law is not by faith and they are mutually exclusive and not one in the same. The just will live by faith. Verse 12 provides this comparison for us -12 Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.”
The law is not for men of faith – pretty clear!
Point IV is a summation the truth of what Jesus Christ has done for all who believe? 13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Jesus has set us free from the curse of having to keep all the law perfectly, which none of us besides Jesus was ever able to do. Jesus by hanging on the tree took the condemnation and punishment which we deserve and suffered, bled and died in our place so that we could receive by grace that which we cannot in any way earn or achieve by our own sinful merits. In Christ alone - in Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My comforter, my all in all
Here, in the love of Christ, I stand.
Verse 14 says,14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
God knew beforehand that His blessing to the gentiles would come through faith is Jesus Christ our Lord by faith and not through temple worship and becoming surrogate Jews.
We need to keep our faith precious in the blood and activity of Jesus Christ and in nothing else, do not be deceived. Jesus is the only way to salvation, justification which leads to glorification and daily walking with Him. Stay strong in the Word of God. It says, in John 8. 32- And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Do you want to be free in Jesus today, then seek Him by coming to Him? He loves you and died for you. God says in the book of James 4:8, Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Call upon Him while He can be found and today is the day of salvation (2nd Cor 6:2)
In today’s culture or controlled misinformation or you may choose to think of it as information or disinformation warfare, it is easy to become confused and disoriented to the truth. It seems this is not the first time this has happened in history and as the Bible accurately predicts it will definitely happen in the future to an amount which we will find hard to understand. We as believers need to keep our eyes on Jesus so in our case the best way to do so is to be a person of the book. I continue to press you 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2nd Tim. 2:15) KJV
The Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to convey the truths found in His Word to your heart and mind. He also prepares your heart to walk in His truth even before He reveals it. You must endeavor to persist in walking in the truth otherwise it will not be revealed. This is not an easy path for any of us but it is the way God chooses to speak in that still small voice so we can walk in His ways.
So we will find the failure of the Galatian church in Chapter 3 which Paul is going to combat. This will be the first of several messages in the book of Galatians where we will find correction. You might ask why is Paul so extensive in his writing, was it really that bad? Well the answer is yes! The Judaizers were challenging everything that Paul had taught them. He was not there in Galatia to defend the word of truth. His teaching was biblical and the Judaizers was not. He was fighting to ensure the truth of God’s Word in the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ was preserved. Paul just might think that was as important as life and death so this book emphasizes the rejection of a false doctrine and the preservation of truth. WE spoke last week about Paul being a freedom fighter we will find more of that here.
This is to give you and I a perspective of how important the word of God is to us a believers and how all the saints through the ages died to preserve it, protect it and defend it. May we be found faithful in living, defending and preserving the Word of God, as God’s love letter to us and His unspeakable gift of Jesus Christ. Let’s pray before we begin – Father open our eyes and prepare our hearts Lord to encounter you and your truth, Your righteousness and Your holiness as we study Your love letter to us in the Bible
Lets’ read Galatian’s chapter 3, beginning with verse 1- 3 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you [a]that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed [b]among you as crucified? 2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so [c]many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?
5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
The Law Brings a Curse
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” 11 But that no one is [d]justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.” 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.”
13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Point I. Statement of the problem in verses 1-4, 3 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you [a]that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed [b]among you as crucified? 2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so [c]many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?
Paul lays out the problem pretty straight forward- obviously something had happened these believers. Magic was a big deal back then but obviously it was enhanced by Satan so Paul being “hip” to the times use the word bewitched to describe their departure quickly from the truth. This was despite the fact that the had witness testimony as to the truth of who Jesus was and how He gave His life a ransom for many. Now comes a clear question - Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Paul’s response was -3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? In other words your profession of faith was spiritual as a result of God’s Holy Spirit, now you are adding earthly requirements for fasting, celebrations and sacrifices in addition to what Christ has already done. Are you so foolish??? The he asked have you considered so many things in vain. Suffered here is an older word meaning have you considered. Have you really assessed this activity of the Judaizers who want to add all the temple worship and all the other Jewish traditions when this is not what Jesus set you free by grace to receive? Consider what Jesus has already done.
Point II. After Point 1, the statement of the problem, what follows is discussion -5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
So grace and the love of God is what He gives freely to those who trust Him; and we receive salvation and justification because God chose to deliver us. Read verses 5-7, 5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. Parse the verses with me, God is the one who supplies His Holy Spirit to you, He works miracles and He does this not because of your works but by faith (verse 5). Then Paul provides the biblical historical reference for us to grow by -verse 6; 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” So if this truth as true for Abraham how is it true for us as believers? 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. It was by faith that Abraham (see Romans 4: 2, 3, 4,12,13) that he was considered righteous before God not by his works.
So to emphasize this point Pau adds verses 8 and 9,8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. Note with care verse 8 - 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” This is so important that God beforehand knew that the Gentiles would be receiving the truth and turned to Him by God’s Son. It says in the OT My righteous servant will justify many (Isa 53:11) and in Him we are blessed by faith through grace and not by works. Verse 9 follows - 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. So the same conditions exist for today’s believers as it did for Abraham. If is by faith through grace. So we must be aware of heresies and untruths which come against us continually. And many are repeats of past lies which are repackaged under new glossy ideas – relevant ideas such as, ,all fall into these domains.
Point III. Is where Paul tells us The Law Brings a Curse which comes from God’s decrees in the Old Testament
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” 11 But that no one is [d]justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.” 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.”
This verse is quoted from Deut. 27:26 to show that failure to perfectly keep the law brings divine judgment and condemnation. One violation of the law deserves the curse of God. Cf. Deut. 27, 28. all things. Not a very favorable outcome for those of us who have feet of clay is it? Paul doesn’t stop there he continues in verse eleven - 11 But that no one is [d]justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.” This verse again from the Old Testament proves that justification does not come from keeping the law; this quote from Hab. 2:4 shows that justification is by faith alone. And specific to our case our faith is in Christ alone in God alone. This is how we receive justification by faith. So the law is not by faith and they are mutually exclusive and not one in the same. The just will live by faith. Verse 12 provides this comparison for us -12 Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.”
The law is not for men of faith – pretty clear!
Point IV is a summation the truth of what Jesus Christ has done for all who believe? 13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Jesus has set us free from the curse of having to keep all the law perfectly, which none of us besides Jesus was ever able to do. Jesus by hanging on the tree took the condemnation and punishment which we deserve and suffered, bled and died in our place so that we could receive by grace that which we cannot in any way earn or achieve by our own sinful merits. In Christ alone - in Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My comforter, my all in all
Here, in the love of Christ, I stand.
Verse 14 says,14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
God knew beforehand that His blessing to the gentiles would come through faith is Jesus Christ our Lord by faith and not through temple worship and becoming surrogate Jews.
We need to keep our faith precious in the blood and activity of Jesus Christ and in nothing else, do not be deceived. Jesus is the only way to salvation, justification which leads to glorification and daily walking with Him. Stay strong in the Word of God. It says, in John 8. 32- And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Do you want to be free in Jesus today, then seek Him by coming to Him? He loves you and died for you. God says in the book of James 4:8, Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Call upon Him while He can be found and today is the day of salvation (2nd Cor 6:2)
March 12 Sermon
Rooted and Built up in Jesus for today. The church at Colossae was in disorder and disarray because they had lost their focus on Jesus Christ. It have been invaded simply by evil influencers who sought to sow “ a new philosophy” within their faith. This is always the same package which Satan uses to deceive and destroy the faith of believers. It is always marketed by the same concept of improving your faith. There is nothing new under the sun, simply repackaging the same old lies. Anything needed in addition to what God has already provided is an issue. In this Chapter Paul is saying return to your first love. Just as John does in Revelation Chapter 3 to the church at Laodicea. Only here we get great detail as to how we should return and be encouraged that God is at work in us, bringing us back to Himself. Let’s look at Colossian’s chapter 2 and read: 2 For I want you to know what a great conflict[a] I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, [b]both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing [c]to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding [d]in it with thanksgiving.
In verse 1 these statements are linked back to the first two verses of chapter 1. There Paul had been describing his strivings, by teaching and preaching, to present every believer mature in Christ. Here his strivings are different. In Chapter 2 they are spoken of as great conflict but spiritually as in prayer. And this great conflict is on behalf of those he had never met. From the first day he had heard of the Colossians, he had prayed for them, as well as, for those in the neighboring city of Laodicea, and for other Christians whom he ha5d not as yet met (see Rev. 3:14–19 for the state of the church).
Verse 1 should be a comfort to those who are never given to engage in public ministry. It teaches that we need not be limited by what we can do only in the presence of people. We can serve the Lord greatly by private prayer on our knees. And if we are blessed to serve publicly, our effectiveness depends largely on our private devotions before God.<this is a God thing>
In verse 2 we can know the content of Paul’s prayer. The first part of his prayer is that their hearts may be encouraged. The Colossians were in danger of the teachings of the Gnostics. Therefore, encouraged here means that the truth of God’s word might be confirmed or strengthened in them. And the second part of His prayer is that they might be knit together in love. If our fellowship is first with Christ, then in Christian fellowship with other believers, then their hearts would be warm in love with Christ, He would then reveal to them the deeper truths of the faith.
Paul is saying here, if Believers practiced this fellowship first in Christ, then they would have a consistent and spiritual fellowship with one another. Then they would have a solid testimony against the onslaught of evil, inside or outside the church. This is a principle in Scripture that the Lord reveals His secrets to those who walk closest to Him. Example - John was the apostle who leaned on Jesus’ chest, and it was no coincidence that he was also the one to whom the great revelation of the future Jesus Christ was given.
Next Paul prayed that they might enter into all the riches of the full assurance of understanding. The more they pursued a deeper understanding of the Christian faith, the more fully convicted they would be by the Holy Spirit of its truths. Then they would be more firmly grounded in their faith. Believers would now be in less danger of falling away then by false teachings of the day. This is also very true in our day. We are to walk in awareness of truth.
The expression full assurance is used three times in the NT. (1) Full assurance of faith—as we rest on God’s word, His testimony to us (Heb. 10:22). (2) Full assurance of understanding—we know and are assured (Col. 2:2). (3) Full assurance of hope—we press on with confidence as to the outcome (Heb. 6:11).
The climax of Paul’s prayer is in the words - to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ.
What does Paul mean when he says that they may know the mystery of God … and of Christ? He is still referring to the truth of who is Jesus. He is the Christ, the Head of the Church, He is also the Son of God and head of all believers. But particularly he stresses the headship of Christ. All believers need to know and worship Jesus as Lord. By knowing the greatness of the Lord Jesus, we will not be drawn away by any philosophy, cult or any that threaten us.<the battle is the Lords>
Paul wants the saints to trust in Christ completely, to use the resources He provides, and to draw upon Him in prayer for all our needs – He is sufficient for every need.
“To them God willed to make known what are THE RICHES of the glory of THIS MYSTERY among the Gentiles: WHICH IS CHRIST IN YOU, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). We should be encouraged to know He is able to confront and defeat every form of opposition or counterfeit that comes against you as the church.
Verse 3 makes states In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. The Gnostics of the day, boasted of a spiritual understanding surpassing anything found within the pages of divine revelation. Their wisdom was in addition, an add on to what is found in Christ. Paul refutes this by stating all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ or Lord. Hence, there is no need to seek information or learning from the world or anywhere beyond what is written in the God’s Word. These treasures in Christ of which He speaks are hidden from us always by unbelief; each believer needs to know the Lord Christ intimately to receive them.
Christ is to the believer the Head, the center and chief resource of our faith. Christ by His very nature has infinite and unsearchable riches. He has the pre-eminent wealth of character, wisdom and knowledge, for He is God. Jesus has accomplished everything in creation and in redemption. His wisdom, intellect and understanding is far beyond any innumerable armies of professors, authors, mediums, critics, who arrayed themselves against Him, for He is all in all.
Note it states, all knowledge is found in Christ. He is the incarnation of the truth. He said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Nothing that is true will ever conflict with His words or His works.
God’s Word says ,“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Prov. 9:10)
The difference between knowledge and wisdom is, Knowledge is the understanding of truth, whereas wisdom is application of knowledge. So if you want the application of Knowledge which is wisdom, you had best seek God in Christ and not run after the world’s learning. (CRT<BLM, etc.).
In verse 4, because all wisdom and knowledge is in Christ, Christians should not be deluded with the persuasive words of false teachers or cults. If a man does not have the truth, then he must seek to attract a following through the clever presentation of his message. That is what deceivers, anti-Christ’s and heretics do. They argue from probabilities and build a system of teaching on untruths. Conversely, if one is preaching the truth of God, then he does not need to depend on such things as eloquence or clever arguments or deceptions by persuasive word. The truth stands eloquently alone and, like a lion, it defends itself.
Then in verse 5 Paul clearly understands the problems and difficulties facing the Colossians. He pictures himself as a military officer looking over the assembled troops as they stand ready for inspection. The words order and steadfastness are military terms. The first describes the orderly behavior of military members, and steadfastness embodies the patience of them under fire or stress. Paul rejoices as he sees (in spirit though not in body) how the Colossians were standing true to and with the word of God.
In verse 6 he encourages them and us to go on in the same way in which they had originally begun, that is, by faith. It states As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him. The emphasis here is on the word Lord. In other words, they had acknowledged that in Him there was complete sufficiency. Jesus was enough, not only for salvation, but for the satisfying their entire Christian life. Now Paul urges the saints to go on and to acknowledging the lordship of Christ. In trusting Christ they would not stray from Him by accepting the teachings of men, however convincing they may sound.
The word walk is one that is often used of the Christian life. It speaks of action in progress. You cannot walk and remain in the same place. So it is in the Christian life; we are either going forward or backward.
This is learning to walk by faith, in faith sustained only by the love and fellowship of Christ. Only He can enable you to do this, and He will. Only trust Him for He and He alone is able. He says now draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. Live in Christ today don’t be deceived. AMEN
Rooted and Built up in Jesus for today. The church at Colossae was in disorder and disarray because they had lost their focus on Jesus Christ. It have been invaded simply by evil influencers who sought to sow “ a new philosophy” within their faith. This is always the same package which Satan uses to deceive and destroy the faith of believers. It is always marketed by the same concept of improving your faith. There is nothing new under the sun, simply repackaging the same old lies. Anything needed in addition to what God has already provided is an issue. In this Chapter Paul is saying return to your first love. Just as John does in Revelation Chapter 3 to the church at Laodicea. Only here we get great detail as to how we should return and be encouraged that God is at work in us, bringing us back to Himself. Let’s look at Colossian’s chapter 2 and read: 2 For I want you to know what a great conflict[a] I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, [b]both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing [c]to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding [d]in it with thanksgiving.
In verse 1 these statements are linked back to the first two verses of chapter 1. There Paul had been describing his strivings, by teaching and preaching, to present every believer mature in Christ. Here his strivings are different. In Chapter 2 they are spoken of as great conflict but spiritually as in prayer. And this great conflict is on behalf of those he had never met. From the first day he had heard of the Colossians, he had prayed for them, as well as, for those in the neighboring city of Laodicea, and for other Christians whom he ha5d not as yet met (see Rev. 3:14–19 for the state of the church).
Verse 1 should be a comfort to those who are never given to engage in public ministry. It teaches that we need not be limited by what we can do only in the presence of people. We can serve the Lord greatly by private prayer on our knees. And if we are blessed to serve publicly, our effectiveness depends largely on our private devotions before God.<this is a God thing>
In verse 2 we can know the content of Paul’s prayer. The first part of his prayer is that their hearts may be encouraged. The Colossians were in danger of the teachings of the Gnostics. Therefore, encouraged here means that the truth of God’s word might be confirmed or strengthened in them. And the second part of His prayer is that they might be knit together in love. If our fellowship is first with Christ, then in Christian fellowship with other believers, then their hearts would be warm in love with Christ, He would then reveal to them the deeper truths of the faith.
Paul is saying here, if Believers practiced this fellowship first in Christ, then they would have a consistent and spiritual fellowship with one another. Then they would have a solid testimony against the onslaught of evil, inside or outside the church. This is a principle in Scripture that the Lord reveals His secrets to those who walk closest to Him. Example - John was the apostle who leaned on Jesus’ chest, and it was no coincidence that he was also the one to whom the great revelation of the future Jesus Christ was given.
Next Paul prayed that they might enter into all the riches of the full assurance of understanding. The more they pursued a deeper understanding of the Christian faith, the more fully convicted they would be by the Holy Spirit of its truths. Then they would be more firmly grounded in their faith. Believers would now be in less danger of falling away then by false teachings of the day. This is also very true in our day. We are to walk in awareness of truth.
The expression full assurance is used three times in the NT. (1) Full assurance of faith—as we rest on God’s word, His testimony to us (Heb. 10:22). (2) Full assurance of understanding—we know and are assured (Col. 2:2). (3) Full assurance of hope—we press on with confidence as to the outcome (Heb. 6:11).
The climax of Paul’s prayer is in the words - to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ.
What does Paul mean when he says that they may know the mystery of God … and of Christ? He is still referring to the truth of who is Jesus. He is the Christ, the Head of the Church, He is also the Son of God and head of all believers. But particularly he stresses the headship of Christ. All believers need to know and worship Jesus as Lord. By knowing the greatness of the Lord Jesus, we will not be drawn away by any philosophy, cult or any that threaten us.<the battle is the Lords>
Paul wants the saints to trust in Christ completely, to use the resources He provides, and to draw upon Him in prayer for all our needs – He is sufficient for every need.
“To them God willed to make known what are THE RICHES of the glory of THIS MYSTERY among the Gentiles: WHICH IS CHRIST IN YOU, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). We should be encouraged to know He is able to confront and defeat every form of opposition or counterfeit that comes against you as the church.
Verse 3 makes states In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. The Gnostics of the day, boasted of a spiritual understanding surpassing anything found within the pages of divine revelation. Their wisdom was in addition, an add on to what is found in Christ. Paul refutes this by stating all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ or Lord. Hence, there is no need to seek information or learning from the world or anywhere beyond what is written in the God’s Word. These treasures in Christ of which He speaks are hidden from us always by unbelief; each believer needs to know the Lord Christ intimately to receive them.
Christ is to the believer the Head, the center and chief resource of our faith. Christ by His very nature has infinite and unsearchable riches. He has the pre-eminent wealth of character, wisdom and knowledge, for He is God. Jesus has accomplished everything in creation and in redemption. His wisdom, intellect and understanding is far beyond any innumerable armies of professors, authors, mediums, critics, who arrayed themselves against Him, for He is all in all.
Note it states, all knowledge is found in Christ. He is the incarnation of the truth. He said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Nothing that is true will ever conflict with His words or His works.
God’s Word says ,“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Prov. 9:10)
The difference between knowledge and wisdom is, Knowledge is the understanding of truth, whereas wisdom is application of knowledge. So if you want the application of Knowledge which is wisdom, you had best seek God in Christ and not run after the world’s learning. (CRT<BLM, etc.).
In verse 4, because all wisdom and knowledge is in Christ, Christians should not be deluded with the persuasive words of false teachers or cults. If a man does not have the truth, then he must seek to attract a following through the clever presentation of his message. That is what deceivers, anti-Christ’s and heretics do. They argue from probabilities and build a system of teaching on untruths. Conversely, if one is preaching the truth of God, then he does not need to depend on such things as eloquence or clever arguments or deceptions by persuasive word. The truth stands eloquently alone and, like a lion, it defends itself.
Then in verse 5 Paul clearly understands the problems and difficulties facing the Colossians. He pictures himself as a military officer looking over the assembled troops as they stand ready for inspection. The words order and steadfastness are military terms. The first describes the orderly behavior of military members, and steadfastness embodies the patience of them under fire or stress. Paul rejoices as he sees (in spirit though not in body) how the Colossians were standing true to and with the word of God.
In verse 6 he encourages them and us to go on in the same way in which they had originally begun, that is, by faith. It states As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him. The emphasis here is on the word Lord. In other words, they had acknowledged that in Him there was complete sufficiency. Jesus was enough, not only for salvation, but for the satisfying their entire Christian life. Now Paul urges the saints to go on and to acknowledging the lordship of Christ. In trusting Christ they would not stray from Him by accepting the teachings of men, however convincing they may sound.
The word walk is one that is often used of the Christian life. It speaks of action in progress. You cannot walk and remain in the same place. So it is in the Christian life; we are either going forward or backward.
This is learning to walk by faith, in faith sustained only by the love and fellowship of Christ. Only He can enable you to do this, and He will. Only trust Him for He and He alone is able. He says now draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. Live in Christ today don’t be deceived. AMEN
March 5 Sermon
Fellowship in the Christ.
There is a blessed peace or presence in those who walk according to the Word and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Have you ever traveled thousands of miles and entered a church or a fellowship of different believers? If you have, have you experienced something like coming home? This has happened to me/us more than three times as we moved around the nation from Virginia to Bermuda to California and back to a different part of Virginia, Fredericksburg.
Have you ever thought that God has given believers a common foundation to those who trust implicitly in the scripture and allow themselves to be guided by the presence of the Lord? The foundation which believers share is the inerrant, infallible and inspired word of God. And the truth of that word, Word is embodied only in the Lord Jesus. Now we have a testimony from Jesus about God’s Word, it comes from John Chapter 17. There Jesus makes this statement in verse 17, He prays to the Father, Sanctify them by Your truth. Thy word is truth. Think about what this verse says. Understand this is the portion of Christ’s prayer before enduring the cross, where Jesus is praying for His disciples. And I believe for those who would follow them. Jesus says, Sanctify them by Your truth – God’s truth would set us apart and make us special, different from all others, except those who belong to God. Now what sets them apart. Jesus said, Thy word is truth. So the truth of God which lives in us, sets us apart. Now Jesus has more to say about the truth in John 14:6, He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” This verse reinforces the fact that there is only one way to truth and to real life and that is through Jesus Christ. Now others may disagree but this is not my opinion it is the Word of God.
God has gone to extreme measures to preserve the integrity, accuracy and holiness of His Word for you and I. It is critical for us to have a clear knowledge of what God has said, so we might know Him and that His Holy Spirit can use this word to instruct and guide us as we grow in Christ. Let’s look at Galatians Chapter 2 and see how God used His word in Paul to preserve, protect and defend the truth given to Gentile believers.
The truth needs ever to remain the same and it needs to be defended against any who would pervert and deny the truth even in today’s world. Turn to Galatians, Chapter 2 and let’s read what Paul experienced, it may provide us insight into Fellowship in the Word of God, its meaning and how it functions in the life of believers.
Let’s pray first – Father today the world is so confusing. Lead us in the way of understanding. Give us peace and the desire to be obedient to each of your command in Jesus name. AMEN
Galatians, Chapter 2, let’s read,
2 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me. 2 And I went up [a]by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), 5 to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
6 But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God [b]shows personal favoritism to no man--for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. 7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter 8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), 9 and when James, [c]Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.
First Point God’s word unifies- In verse 2 why did Paul speak privately to the spiritual leaders rather than to the entire assembly? Was he asking them to approve his gospel, in case it was incorrect? Certainly not! His gospel was given by inspiration and the teaching of Jesus directly. So this would be contrary to all Paul had been saying and doing.
He had no doubts that the doctrine he is preaching is the truth. So our explanation for Him meeting privately must be sought elsewhere. Usually as a common courtesy we speak to leaders first. We want leaders to be convinced as to the truth and genuineness of our teaching and that it conforms identically with what Jesus taught them. If they were questions or difficulties, Paul wanted to prove to them at the outset. Then he could go before the people of the churches with the full support of all others. Paul was aware there might be appeals will might sway the group. Therefore, Paul presented his gospel privately at first, in an atmosphere free from disputes to build accord. He was trying to promote unity in the Word and thus prevent the dividing the church into a Jewish wing and a Gentile one. Then the purpose of Paul’s trip to Jerusalem would have been defeated. This is what he means by lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain.
Second Point God’s Word is and builds consistency. 3 Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), 5 to whom we did not yield.
Others had come into the church and challenged the purity and fulness of the original teaching from Paul. These Judaizers believed you had to add all the requirements of being a Jew in keeping the law to actually walk according to the words of Jesus. This would of course compel all males to be circumcised to be in accordance with the law. But Jesus abolished all the mandates of the original law and taught that the circumcision was not physical but spiritual and was a matter of the heart. So maintaining the purity and consistency of what Jesus taught was of a critical nature and Paul was going to defend it. When you see inerrancy or additions to the word of God, what is your response, do you challenge others remember according to the word anyone who adds or takes away from the Word of God will be judged.
You will also notice in verse 1 it says Paul brought Titus with him. Titus was a Greek, and infidel according to the Jews. He was not considered within the realm of the redeemed and was destined by Jewish leaders an outcast. Paul brings him as evidence of the redemptive nature of the Gospel given by Jesus Christ and the creation of the new believers fully vested by God. What a testimony the Holy Spirit has changed one outside the law into a brother redeemed by the blood of Christ and His life, death burial and resurrection.
Changed by the blood of the Lamb as you too can be changed through Christ.
Now you do realize that error and apostacy is continually being introduced into the beloved. This is a constant fight and this is one of Satan’s oldest tricks. He is also trying to get believers derailed from the truth. Just as He tempted Jesus,
Satan tempts us to find an easier less stressful way to attain cleansing and salvation. Paul’s goal was to never vary on the truth.
Notice verses 6 through 9. How God establishes the fellowship of Paul, Barnabas and Titus through the fellowship around the Word of God. Reading these verses - 6 But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God [b]shows personal favoritism to no man--for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. 7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter 8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), 9 and when James, [c]Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
Paul notes that some seemed to think of their ministry more highly that His, God shows no favoritism all are equal in Christ. How do you treat others especially believers from other land different from you own? Paul also notes for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. All of us are equal in Christ as redeemed. We should all be humbled but remember Matt.11:11
“Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Point 3, God’s word builds fellowship using the Gospel, note this carefully, 7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter 8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles). The Holy Spirit sanctifies and sets apart us each apart for ministry to others. And how is this done, it is by the gospel. Do not miss this point there is no difference in the gospel to Peter to the circumcised or to Paul for the uncircumcised. It is all the same Word of God and Gospel of Christ regardless. The ministry of the Word, the truth of the Gospel and the Holy Spirit are linked. It is the Spirits work to take the Word and implant it in our hearts from our minds, so we can walk in it and live it. The Gospel is Christ.
Our fellowship is therefore grounded in the Word of truth and the Holy Spirit uses the truth to create in us new hearts and lives, which desire to live uniquely for Christ. Is your heart agreeing with these truths or are you missing it today?
Final Point The Bible is the living, active Word of God. Do not think that it is to a man that you owe the gospel. No it is only to God. It was God who was at work. Not only did God conceive the gospel before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4); not only did God accomplish the gospel by sending his Son to die for our sins and raising him from the dead; but it was God who chose the apostles, set them apart, and did the preaching of the gospel through them. Verse 8 says that the reason the Jerusalem apostles could recognize Paul as an apostle was that "He who worked through Peter . . . worked also through Paul." When Paul was born, it was God at work (1:15). When Paul was called to be an apostle, it was God at work (1:16). When Paul preached, it was God at work (2 Corinthians 5:20; 1 Corinthians 15:10). And when Paul refused to yield to the false brothers, it was God at work, "that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you."
Now if God worked before the foundation of the world, in the death and resurrection of Jesus, at the Jerusalem Council, over the past 2,000 years, and in the message today, "that the truth of the gospel be preserved for you," then does God not love you and merit your trust, faith and obedience in this time and day?
If God has worked in this way to preserve the truth of the gospel for people who need it, is this not still an incomparable challenge to give your life for the spreading of the gospel?
And unless God has changed, can we say that if you undertake to share and shine with the good news of Christ for others, will not almighty God work in you and for you? And God will undergird you with a unified, divinely inspired holy witness to the greatest events in history. And this is His story that the Son of God died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day to live eternally and will save forever those who put their trust in Him. This is the gospel of truth. Amen
Only trust Him, only trust Him now. He will save you, He will save you now.
Fellowship in the Christ.
There is a blessed peace or presence in those who walk according to the Word and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Have you ever traveled thousands of miles and entered a church or a fellowship of different believers? If you have, have you experienced something like coming home? This has happened to me/us more than three times as we moved around the nation from Virginia to Bermuda to California and back to a different part of Virginia, Fredericksburg.
Have you ever thought that God has given believers a common foundation to those who trust implicitly in the scripture and allow themselves to be guided by the presence of the Lord? The foundation which believers share is the inerrant, infallible and inspired word of God. And the truth of that word, Word is embodied only in the Lord Jesus. Now we have a testimony from Jesus about God’s Word, it comes from John Chapter 17. There Jesus makes this statement in verse 17, He prays to the Father, Sanctify them by Your truth. Thy word is truth. Think about what this verse says. Understand this is the portion of Christ’s prayer before enduring the cross, where Jesus is praying for His disciples. And I believe for those who would follow them. Jesus says, Sanctify them by Your truth – God’s truth would set us apart and make us special, different from all others, except those who belong to God. Now what sets them apart. Jesus said, Thy word is truth. So the truth of God which lives in us, sets us apart. Now Jesus has more to say about the truth in John 14:6, He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” This verse reinforces the fact that there is only one way to truth and to real life and that is through Jesus Christ. Now others may disagree but this is not my opinion it is the Word of God.
God has gone to extreme measures to preserve the integrity, accuracy and holiness of His Word for you and I. It is critical for us to have a clear knowledge of what God has said, so we might know Him and that His Holy Spirit can use this word to instruct and guide us as we grow in Christ. Let’s look at Galatians Chapter 2 and see how God used His word in Paul to preserve, protect and defend the truth given to Gentile believers.
The truth needs ever to remain the same and it needs to be defended against any who would pervert and deny the truth even in today’s world. Turn to Galatians, Chapter 2 and let’s read what Paul experienced, it may provide us insight into Fellowship in the Word of God, its meaning and how it functions in the life of believers.
Let’s pray first – Father today the world is so confusing. Lead us in the way of understanding. Give us peace and the desire to be obedient to each of your command in Jesus name. AMEN
Galatians, Chapter 2, let’s read,
2 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me. 2 And I went up [a]by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), 5 to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
6 But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God [b]shows personal favoritism to no man--for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. 7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter 8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), 9 and when James, [c]Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.
First Point God’s word unifies- In verse 2 why did Paul speak privately to the spiritual leaders rather than to the entire assembly? Was he asking them to approve his gospel, in case it was incorrect? Certainly not! His gospel was given by inspiration and the teaching of Jesus directly. So this would be contrary to all Paul had been saying and doing.
He had no doubts that the doctrine he is preaching is the truth. So our explanation for Him meeting privately must be sought elsewhere. Usually as a common courtesy we speak to leaders first. We want leaders to be convinced as to the truth and genuineness of our teaching and that it conforms identically with what Jesus taught them. If they were questions or difficulties, Paul wanted to prove to them at the outset. Then he could go before the people of the churches with the full support of all others. Paul was aware there might be appeals will might sway the group. Therefore, Paul presented his gospel privately at first, in an atmosphere free from disputes to build accord. He was trying to promote unity in the Word and thus prevent the dividing the church into a Jewish wing and a Gentile one. Then the purpose of Paul’s trip to Jerusalem would have been defeated. This is what he means by lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain.
Second Point God’s Word is and builds consistency. 3 Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), 5 to whom we did not yield.
Others had come into the church and challenged the purity and fulness of the original teaching from Paul. These Judaizers believed you had to add all the requirements of being a Jew in keeping the law to actually walk according to the words of Jesus. This would of course compel all males to be circumcised to be in accordance with the law. But Jesus abolished all the mandates of the original law and taught that the circumcision was not physical but spiritual and was a matter of the heart. So maintaining the purity and consistency of what Jesus taught was of a critical nature and Paul was going to defend it. When you see inerrancy or additions to the word of God, what is your response, do you challenge others remember according to the word anyone who adds or takes away from the Word of God will be judged.
You will also notice in verse 1 it says Paul brought Titus with him. Titus was a Greek, and infidel according to the Jews. He was not considered within the realm of the redeemed and was destined by Jewish leaders an outcast. Paul brings him as evidence of the redemptive nature of the Gospel given by Jesus Christ and the creation of the new believers fully vested by God. What a testimony the Holy Spirit has changed one outside the law into a brother redeemed by the blood of Christ and His life, death burial and resurrection.
Changed by the blood of the Lamb as you too can be changed through Christ.
Now you do realize that error and apostacy is continually being introduced into the beloved. This is a constant fight and this is one of Satan’s oldest tricks. He is also trying to get believers derailed from the truth. Just as He tempted Jesus,
Satan tempts us to find an easier less stressful way to attain cleansing and salvation. Paul’s goal was to never vary on the truth.
Notice verses 6 through 9. How God establishes the fellowship of Paul, Barnabas and Titus through the fellowship around the Word of God. Reading these verses - 6 But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God [b]shows personal favoritism to no man--for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. 7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter 8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), 9 and when James, [c]Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
Paul notes that some seemed to think of their ministry more highly that His, God shows no favoritism all are equal in Christ. How do you treat others especially believers from other land different from you own? Paul also notes for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. All of us are equal in Christ as redeemed. We should all be humbled but remember Matt.11:11
“Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Point 3, God’s word builds fellowship using the Gospel, note this carefully, 7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter 8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles). The Holy Spirit sanctifies and sets apart us each apart for ministry to others. And how is this done, it is by the gospel. Do not miss this point there is no difference in the gospel to Peter to the circumcised or to Paul for the uncircumcised. It is all the same Word of God and Gospel of Christ regardless. The ministry of the Word, the truth of the Gospel and the Holy Spirit are linked. It is the Spirits work to take the Word and implant it in our hearts from our minds, so we can walk in it and live it. The Gospel is Christ.
Our fellowship is therefore grounded in the Word of truth and the Holy Spirit uses the truth to create in us new hearts and lives, which desire to live uniquely for Christ. Is your heart agreeing with these truths or are you missing it today?
Final Point The Bible is the living, active Word of God. Do not think that it is to a man that you owe the gospel. No it is only to God. It was God who was at work. Not only did God conceive the gospel before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4); not only did God accomplish the gospel by sending his Son to die for our sins and raising him from the dead; but it was God who chose the apostles, set them apart, and did the preaching of the gospel through them. Verse 8 says that the reason the Jerusalem apostles could recognize Paul as an apostle was that "He who worked through Peter . . . worked also through Paul." When Paul was born, it was God at work (1:15). When Paul was called to be an apostle, it was God at work (1:16). When Paul preached, it was God at work (2 Corinthians 5:20; 1 Corinthians 15:10). And when Paul refused to yield to the false brothers, it was God at work, "that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you."
Now if God worked before the foundation of the world, in the death and resurrection of Jesus, at the Jerusalem Council, over the past 2,000 years, and in the message today, "that the truth of the gospel be preserved for you," then does God not love you and merit your trust, faith and obedience in this time and day?
If God has worked in this way to preserve the truth of the gospel for people who need it, is this not still an incomparable challenge to give your life for the spreading of the gospel?
And unless God has changed, can we say that if you undertake to share and shine with the good news of Christ for others, will not almighty God work in you and for you? And God will undergird you with a unified, divinely inspired holy witness to the greatest events in history. And this is His story that the Son of God died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day to live eternally and will save forever those who put their trust in Him. This is the gospel of truth. Amen
Only trust Him, only trust Him now. He will save you, He will save you now.
Feb 27 Sermon
Fellowship in the Christ.
There is a blessed peace or presence in those who walk according to the Word and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Have you ever traveled thousands of miles and entered a church or a fellowship of different believers? If you have, have you experienced something like coming home? This has happened to me/us more than three times as we moved around the nation from Virginia to Bermuda to California and back to a different part of Virginia, Fredericksburg.
Have you ever thought that God has given believers a common foundation to those who trust implicitly in the scripture and allow themselves to be guided by the presence of the Lord? The foundation which believers share is the inerrant, infallible and inspired word of God. And the truth of that word, Word is embodied only in the Lord Jesus. Now we have a testimony from Jesus about God’s Word, it comes from John Chapter 17. There Jesus makes this statement in verse 17, He prays to the Father, Sanctify them by Your truth. Thy word is truth. Think about what this verse says. Understand this is the portion of Christ’s prayer before enduring the cross, where Jesus is praying for His disciples. And I believe for those who would follow them. Jesus says, Sanctify them by Your truth – God’s truth would set us apart and make us special, different from all others, except those who belong to God. Now what sets them apart. Jesus said, Thy word is truth. So the truth of God which lives in us, sets us apart. Now Jesus has more to say about the truth in John 14:6, He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” This verse reinforces the fact that there is only one way to truth and to real life and that is through Jesus Christ. Now others may disagree but this is not my opinion it is the Word of God.
God has gone to extreme measures to preserve the integrity, accuracy and holiness of His Word for you and I. It is critical for us to have a clear knowledge of what God has said, so we might know Him and that His Holy Spirit can use this word to instruct and guide us as we grow in Christ. Let’s look at Galatians Chapter 2 and see how God used His word in Paul to preserve, protect and defend the truth given to Gentile believers.
The truth needs ever to remain the same and it needs to be defended against any who would pervert and deny the truth even in today’s world. Turn to Galatians, Chapter 2 and let’s read what Paul experienced, it may provide us insight into Fellowship in the Word of God, its meaning and how it functions in the life of believers.
Let’s pray first – Father today the world is so confusing. Lead us in the way of understanding. Give us peace and the desire to be obedient to each of your command in Jesus name. AMEN
Galatians, Chapter 2, let’s read,
2 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me. 2 And I went up [a]by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), 5 to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
6 But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God [b]shows personal favoritism to no man--for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. 7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter 8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), 9 and when James, [c]Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.
First Point God’s word unifies- In verse 2 why did Paul speak privately to the spiritual leaders rather than to the entire assembly? Was he asking them to approve his gospel, in case it was incorrect? Certainly not! His gospel was given by inspiration and the teaching of Jesus directly. So this would be contrary to all Paul had been saying and doing.
He had no doubts that the doctrine he is preaching is the truth. So our explanation for Him meeting privately must be sought elsewhere. Usually as a common courtesy we speak to leaders first. We want leaders to be convinced as to the truth and genuineness of our teaching and that it conforms identically with what Jesus taught them. If they were questions or difficulties, Paul wanted to prove to them at the outset. Then he could go before the people of the churches with the full support of all others. Paul was aware there might be appeals will might sway the group. Therefore, Paul presented his gospel privately at first, in an atmosphere free from disputes to build accord. He was trying to promote unity in the Word and thus prevent the dividing the church into a Jewish wing and a Gentile one. Then the purpose of Paul’s trip to Jerusalem would have been defeated. This is what he means by lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain.
Second Point God’s Word is and builds consistency. 3 Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), 5 to whom we did not yield.
Others had come into the church and challenged the purity and fulness of the original teaching from Paul. These Judaizers believed you had to add all the requirements of being a Jew in keeping the law to actually walk according to the words of Jesus. This would of course compel all males to be circumcised to be in accordance with the law. But Jesus abolished all the mandates of the original law and taught that the circumcision was not physical but spiritual and was a matter of the heart. So maintaining the purity and consistency of what Jesus taught was of a critical nature and Paul was going to defend it. When you see inerrancy or additions to the word of God, what is your response, do you challenge others remember according to the word anyone who adds or takes away from the Word of God will be judged.
You will also notice in verse 1 it says Paul brought Titus with him. Titus was a Greek, and infidel according to the Jews. He was not considered within the realm of the redeemed and was destined by Jewish leaders an outcast. Paul brings him as evidence of the redemptive nature of the Gospel given by Jesus Christ and the creation of the new believers fully vested by God. What a testimony the Holy Spirit has changed one outside the law into a brother redeemed by the blood of Christ and His life, death burial and resurrection.
Changed by the blood of the Lamb as you too can be changed through Christ.
Now you do realize that error and apostacy is continually being introduced into the beloved. This is a constant fight and this is one of Satan’s oldest tricks. He is also trying to get believers derailed from the truth. Just as He tempted Jesus,
Satan tempts us to find an easier less stressful way to attain cleansing and salvation. Paul’s goal was to never vary on the truth.
Notice verses 6 through 9. How God establishes the fellowship of Paul, Barnabas and Titus through the fellowship around the Word of God. Reading these verses - 6 But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God [b]shows personal favoritism to no man--for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. 7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter 8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), 9 and when James, [c]Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
Paul notes that some seemed to think of their ministry more highly that His, God shows no favoritism all are equal in Christ. How do you treat others especially believers from other land different from you own? Paul also notes for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. All of us are equal in Christ as redeemed. We should all be humbled but remember Matt.11:11
“Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Point 3, God’s word builds fellowship using the Gospel, note this carefully, 7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter 8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles). The Holy Spirit sanctifies and sets apart us each apart for ministry to others. And how is this done, it is by the gospel. Do not miss this point there is no difference in the gospel to Peter to the circumcised or to Paul for the uncircumcised. It is all the same Word of God and Gospel of Christ regardless. The ministry of the Word, the truth of the Gospel and the Holy Spirit are linked. It is the Spirits work to take the Word and implant it in our hearts from our minds, so we can walk in it and live it. The Gospel is Christ.
Our fellowship is therefore grounded in the Word of truth and the Holy Spirit uses the truth to create in us new hearts and lives, which desire to live uniquely for Christ. Is your heart agreeing with these truths or are you missing it today?
Final Point The Bible is the living, active Word of God. Do not think that it is to a man that you owe the gospel. No it is only to God. It was God who was at work. Not only did God conceive the gospel before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4); not only did God accomplish the gospel by sending his Son to die for our sins and raising him from the dead; but it was God who chose the apostles, set them apart, and did the preaching of the gospel through them. Verse 8 says that the reason the Jerusalem apostles could recognize Paul as an apostle was that "He who worked through Peter . . . worked also through Paul." When Paul was born, it was God at work (1:15). When Paul was called to be an apostle, it was God at work (1:16). When Paul preached, it was God at work (2 Corinthians 5:20; 1 Corinthians 15:10). And when Paul refused to yield to the false brothers, it was God at work, "that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you."
Now if God worked before the foundation of the world, in the death and resurrection of Jesus, at the Jerusalem Council, over the past 2,000 years, and in the message today, "that the truth of the gospel be preserved for you," then does God not love you and merit your trust, faith and obedience in this time and day?
If God has worked in this way to preserve the truth of the gospel for people who need it, is this not still an incomparable challenge to give your life for the spreading of the gospel?
And unless God has changed, can we say that if you undertake to share and shine with the good news of Christ for others, will not almighty God work in you and for you? And God will undergird you with a unified, divinely inspired holy witness to the greatest events in history. And this is His story that the Son of God died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day to live eternally and will save forever those who put their trust in Him. This is the gospel of truth. Amen
Only trust Him, only trust Him now. He will save you, He will save you now.
Fellowship in the Christ.
There is a blessed peace or presence in those who walk according to the Word and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Have you ever traveled thousands of miles and entered a church or a fellowship of different believers? If you have, have you experienced something like coming home? This has happened to me/us more than three times as we moved around the nation from Virginia to Bermuda to California and back to a different part of Virginia, Fredericksburg.
Have you ever thought that God has given believers a common foundation to those who trust implicitly in the scripture and allow themselves to be guided by the presence of the Lord? The foundation which believers share is the inerrant, infallible and inspired word of God. And the truth of that word, Word is embodied only in the Lord Jesus. Now we have a testimony from Jesus about God’s Word, it comes from John Chapter 17. There Jesus makes this statement in verse 17, He prays to the Father, Sanctify them by Your truth. Thy word is truth. Think about what this verse says. Understand this is the portion of Christ’s prayer before enduring the cross, where Jesus is praying for His disciples. And I believe for those who would follow them. Jesus says, Sanctify them by Your truth – God’s truth would set us apart and make us special, different from all others, except those who belong to God. Now what sets them apart. Jesus said, Thy word is truth. So the truth of God which lives in us, sets us apart. Now Jesus has more to say about the truth in John 14:6, He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” This verse reinforces the fact that there is only one way to truth and to real life and that is through Jesus Christ. Now others may disagree but this is not my opinion it is the Word of God.
God has gone to extreme measures to preserve the integrity, accuracy and holiness of His Word for you and I. It is critical for us to have a clear knowledge of what God has said, so we might know Him and that His Holy Spirit can use this word to instruct and guide us as we grow in Christ. Let’s look at Galatians Chapter 2 and see how God used His word in Paul to preserve, protect and defend the truth given to Gentile believers.
The truth needs ever to remain the same and it needs to be defended against any who would pervert and deny the truth even in today’s world. Turn to Galatians, Chapter 2 and let’s read what Paul experienced, it may provide us insight into Fellowship in the Word of God, its meaning and how it functions in the life of believers.
Let’s pray first – Father today the world is so confusing. Lead us in the way of understanding. Give us peace and the desire to be obedient to each of your command in Jesus name. AMEN
Galatians, Chapter 2, let’s read,
2 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me. 2 And I went up [a]by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), 5 to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
6 But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God [b]shows personal favoritism to no man--for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. 7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter 8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), 9 and when James, [c]Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.
First Point God’s word unifies- In verse 2 why did Paul speak privately to the spiritual leaders rather than to the entire assembly? Was he asking them to approve his gospel, in case it was incorrect? Certainly not! His gospel was given by inspiration and the teaching of Jesus directly. So this would be contrary to all Paul had been saying and doing.
He had no doubts that the doctrine he is preaching is the truth. So our explanation for Him meeting privately must be sought elsewhere. Usually as a common courtesy we speak to leaders first. We want leaders to be convinced as to the truth and genuineness of our teaching and that it conforms identically with what Jesus taught them. If they were questions or difficulties, Paul wanted to prove to them at the outset. Then he could go before the people of the churches with the full support of all others. Paul was aware there might be appeals will might sway the group. Therefore, Paul presented his gospel privately at first, in an atmosphere free from disputes to build accord. He was trying to promote unity in the Word and thus prevent the dividing the church into a Jewish wing and a Gentile one. Then the purpose of Paul’s trip to Jerusalem would have been defeated. This is what he means by lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain.
Second Point God’s Word is and builds consistency. 3 Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), 5 to whom we did not yield.
Others had come into the church and challenged the purity and fulness of the original teaching from Paul. These Judaizers believed you had to add all the requirements of being a Jew in keeping the law to actually walk according to the words of Jesus. This would of course compel all males to be circumcised to be in accordance with the law. But Jesus abolished all the mandates of the original law and taught that the circumcision was not physical but spiritual and was a matter of the heart. So maintaining the purity and consistency of what Jesus taught was of a critical nature and Paul was going to defend it. When you see inerrancy or additions to the word of God, what is your response, do you challenge others remember according to the word anyone who adds or takes away from the Word of God will be judged.
You will also notice in verse 1 it says Paul brought Titus with him. Titus was a Greek, and infidel according to the Jews. He was not considered within the realm of the redeemed and was destined by Jewish leaders an outcast. Paul brings him as evidence of the redemptive nature of the Gospel given by Jesus Christ and the creation of the new believers fully vested by God. What a testimony the Holy Spirit has changed one outside the law into a brother redeemed by the blood of Christ and His life, death burial and resurrection.
Changed by the blood of the Lamb as you too can be changed through Christ.
Now you do realize that error and apostacy is continually being introduced into the beloved. This is a constant fight and this is one of Satan’s oldest tricks. He is also trying to get believers derailed from the truth. Just as He tempted Jesus,
Satan tempts us to find an easier less stressful way to attain cleansing and salvation. Paul’s goal was to never vary on the truth.
Notice verses 6 through 9. How God establishes the fellowship of Paul, Barnabas and Titus through the fellowship around the Word of God. Reading these verses - 6 But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God [b]shows personal favoritism to no man--for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. 7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter 8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), 9 and when James, [c]Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
Paul notes that some seemed to think of their ministry more highly that His, God shows no favoritism all are equal in Christ. How do you treat others especially believers from other land different from you own? Paul also notes for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. All of us are equal in Christ as redeemed. We should all be humbled but remember Matt.11:11
“Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Point 3, God’s word builds fellowship using the Gospel, note this carefully, 7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter 8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles). The Holy Spirit sanctifies and sets apart us each apart for ministry to others. And how is this done, it is by the gospel. Do not miss this point there is no difference in the gospel to Peter to the circumcised or to Paul for the uncircumcised. It is all the same Word of God and Gospel of Christ regardless. The ministry of the Word, the truth of the Gospel and the Holy Spirit are linked. It is the Spirits work to take the Word and implant it in our hearts from our minds, so we can walk in it and live it. The Gospel is Christ.
Our fellowship is therefore grounded in the Word of truth and the Holy Spirit uses the truth to create in us new hearts and lives, which desire to live uniquely for Christ. Is your heart agreeing with these truths or are you missing it today?
Final Point The Bible is the living, active Word of God. Do not think that it is to a man that you owe the gospel. No it is only to God. It was God who was at work. Not only did God conceive the gospel before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4); not only did God accomplish the gospel by sending his Son to die for our sins and raising him from the dead; but it was God who chose the apostles, set them apart, and did the preaching of the gospel through them. Verse 8 says that the reason the Jerusalem apostles could recognize Paul as an apostle was that "He who worked through Peter . . . worked also through Paul." When Paul was born, it was God at work (1:15). When Paul was called to be an apostle, it was God at work (1:16). When Paul preached, it was God at work (2 Corinthians 5:20; 1 Corinthians 15:10). And when Paul refused to yield to the false brothers, it was God at work, "that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you."
Now if God worked before the foundation of the world, in the death and resurrection of Jesus, at the Jerusalem Council, over the past 2,000 years, and in the message today, "that the truth of the gospel be preserved for you," then does God not love you and merit your trust, faith and obedience in this time and day?
If God has worked in this way to preserve the truth of the gospel for people who need it, is this not still an incomparable challenge to give your life for the spreading of the gospel?
And unless God has changed, can we say that if you undertake to share and shine with the good news of Christ for others, will not almighty God work in you and for you? And God will undergird you with a unified, divinely inspired holy witness to the greatest events in history. And this is His story that the Son of God died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day to live eternally and will save forever those who put their trust in Him. This is the gospel of truth. Amen
Only trust Him, only trust Him now. He will save you, He will save you now.
Feb 20 Sermon
The only truth today is in the Lord Jesus Christ and in His Word for you in 2023. There are other supposed truths being told, but for your life today and for eternity, as a believer in the Way of God, Jesus is the only truth that will ensure your life is in Him for eternity. There is no other way. (John 14:6)
Pilate had a problem with truth if you remember for John’s Gospel Chapter 18, 37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”
Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.
I have made much of this scripture over the years because this point is so important. Truth, real truth only comes from God. I say again real truth only comes from God. We can be staring the truth right in the eye as was Pilate with Jesus and totally miss the truth. Unless the Spirit of God so quickens the heart of a man, He will miss what God is doing even though it is front and center.
America and our leaders, pastors and the citizens of this great nation have rejected the real truth which comes only from God and have decided they know best how to define truth relatively and it is ruining our people our families and our nation. Truth is never relative or subjective it is always the truth under any and all circumstances. So today we will look at Paul and his relationship with the Galatian church and see how Judaizers tried to subvert the truth of God which Paul had preached previously: and they were disparaged His teaching for they questioned His authority. We see this happening daily in America today, real truth is being subverted, questioned and marginalized in the public square. Christians and Christian leaders are backing down from the debate because they are afraid of the heat of criticism, and the potential cost to them and their families in the questioning of their faith. This is what happened in Galatians to Paul. And maybe, just maybe there is a lesson for our backbones, our thin skin, and our lack of faith on how we each should be standing today.
Father I pray that Lord you might speak to our hearts today and reveal Your truth to us and build in us Your truth and encourage our faith walk in You today. AMEN
Galatian Chapter 1, verses 11-24 reading, 11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
13 For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. 14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see [c]Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. 20 (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)
21 Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. 23 But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God in me.
Let’s look at verse 1 of this chapter and compare it with verse 11. Verse 1 reads, 1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead),
11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
In both cases Paul is citing his authority. In verse 1 he is proving his authority as an apostle which differs from all the other apostles and in verses 11 and 12 he is describing where and how he received the Gospel and the call which he now preaches. Note that in both cases his authority and his commissioning did not come from himself, from any earthly institution or from some manmade authority such as a seminary, but came from the Lord Jesus Himself. Paul and Apostle not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead. God in Christ encountered Him on the road to Damascus for his commissioning and calling as an Apostle and his gospel was not learned or taught by some manmade institution but given by the revelation of none other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
This is important for you and I for we need to understand that the source of our truth is from above. The Bible comes from above and was commission by God, just as you were commission by God is Christ Jesus. (John 15:16). Our lives are created by God, chosen by God, ordained by God, commissioned by God into ministry and directed by God. So how is it we try to alter our thinking that we could or can lead God in anything. Jesus reminding His disciples directly in John 15 – apart from Me you can do nothing.
Bottom line for us is God’s truth is essential for us to live in today’s culture. And our Truth (Christ Jesus) is not negotiable for the source of all truth and is especially not from our limited minds and imaginations, but comes from the very heart of God.
Second, as one who has been called by God why do you so easily discount your calling and commissioning. It comes from the very heart of God. Let no man disparage your lineage or your authority as with Paul it comes from heaven above. And third did not Jesus tell us not worry about what to say if we are brought before authorities. Jesus said He would give you the words to speak in that moment.
Your authority, your calling and your power come not of your own authority but from God. Let none demean your calling or your authority. Some will question your credentials as they did Paul’s, well the only credential your need is called of God.
II. A second impact of God’s truth is that it changes our lives. Read with me in verses 13 through part of 16, 13 For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. 14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles,
The result of truth entering the life of individual is a change in behavior. When a person encounters truth in whatever realm it is given it changes everything. Originally men thought the earth was flat, when they discovered it was round Kings sent explorers like Vasco de Gama, Columbus and others to discover new trade routes around the world. When the truth about the solar systems not revolving around earth but the solar system revolves around the sun, mathematics, physics and celestial mechanics changed radically, allowing many of the advances we now experience in our world including space and beyond. If those physical things were changed by revolutions in applying truth, imagine what radical changes occur is the life of men and women when God’s spiritual truth about His Son enters your life. Everything changes when that happens, for God’s truth alters our present life, making all things new and it remakes our final destination an eternal reality.
If you were to read part of Act Chapter 9 you would find Saul as he is known before conversion <Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord
to terrorize the Churches> conspiring to destroy the church. Remember Saul contributed to the stoning of Stephen and he believed he was doing the will of
God in persecuting Christians.
Look at what happened to Saul when he encountered the Living Lord, He became Paul the disciple of Jesus. His name changed. His allegiance changed, no longer a Jew exclusively and hater of Gentiles. His life’s work changed – no longer a Pharisee of Pharisees but a minister to the Gospel of Christ and to Gentiles. No longer zealous for Judaism but zealous for the power of the resurrected Son of God. He was drawn to new associations with the hated disciples who became fellow laborers with Paul.
So if the light of the Gospel from heaven has shown down on you, has your life reflected a transition of allegiance? A transition and zeal for the activities of God, A transition of fellowship for the people of God and a reorientation for His priorities? If not, perhaps your original meeting was simply an emotional experience and not really life changing. Do you think God is knocking on the door of your heart for more from you? Consider for a moment what a single word from God could do? Be obedient and respond.
III. Your salvation and your conversion comes from God and they come from above and not from men; and are bought with a price for salvation is spiritually delivered. Verse 16 again Paul says, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me;
Further on in the text there is refutation by Paul about what He speaks in verse 20 20 (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)
The truth and the call on His life which Paul preached and lived came only from God and was not given or discerned by Paul or provide by education from men. When you are born from above according to the truth of the Word of God, you are indwelt with the Holy Spirit at that very moment. So your body becomes the temple of God for He now lives in you. If you are walking “in Christ” and are seeking His will and His way, then men cannot refute your testimony and the message you bring of salvation. The Bible says, by grace have you been saved by faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created unto good works which God ordained beforehand that we should accomplish them (Eph 2:8-10). You have been saved by grace through your faith and that not of yourselves. But you are His workmanship. And note this created unto good works which God has planned beforehand.
So are you being obedient to the call to go and make disciples. Our church needs to have a vision for the lost and bringing others to Christ for the days are short and we have little time. Will you be obedient to His call to join the battle today? AMEN
First, the gospel Paul preached came from God, not from man. Second, the gospel he received and preached is the gospel of grace. And third, the gospel Paul preached changes Him and changes everyone it touches and revises our lives. Think of this:
God’s word and touch changed Paul. He went from being Saul the persecutor to Paul the apostle. From persecutor to preacher, that’s the turnaround the gospel effected in the life of Paul. Christians at the time said: “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”
Jesus’ gospel changes lives. In some ways, this last point may be hard for us to believe but we have seen it in many people. Sure, we can see Paul’s life. And if we look carefully we can see it in the believers. Each one has a life changing testimony. But what about in my and your life? When I look at my own life, I don’t see as much change as I think there should be. I am frustrated by my own lack weaknesses and lack of holiness. I see too much sin that I don’t seem to be able to shed. Our brother Paul saw that in his own life, even after he was converted and became a great apostle. He says as much in Romans 7: “I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing.” Christians still are saddled with their old Adam, that old sinful nature that drags us down. We daily need to repent and return, to find that grace, that forgiveness in Christ, but learn to walk in grace.
Jesus gospel transforms us, changes us, so that now we do have new life in
Christ, and He has given us a heart to please God. He also teaches us to love and serve others in His name. That is the transforming power of the gospel and is God’s work in us. God gifts us and equips us as Christians to live life in new ways, in his ways.
We may not notice this in ourselves, because live with ourselves every day, and know our sinful ways. And we would surely never boast of our good works as any sort of cause for our salvation–all the glory goes to God. Even so, God does give us his Spirit, so that now we do begin to love and serve him. We are new people in Christ, believe it or–and live it. God says it, God does it, and therefore it is so.
Not many are called to be preachers, but God call each of us to live our lives to love and serve others, accordingly, perhaps as a husband, a wife, a father, a mother, a citizen, a worker in the general workforce, as a church member, and whatever you could think or name. In all areas of life, He has good works that God has equipped us to do, and He will enable us to do them. So believe God’s Word when he promises that he will help you to live as the new person you are in Christ. The gospel changes lives. It did for Paul. It will do so for you.
Today we have heard about the gospel Paul preached: That it came from God, not from man, and you can be sure of it. That it is the gospel of God’s great and abundant grace in Christ, forgiving your sins, giving you perfect righteousness and eternal life in Christ your Savior. And that it is this same gospel that will change your life, continually calling you from the old life of sin and selfishness to the new life of love and service that are the hallmarks of our life in Christ. This is the gospel Paul preached, and it’s the gospel that gives us life, and new life, today.
The only truth today is in the Lord Jesus Christ and in His Word for you in 2023. There are other supposed truths being told, but for your life today and for eternity, as a believer in the Way of God, Jesus is the only truth that will ensure your life is in Him for eternity. There is no other way. (John 14:6)
Pilate had a problem with truth if you remember for John’s Gospel Chapter 18, 37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”
Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.
I have made much of this scripture over the years because this point is so important. Truth, real truth only comes from God. I say again real truth only comes from God. We can be staring the truth right in the eye as was Pilate with Jesus and totally miss the truth. Unless the Spirit of God so quickens the heart of a man, He will miss what God is doing even though it is front and center.
America and our leaders, pastors and the citizens of this great nation have rejected the real truth which comes only from God and have decided they know best how to define truth relatively and it is ruining our people our families and our nation. Truth is never relative or subjective it is always the truth under any and all circumstances. So today we will look at Paul and his relationship with the Galatian church and see how Judaizers tried to subvert the truth of God which Paul had preached previously: and they were disparaged His teaching for they questioned His authority. We see this happening daily in America today, real truth is being subverted, questioned and marginalized in the public square. Christians and Christian leaders are backing down from the debate because they are afraid of the heat of criticism, and the potential cost to them and their families in the questioning of their faith. This is what happened in Galatians to Paul. And maybe, just maybe there is a lesson for our backbones, our thin skin, and our lack of faith on how we each should be standing today.
Father I pray that Lord you might speak to our hearts today and reveal Your truth to us and build in us Your truth and encourage our faith walk in You today. AMEN
Galatian Chapter 1, verses 11-24 reading, 11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
13 For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. 14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see [c]Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. 20 (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)
21 Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. 23 But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God in me.
Let’s look at verse 1 of this chapter and compare it with verse 11. Verse 1 reads, 1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead),
11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
In both cases Paul is citing his authority. In verse 1 he is proving his authority as an apostle which differs from all the other apostles and in verses 11 and 12 he is describing where and how he received the Gospel and the call which he now preaches. Note that in both cases his authority and his commissioning did not come from himself, from any earthly institution or from some manmade authority such as a seminary, but came from the Lord Jesus Himself. Paul and Apostle not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead. God in Christ encountered Him on the road to Damascus for his commissioning and calling as an Apostle and his gospel was not learned or taught by some manmade institution but given by the revelation of none other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
This is important for you and I for we need to understand that the source of our truth is from above. The Bible comes from above and was commission by God, just as you were commission by God is Christ Jesus. (John 15:16). Our lives are created by God, chosen by God, ordained by God, commissioned by God into ministry and directed by God. So how is it we try to alter our thinking that we could or can lead God in anything. Jesus reminding His disciples directly in John 15 – apart from Me you can do nothing.
Bottom line for us is God’s truth is essential for us to live in today’s culture. And our Truth (Christ Jesus) is not negotiable for the source of all truth and is especially not from our limited minds and imaginations, but comes from the very heart of God.
Second, as one who has been called by God why do you so easily discount your calling and commissioning. It comes from the very heart of God. Let no man disparage your lineage or your authority as with Paul it comes from heaven above. And third did not Jesus tell us not worry about what to say if we are brought before authorities. Jesus said He would give you the words to speak in that moment.
Your authority, your calling and your power come not of your own authority but from God. Let none demean your calling or your authority. Some will question your credentials as they did Paul’s, well the only credential your need is called of God.
II. A second impact of God’s truth is that it changes our lives. Read with me in verses 13 through part of 16, 13 For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. 14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles,
The result of truth entering the life of individual is a change in behavior. When a person encounters truth in whatever realm it is given it changes everything. Originally men thought the earth was flat, when they discovered it was round Kings sent explorers like Vasco de Gama, Columbus and others to discover new trade routes around the world. When the truth about the solar systems not revolving around earth but the solar system revolves around the sun, mathematics, physics and celestial mechanics changed radically, allowing many of the advances we now experience in our world including space and beyond. If those physical things were changed by revolutions in applying truth, imagine what radical changes occur is the life of men and women when God’s spiritual truth about His Son enters your life. Everything changes when that happens, for God’s truth alters our present life, making all things new and it remakes our final destination an eternal reality.
If you were to read part of Act Chapter 9 you would find Saul as he is known before conversion <Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord
to terrorize the Churches> conspiring to destroy the church. Remember Saul contributed to the stoning of Stephen and he believed he was doing the will of
God in persecuting Christians.
Look at what happened to Saul when he encountered the Living Lord, He became Paul the disciple of Jesus. His name changed. His allegiance changed, no longer a Jew exclusively and hater of Gentiles. His life’s work changed – no longer a Pharisee of Pharisees but a minister to the Gospel of Christ and to Gentiles. No longer zealous for Judaism but zealous for the power of the resurrected Son of God. He was drawn to new associations with the hated disciples who became fellow laborers with Paul.
So if the light of the Gospel from heaven has shown down on you, has your life reflected a transition of allegiance? A transition and zeal for the activities of God, A transition of fellowship for the people of God and a reorientation for His priorities? If not, perhaps your original meeting was simply an emotional experience and not really life changing. Do you think God is knocking on the door of your heart for more from you? Consider for a moment what a single word from God could do? Be obedient and respond.
III. Your salvation and your conversion comes from God and they come from above and not from men; and are bought with a price for salvation is spiritually delivered. Verse 16 again Paul says, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me;
Further on in the text there is refutation by Paul about what He speaks in verse 20 20 (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)
The truth and the call on His life which Paul preached and lived came only from God and was not given or discerned by Paul or provide by education from men. When you are born from above according to the truth of the Word of God, you are indwelt with the Holy Spirit at that very moment. So your body becomes the temple of God for He now lives in you. If you are walking “in Christ” and are seeking His will and His way, then men cannot refute your testimony and the message you bring of salvation. The Bible says, by grace have you been saved by faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created unto good works which God ordained beforehand that we should accomplish them (Eph 2:8-10). You have been saved by grace through your faith and that not of yourselves. But you are His workmanship. And note this created unto good works which God has planned beforehand.
So are you being obedient to the call to go and make disciples. Our church needs to have a vision for the lost and bringing others to Christ for the days are short and we have little time. Will you be obedient to His call to join the battle today? AMEN
First, the gospel Paul preached came from God, not from man. Second, the gospel he received and preached is the gospel of grace. And third, the gospel Paul preached changes Him and changes everyone it touches and revises our lives. Think of this:
God’s word and touch changed Paul. He went from being Saul the persecutor to Paul the apostle. From persecutor to preacher, that’s the turnaround the gospel effected in the life of Paul. Christians at the time said: “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”
Jesus’ gospel changes lives. In some ways, this last point may be hard for us to believe but we have seen it in many people. Sure, we can see Paul’s life. And if we look carefully we can see it in the believers. Each one has a life changing testimony. But what about in my and your life? When I look at my own life, I don’t see as much change as I think there should be. I am frustrated by my own lack weaknesses and lack of holiness. I see too much sin that I don’t seem to be able to shed. Our brother Paul saw that in his own life, even after he was converted and became a great apostle. He says as much in Romans 7: “I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing.” Christians still are saddled with their old Adam, that old sinful nature that drags us down. We daily need to repent and return, to find that grace, that forgiveness in Christ, but learn to walk in grace.
Jesus gospel transforms us, changes us, so that now we do have new life in
Christ, and He has given us a heart to please God. He also teaches us to love and serve others in His name. That is the transforming power of the gospel and is God’s work in us. God gifts us and equips us as Christians to live life in new ways, in his ways.
We may not notice this in ourselves, because live with ourselves every day, and know our sinful ways. And we would surely never boast of our good works as any sort of cause for our salvation–all the glory goes to God. Even so, God does give us his Spirit, so that now we do begin to love and serve him. We are new people in Christ, believe it or–and live it. God says it, God does it, and therefore it is so.
Not many are called to be preachers, but God call each of us to live our lives to love and serve others, accordingly, perhaps as a husband, a wife, a father, a mother, a citizen, a worker in the general workforce, as a church member, and whatever you could think or name. In all areas of life, He has good works that God has equipped us to do, and He will enable us to do them. So believe God’s Word when he promises that he will help you to live as the new person you are in Christ. The gospel changes lives. It did for Paul. It will do so for you.
Today we have heard about the gospel Paul preached: That it came from God, not from man, and you can be sure of it. That it is the gospel of God’s great and abundant grace in Christ, forgiving your sins, giving you perfect righteousness and eternal life in Christ your Savior. And that it is this same gospel that will change your life, continually calling you from the old life of sin and selfishness to the new life of love and service that are the hallmarks of our life in Christ. This is the gospel Paul preached, and it’s the gospel that gives us life, and new life, today.
Feb 12 Sermon
The only truth is in Jesus Christ and in His Word for you in 2023. There are other truths being told, but for your life today and for eternity, as a believer in the Way of God, Jesus is the only truth that will ensure your life is in Him for eternity. There is no other way. (John 14:6)
Pilate had a problem with truth if you remember for John’s Gospel Chapter 18, 37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”
Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.
I have made much of this scripture over the years because this point is so important. Truth, real truth only comes from God. I say again real truth only comes from God. We can be staring the truth right in the eye as was Pilate with Jesus and totally miss the truth. Unless the Spirit of God so quickens the heart of a man, He will miss what God is doing even though it is front and center.
America and our leaders, pastors and the citizens of this great nation have rejected the truth which comes from God and have decided they know best how to define truth and it is ruining our nation. Truth is not relative or subjective it is always the truth under any and all circumstances. So today we will look at Paul and his relationship with the Galatian church and see how Judaizers tried to subvert the truth of God which Paul had preached previously and disparaged His teaching for they questioned His authority. We see this happening daily in America today, real truth is being subverted, questioned and marginalized in the public square. Christians and Christian leaders are backing down from the debate because they are afraid of the heat of criticism, and the potential cost to them and their families in the questioning of their faith. This is what happened in Galatians to Paul. And maybe, just maybe there is a lesson for our backbones, our thin skin, and our lack of faith on how we should be standing today.
Father I pray that Lord you might speak to our heart today and reveal the truth to us and build in us Your truth and encourage our faith in You today. AMEN
Galatian Chapter 1, verses 11-24 reading, 11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
13 For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. 14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see [c]Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. 20 (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)
21 Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. 23 But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God in me.
Let’s look at verse 1 of this chapter and compare it with verse 11. Verse 1 reads, 1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead),
11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
In both cases Paul is citing his authority. In verse 1 he is proving his authority as an apostle which differs from all the other apostles and in verses 11 and 12 he is describing where and how he obtained the Gospel which he now preaches. Note that in both cases his authority and his commissioning did not come from himself, from any earthly institution or from some manmade authority such as a seminary, but came from the Lord Jesus Himself. Paul and Apostle not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead. God in Christ encountered Him on the road to Damascus for his commissioning as an Apostle and the gospel was not learned or taught to him by some manmade institution but given by the revelation of none other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
This is important for you and I for we need to understand that the source of our truth is from above and was commission by God, just as you were commission by God is Christ Jesus. (John 15:16). Our lives are created by God, chosen by God, ordained by God, commissioned by God into ministry and directed by God, how do we reconcile thinking that we lead God in anything. Jesus reminding His disciples directly in John 15 – apart from Me you can do nothing.
Bottom line for us truth is essential for us to live in todays culture. Truth is not negotiable for the source of all truth is not our limited minds and imaginations but comes from the very heart of God.
Second as one who has been called by God why do you so easily discount your calling and commissioning. It comes from the very heart of God. Let no man disparage your lineage or your authority as with Paul it comes from heaven above. And third did not Jesus tell us not worry about what to say if we are brought before authorities. Jesus said He would give you the words to speak in that moment.
Your authority, your calling and your power come not of your own authority but from God. Let none demean your calling or your authority. Some will question your credentials as they did Paul’s, well the only credential your need is called of God.
II. A second impact of God’s truth is that it is evident in changed lives. Read with me in verses 13 through part of 16, 13 For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. 14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles,
The result of truth entering the life of individual is a change in behavior. When a person encounters truth in whatever realm it is given it changes everything. Originally men thought the earth flat, when they discovered it was round Kings sent explorers like Vasco de Gama, Columbus and others to discover new trade routes around the world. When the truth about the solar systems not revolving around earth but the solar system revolves around the sun, mathematics, physics and celestial mechanics changed radically allowing many of the advances we now experience in our world including space and beyond. If those physical things were change by revolutions in the truth, imagine what radical changes occur is the life of men and women when God’s spiritual truth about His Son enters a life. Everything changes when that happens, for God’s truth alters our present life, making all things new and it remakes our final destination eternally.
If you were to read part of Act Chapter 9 you would find Saul as he is known before conversion <Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord
to terrorize the Churches> conspiring to destroy the church. Remember Saul contributed to the stoning of Stephen and he believed he was doing the will of
God in persecuting Christians.
Look at what happened to Saul when he encountered the Living Lord, He became Paul the disciple of Jesus. His name changed. His allegiance changed, no longer a Jew exclusively and hater of Gentiles. His life’s work changed – no longer a Pharisee of Pharisees but a minister to the Gospel of Christ and to Gentiles. No longer zealous for Judaism but zealous for the power of the resurrected Son of God. He was drawn to new associations with the hated disciples who became fellow laborers with Paul.
If the light of the Gospel from heaven has shown down on you, has your life reflected a transition of allegiance? A transition of zeal for the activities of God, A transition of fellowship for the people of God and a reorientation for His priorities? If not, perhaps your original meeting was simply an emotional experience and was not really life changing. Do you think that maybe God is knocking on the door of your heart for more? Consider for a moment what a single word from God could do? Be obedient and respond.
III. Your salvation and your conversion comes from God and they come from above and not from men; and are bought with a price for salvation is spiritually delivered. Verse 16 again says, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me;
Further on in the text there is refutation by Paul about what He speaks in verse 20 20 (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)
The truth which Paul preached and lived as seen in this text came from God and was not given or discerned by him or educated by men. When you are born from above according to the truth of the Word of God you are indwelt with the Holy Spirit at that very moment. So your body is become the temple of God for He now lives in you. If you are walking “in Christ” and are seeking His will and His way, then men cannot refute your testimony and the message you bring of salvation. The Bible says, by grace have you been saved by faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created unto good works which God ordained beforehand that we should accomplish them (Eph 2:8-10). You have been saved by grace through your faith and that not of yourselves. But you are His workmanship. And note this created unto good works which God has planned beforehand.
So are you being obedient to the call to go and make disciples. Our church needs to have a vision for the lost and bringing others to Christ for the days are short and we have little time. Will you be obedient to His call to join the battle today? AMEN
The only truth is in Jesus Christ and in His Word for you in 2023. There are other truths being told, but for your life today and for eternity, as a believer in the Way of God, Jesus is the only truth that will ensure your life is in Him for eternity. There is no other way. (John 14:6)
Pilate had a problem with truth if you remember for John’s Gospel Chapter 18, 37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”
Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.
I have made much of this scripture over the years because this point is so important. Truth, real truth only comes from God. I say again real truth only comes from God. We can be staring the truth right in the eye as was Pilate with Jesus and totally miss the truth. Unless the Spirit of God so quickens the heart of a man, He will miss what God is doing even though it is front and center.
America and our leaders, pastors and the citizens of this great nation have rejected the truth which comes from God and have decided they know best how to define truth and it is ruining our nation. Truth is not relative or subjective it is always the truth under any and all circumstances. So today we will look at Paul and his relationship with the Galatian church and see how Judaizers tried to subvert the truth of God which Paul had preached previously and disparaged His teaching for they questioned His authority. We see this happening daily in America today, real truth is being subverted, questioned and marginalized in the public square. Christians and Christian leaders are backing down from the debate because they are afraid of the heat of criticism, and the potential cost to them and their families in the questioning of their faith. This is what happened in Galatians to Paul. And maybe, just maybe there is a lesson for our backbones, our thin skin, and our lack of faith on how we should be standing today.
Father I pray that Lord you might speak to our heart today and reveal the truth to us and build in us Your truth and encourage our faith in You today. AMEN
Galatian Chapter 1, verses 11-24 reading, 11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
13 For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. 14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see [c]Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. 20 (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)
21 Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. 23 But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God in me.
Let’s look at verse 1 of this chapter and compare it with verse 11. Verse 1 reads, 1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead),
11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
In both cases Paul is citing his authority. In verse 1 he is proving his authority as an apostle which differs from all the other apostles and in verses 11 and 12 he is describing where and how he obtained the Gospel which he now preaches. Note that in both cases his authority and his commissioning did not come from himself, from any earthly institution or from some manmade authority such as a seminary, but came from the Lord Jesus Himself. Paul and Apostle not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead. God in Christ encountered Him on the road to Damascus for his commissioning as an Apostle and the gospel was not learned or taught to him by some manmade institution but given by the revelation of none other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
This is important for you and I for we need to understand that the source of our truth is from above and was commission by God, just as you were commission by God is Christ Jesus. (John 15:16). Our lives are created by God, chosen by God, ordained by God, commissioned by God into ministry and directed by God, how do we reconcile thinking that we lead God in anything. Jesus reminding His disciples directly in John 15 – apart from Me you can do nothing.
Bottom line for us truth is essential for us to live in todays culture. Truth is not negotiable for the source of all truth is not our limited minds and imaginations but comes from the very heart of God.
Second as one who has been called by God why do you so easily discount your calling and commissioning. It comes from the very heart of God. Let no man disparage your lineage or your authority as with Paul it comes from heaven above. And third did not Jesus tell us not worry about what to say if we are brought before authorities. Jesus said He would give you the words to speak in that moment.
Your authority, your calling and your power come not of your own authority but from God. Let none demean your calling or your authority. Some will question your credentials as they did Paul’s, well the only credential your need is called of God.
II. A second impact of God’s truth is that it is evident in changed lives. Read with me in verses 13 through part of 16, 13 For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. 14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles,
The result of truth entering the life of individual is a change in behavior. When a person encounters truth in whatever realm it is given it changes everything. Originally men thought the earth flat, when they discovered it was round Kings sent explorers like Vasco de Gama, Columbus and others to discover new trade routes around the world. When the truth about the solar systems not revolving around earth but the solar system revolves around the sun, mathematics, physics and celestial mechanics changed radically allowing many of the advances we now experience in our world including space and beyond. If those physical things were change by revolutions in the truth, imagine what radical changes occur is the life of men and women when God’s spiritual truth about His Son enters a life. Everything changes when that happens, for God’s truth alters our present life, making all things new and it remakes our final destination eternally.
If you were to read part of Act Chapter 9 you would find Saul as he is known before conversion <Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord
to terrorize the Churches> conspiring to destroy the church. Remember Saul contributed to the stoning of Stephen and he believed he was doing the will of
God in persecuting Christians.
Look at what happened to Saul when he encountered the Living Lord, He became Paul the disciple of Jesus. His name changed. His allegiance changed, no longer a Jew exclusively and hater of Gentiles. His life’s work changed – no longer a Pharisee of Pharisees but a minister to the Gospel of Christ and to Gentiles. No longer zealous for Judaism but zealous for the power of the resurrected Son of God. He was drawn to new associations with the hated disciples who became fellow laborers with Paul.
If the light of the Gospel from heaven has shown down on you, has your life reflected a transition of allegiance? A transition of zeal for the activities of God, A transition of fellowship for the people of God and a reorientation for His priorities? If not, perhaps your original meeting was simply an emotional experience and was not really life changing. Do you think that maybe God is knocking on the door of your heart for more? Consider for a moment what a single word from God could do? Be obedient and respond.
III. Your salvation and your conversion comes from God and they come from above and not from men; and are bought with a price for salvation is spiritually delivered. Verse 16 again says, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me;
Further on in the text there is refutation by Paul about what He speaks in verse 20 20 (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)
The truth which Paul preached and lived as seen in this text came from God and was not given or discerned by him or educated by men. When you are born from above according to the truth of the Word of God you are indwelt with the Holy Spirit at that very moment. So your body is become the temple of God for He now lives in you. If you are walking “in Christ” and are seeking His will and His way, then men cannot refute your testimony and the message you bring of salvation. The Bible says, by grace have you been saved by faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created unto good works which God ordained beforehand that we should accomplish them (Eph 2:8-10). You have been saved by grace through your faith and that not of yourselves. But you are His workmanship. And note this created unto good works which God has planned beforehand.
So are you being obedient to the call to go and make disciples. Our church needs to have a vision for the lost and bringing others to Christ for the days are short and we have little time. Will you be obedient to His call to join the battle today? AMEN
Feb 5 Sermon
Do you have hope in your heart today? Is that why you came today to worship? Or do you really know why you came to join us in worship today? Maybe by the time we leave here today you will better understand the urgings of your heart which brought you here to meet, not with this pastor, or with these people you see among you; but to actually seek and hear from the God of Heaven, who made you and loves you and has sent His Son for you?
I ask you again do you have hope in your heart or what brought you to this place today? Some people believe hope is defined as some indistinct feeling or longing which claims some undefined future benefit because you believe in it. Now if that sounds like fuzzy thinking or logic, you are correct and you should not really depend upon it.
Now that is not the hope which a believer should have in their heart. We sing often –
My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus Christ, my righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
What might these words mean and so where does this hope come from which Christians believe by faith?
Well according to God’s Word -
Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. (Rom 10:17). His Word also says, God’s grace through Jesus Christ saves us - By Grace are you save through faith and that not of your own it is the gift of God not of works lets any man should boast (Eph 2:8-9). So by the grace of God and in the works of Jesus, He saves you and makes you part of His family which we call Christians.
Now the outcome of that decision to trust Jesus Christ, to the ones who have actually been born from above, not just those who say they are believers. But to those who actually have become true followers, He provides this definition of the transformation in Galatians Chapter 2 , verse 20, I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. This is downright direct and personal to everyone who has been born from above, or as we say been born again. We become transformed by the renewing power of the love of God and He puts the knowledge of His hope within us. 1 John 5:13 says, 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.
This is faith and this is the blessed hope which lives within us, given to us by God.
So the true believer’s hope, which lives within us, is not an indistinct, undefined and amorphous type of hope. It is a hope which trusts or has faith in the promises of the living God. Faith and hope in the one who sent His Son to save us and lives within us moment by moment and eternally through His Holy Spirit.
So what is it about this hope that we need to know about today? Well our hope is not amorphous, undefined and indistinct. Because of our hope in God which we have received our lives should be different and reflect the change God has made. His life in us should result in our behavior and attitudes being different
Let’s begin with a single verse of scripture to guide us which Paul wrote to the believers in Rome. Go to Romans 15:4 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the [a]patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
What is scripture? If you believe that it is the revealed, active, inspired word of God and that it is inerrant and infallible then you are on the right track. And if you believe that whatever things were written before were written for our learning, you are closer to the truth. But the purpose of the written word and the truths in the bible should lead us to “know” the Author and His Son that we might have hope in our God. Hope in Him not just for today, but for today, tomorrow and for eternity. The simple truth is God has a plan for your welfare in life and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope. His way of doing that was to send His Son to make a payment which you and I as sinners could never pay and to put our trust in Him. He then produces hope in our lives. The Scriptures then give us a reference to lead and guide us onward.
His hope should produce fruit for our living.
Let’s examine this concept and see how God might instruct us concerning the hope which lives within us.
Lets’ begin our study in 1 Peter 3:14-16, 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But [a]sanctify [b]the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
So according to Peter and he would know about suffering, he says the following:
a. even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. Wow you mean even in the midst of suffering for Christ for His righteousness sake I am blessed? That is correct. What a concept you are blessed when God calls you to suffer for His sake
b. do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. Now this is a challenge for our hearts, but this is learning to walk in the will of God and having (Hope) (faith) (confidence) in the God who has called you. This is outrageous faith and walking in confidence in His truth.
c. sanctify the Lord in your heart – meaning keep the sanctuary of your heart must remain tender and confident in the Lord God Almighty. Remember out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks
d. Always be prepared to give a defense for the reason for the hope that is within you, not boastfully but in humble meekness and adoration for the one who loves you. Because of the hope and the love of Christ which is being nurtured and set apart {sanctified} within your heart, your heart is able to testify to that provision which God has place there by faith in the Lord Jesus. Remember you have been bought with a price therefore glorify God in your body.
e. As result of the working of God in you through His Son and the hope He instills in your heart, you testimony, your life will provide the evidence needed to refute what evildoers say about you, your life and your faith in Christ. And if it were possible to cause them to be ashamed.
II. Now go to Hebrews, chapter 10, verse 22 -24: 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
This verse is important because of the hope which is come to us when we believe in Christ. What then should be the result of this hope? This verse implies because of our hope, which is enabled by faith, we can draw near to the very throne room of heaven. And because of our hope through faith in Christ, He cleanses our hearts, our lives and our consciences with the pure water of the Word. And again because of our hope we receive a full assurance of faith which the world does not know. And this faith is only given to true believers. Our cleansing comes by the washing of the water of the Word. The world dismisses it as fantasy and says it is not true.
So God enables us to trust in Christ and to be born from above, which enables the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Spirits working in our lives strengthens us to hold fast to the confession of our hope in Jesus without wavering. Then His stirring in us should motivate us to want to stimulate good works in other believers.
III. There is a third verse which we should study which describes how hope works in us and it is Titus 2:12-14, 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.
His Hope within us should change how we live in this present age and in ages to come. First, we should deny ungodliness and the lusts of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. And we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.
Next, we should have a future perspective anticipating His future coming, {the rapture} and the glorious return to earth of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. His life, His sacrifice on the cross, leading to His payment of our eternal sin debt, redeems us from all lawless deeds, creating for Himself a people zealous and anxious for good works. Does His hope for you produce these outcomes or are you still unconvinced and unchanged and you really don’t have this type of hope within you?
Do you need to come to faith today in Jesus Christ, and are you truly saved? If not, then perhaps God is speaking to your heart with that little want to right now? Do not deny His calling, seek the Lord while He may be found, this could be your last opportunity. He will save you, He will save you. He will save you now. Only seek Him now. AMEN
Sanctity of Life Sunday, the Lord and giver of life
Genesis 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.
Genesis 18:14
Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”
Deuteronomy 30: 19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; 20 that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”
Psalm 139:13
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.
The Lord open and closes wombs – Mary, Elizabeth, Hannah, Sarah, Ruth,
Do you have hope in your heart today? Is that why you came today to worship? Or do you really know why you came to join us in worship today? Maybe by the time we leave here today you will better understand the urgings of your heart which brought you here to meet, not with this pastor, or with these people you see among you; but to actually seek and hear from the God of Heaven, who made you and loves you and has sent His Son for you?
I ask you again do you have hope in your heart or what brought you to this place today? Some people believe hope is defined as some indistinct feeling or longing which claims some undefined future benefit because you believe in it. Now if that sounds like fuzzy thinking or logic, you are correct and you should not really depend upon it.
Now that is not the hope which a believer should have in their heart. We sing often –
My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus Christ, my righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
What might these words mean and so where does this hope come from which Christians believe by faith?
Well according to God’s Word -
Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. (Rom 10:17). His Word also says, God’s grace through Jesus Christ saves us - By Grace are you save through faith and that not of your own it is the gift of God not of works lets any man should boast (Eph 2:8-9). So by the grace of God and in the works of Jesus, He saves you and makes you part of His family which we call Christians.
Now the outcome of that decision to trust Jesus Christ, to the ones who have actually been born from above, not just those who say they are believers. But to those who actually have become true followers, He provides this definition of the transformation in Galatians Chapter 2 , verse 20, I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. This is downright direct and personal to everyone who has been born from above, or as we say been born again. We become transformed by the renewing power of the love of God and He puts the knowledge of His hope within us. 1 John 5:13 says, 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.
This is faith and this is the blessed hope which lives within us, given to us by God.
So the true believer’s hope, which lives within us, is not an indistinct, undefined and amorphous type of hope. It is a hope which trusts or has faith in the promises of the living God. Faith and hope in the one who sent His Son to save us and lives within us moment by moment and eternally through His Holy Spirit.
So what is it about this hope that we need to know about today? Well our hope is not amorphous, undefined and indistinct. Because of our hope in God which we have received our lives should be different and reflect the change God has made. His life in us should result in our behavior and attitudes being different
Let’s begin with a single verse of scripture to guide us which Paul wrote to the believers in Rome. Go to Romans 15:4 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the [a]patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
What is scripture? If you believe that it is the revealed, active, inspired word of God and that it is inerrant and infallible then you are on the right track. And if you believe that whatever things were written before were written for our learning, you are closer to the truth. But the purpose of the written word and the truths in the bible should lead us to “know” the Author and His Son that we might have hope in our God. Hope in Him not just for today, but for today, tomorrow and for eternity. The simple truth is God has a plan for your welfare in life and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope. His way of doing that was to send His Son to make a payment which you and I as sinners could never pay and to put our trust in Him. He then produces hope in our lives. The Scriptures then give us a reference to lead and guide us onward.
His hope should produce fruit for our living.
Let’s examine this concept and see how God might instruct us concerning the hope which lives within us.
Lets’ begin our study in 1 Peter 3:14-16, 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But [a]sanctify [b]the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
So according to Peter and he would know about suffering, he says the following:
a. even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. Wow you mean even in the midst of suffering for Christ for His righteousness sake I am blessed? That is correct. What a concept you are blessed when God calls you to suffer for His sake
b. do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. Now this is a challenge for our hearts, but this is learning to walk in the will of God and having (Hope) (faith) (confidence) in the God who has called you. This is outrageous faith and walking in confidence in His truth.
c. sanctify the Lord in your heart – meaning keep the sanctuary of your heart must remain tender and confident in the Lord God Almighty. Remember out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks
d. Always be prepared to give a defense for the reason for the hope that is within you, not boastfully but in humble meekness and adoration for the one who loves you. Because of the hope and the love of Christ which is being nurtured and set apart {sanctified} within your heart, your heart is able to testify to that provision which God has place there by faith in the Lord Jesus. Remember you have been bought with a price therefore glorify God in your body.
e. As result of the working of God in you through His Son and the hope He instills in your heart, you testimony, your life will provide the evidence needed to refute what evildoers say about you, your life and your faith in Christ. And if it were possible to cause them to be ashamed.
II. Now go to Hebrews, chapter 10, verse 22 -24: 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
This verse is important because of the hope which is come to us when we believe in Christ. What then should be the result of this hope? This verse implies because of our hope, which is enabled by faith, we can draw near to the very throne room of heaven. And because of our hope through faith in Christ, He cleanses our hearts, our lives and our consciences with the pure water of the Word. And again because of our hope we receive a full assurance of faith which the world does not know. And this faith is only given to true believers. Our cleansing comes by the washing of the water of the Word. The world dismisses it as fantasy and says it is not true.
So God enables us to trust in Christ and to be born from above, which enables the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Spirits working in our lives strengthens us to hold fast to the confession of our hope in Jesus without wavering. Then His stirring in us should motivate us to want to stimulate good works in other believers.
III. There is a third verse which we should study which describes how hope works in us and it is Titus 2:12-14, 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.
His Hope within us should change how we live in this present age and in ages to come. First, we should deny ungodliness and the lusts of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. And we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.
Next, we should have a future perspective anticipating His future coming, {the rapture} and the glorious return to earth of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. His life, His sacrifice on the cross, leading to His payment of our eternal sin debt, redeems us from all lawless deeds, creating for Himself a people zealous and anxious for good works. Does His hope for you produce these outcomes or are you still unconvinced and unchanged and you really don’t have this type of hope within you?
Do you need to come to faith today in Jesus Christ, and are you truly saved? If not, then perhaps God is speaking to your heart with that little want to right now? Do not deny His calling, seek the Lord while He may be found, this could be your last opportunity. He will save you, He will save you. He will save you now. Only seek Him now. AMEN
Sanctity of Life Sunday, the Lord and giver of life
Genesis 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.
Genesis 18:14
Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”
Deuteronomy 30: 19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; 20 that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”
Psalm 139:13
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.
The Lord open and closes wombs – Mary, Elizabeth, Hannah, Sarah, Ruth,
Jan 31 Sermon
One of the great struggles for many believers today involves self-esteem. Not the self-esteem or ego we see so prevalent today, but asking the question in our spirit of how well am I doing as a follower of Christ. But What I mean by this struggle we question what it means to be an effective and satisfactory believer as we walk day by day supposedly in faith? Maybe we are continually asking what do I need to be doing for and in the name of the Lord Jesus today? Perhaps as we compare ourselves with the godly men and women in the Bible, it always seems we are nowhere close to the examples of faith and dedication that they lived. Part of this may be because we do not really understand it is what God has done for us through the life, death , burial resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus. We may also be bombarded with what the world considers is essential for Christians to be doing, which causes confusion between that and the standard provided in the Bible. So today let’s see how Paul chose to encourage the Corinthian church in their walk of faith and perhaps that will give us insight for our own walk and provide a greater understanding of what God has done in us who now walk by faith and not by sight. (2nd Cor.5:7)
Let’s pray and ask God for the Holy Spirits leading and teaching as we seek to know the fulness of God’s salvation in our lives. God send your Holy Spirit to mine and direct our hearts Lord in your truth. Thank you for what you have done in Jesus for us. Amen
Read now from 2nd Cor. Chapter 5:13-21
13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not [d]imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
May God add His blessing to the reading of His Word and to our understanding and application -Amen
Let us begin with this understanding that those men and women God chooses to use in the Bible we read about were just plain, ordinary men and women until God came to them. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Ruth, Esther, Moses, Matthew, Mary, Paul, Timothy and the lot became extraordinary when God came to them. He made them extraordinary and He stimulated their faith. This is the same way He works in our lives today. Oh yes, many were of good character, but some were not. We have murderers, liars, prostitutes and all were sinners by nature who God came to and changed for His purposes. So you see that individual encounters with God changes everything.
So as we look at this Word, let’s parse the scripture and see what happens when God comes.
13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. The background preceding this verse is that the church at Corinth had some come apostate persons come in behind Paul since his last missionary journey and have been boasting about their credentials. They stated what Paul had been teaching was not true. Let us now being to refute this beginning in verse 13. Paul used this expression of almost insanity < beside ourselves > to describe himself as one dogmatically devoted to truth. In this way, he was answering his critics who claimed he was nothing more than an insane fanatic devoid of reason. <of sound mind>. The original word meant to be moderate, sober minded, and in control of one’s self. Paul‘s behavior modeled this among the Corinthians as he defended his integrity and communicated God’s truth.
So what motivated Paul to minister to these people? We get the answer when we look at verses 14 and 15. 14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
When Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus and met the Living Christ, everything Paul had seen and believed to that point as a Jew and a Pharisee had been changed. The phrase the love of Christ is a reference to Christ’s love for Paul and all believers for all time which occurred at the cross. Christ’s loving, substitutionary death motivated Paul’s service to Jesus. Actually it compels him to serve. This refers to a pressure that creates and causes action in a person. Paul uses this phrase to emphasize the strength of his desire to offer his life to the Lord. One died for all. This phrase tells of Christ’s substitutionary death and here the preposition “for” indicates Jesus died “in instead of,” or “in place of” all sinners who would be saved. This truth is the heart of the gospel and is the doctrine of salvation. God’s wrath against sin required death of the sinner. Jesus took that wrath upon Himself at the cross and died in each sinner’s place. Thus He took away God’s wrath and satisfied God’s justice as the perfect sacrifice. <then all died.> Everyone who dies in Christ receives the benefits of His substitutionary death (see notes on Rom. 3:24–26; 6:8). Paul was overwhelmed with Christ’s love and was so amazed that Jesus would make him, the chief of all sinners, a part of the “all” who died in Him. So then in verse 15, Paul could no longer live for self as He was living, but had to live and serve the one who died for Him and rose again. The encounter on the road to Damascus proved to Paul the authenticity of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, otherwise how could it be, unless God ordained and sanctioned it.
Now to verse 16, 16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. This radical transformation of heart and soul and mind and spirit, caused by the encounter with Christ, meant he could no longer look at things and people the way he had previously. He now had to look at others spiritually.
Verse 17 is the heart of this passage and we may have to park here to fully unfold this message of the assurance. Our assurance is in what Christ has done, and what He is continuing to do to fully mature you and I who believe and trust in Him. Now to verse 17, 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
I know we apply this verse repeatedly but if you need assurance of what God is doing it pays for us to parse this verse in depth.
“ in Christ.” These two words are a deep and wonderful statement of the inexhaustible supply and significance of a believer’s redemption. This statement “in Christ” encompasses the following:
1) a believer’s absolute security in Christ, who bore in His body God’s judgment against sin; <John 14:6, Christ is the only way> John 6:37, All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
2) a believer’s acceptance in Him with whom God alone is well pleased; <Resurrection and ascension of Jesus to the right hand of the Father- Hebrews 10:12, But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,>
3) a believer’s future assurance in Him who is the resurrection and the eternal life and the sole guarantor of the believer’s inheritance in heaven; John 14: I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am ye may be also.
4) the believer’s participation in the divine nature of Christ, the everlasting Word (cf. 2 Pet. 1:4). new creation. This describes something that is created at a qualitatively new level of excellence. It refers to regeneration or the new birth, see (cf. John 3:5, born of water and the Spirit; Eph 2:4-10, 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
We are created by God and have been born again of the Spirit, transformed into new people. These words of Paul demonstrate the Christian’s forgiveness of sins paid for in Christ’s substitutionary death (cf. Gal. 6:15; Eph. 4:24). Now listen to this expression old things have passed away. After a person is regenerate, that is made new. The old value systems, priorities, beliefs, loves, and plans should be gone because you now have a spiritual nature which has been reborn-
Good news of great joy, you have been redeemed and have been changed by God. (Immanuel is in us) Evil and sin may still be present, but the transformed believer sees things differently. And this world should no longer control them. all things become. . . new. Notice the grammar and wording here. It indicates that this newness is a continuing condition and a fact of their new creation. The believer’s new spiritual perception of everything is a constantly with him, and he/she now lives for eternity, not earthly things. James identifies this transformation as a faith that produces works, see Eph. 2:10; for we are His workmanship both in you and because of you; and (James 2:14–25;) James writes in verse 24, 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
The remainder of the passage is about the scope and depth of Christ’s reconciliation of men. And at Jesus’ ascension, He gave the great commission to go and make disciples of all nations to men and not to angels. And the delivery of the gospel to men is a further action of reconciliation and has become our ministry.
The biblical definition of reconciliation is, the overcoming of enmity <God’s hatred of sin>and alienation <separation caused by sin>, between God and man and is reflected in the restoration of peace between God and man. This only comes by salvation. So that is what we are to do. One final point – and the verse says it all 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Be assured Jesus is working in you. Amen
.
One of the great struggles for many believers today involves self-esteem. Not the self-esteem or ego we see so prevalent today, but asking the question in our spirit of how well am I doing as a follower of Christ. But What I mean by this struggle we question what it means to be an effective and satisfactory believer as we walk day by day supposedly in faith? Maybe we are continually asking what do I need to be doing for and in the name of the Lord Jesus today? Perhaps as we compare ourselves with the godly men and women in the Bible, it always seems we are nowhere close to the examples of faith and dedication that they lived. Part of this may be because we do not really understand it is what God has done for us through the life, death , burial resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus. We may also be bombarded with what the world considers is essential for Christians to be doing, which causes confusion between that and the standard provided in the Bible. So today let’s see how Paul chose to encourage the Corinthian church in their walk of faith and perhaps that will give us insight for our own walk and provide a greater understanding of what God has done in us who now walk by faith and not by sight. (2nd Cor.5:7)
Let’s pray and ask God for the Holy Spirits leading and teaching as we seek to know the fulness of God’s salvation in our lives. God send your Holy Spirit to mine and direct our hearts Lord in your truth. Thank you for what you have done in Jesus for us. Amen
Read now from 2nd Cor. Chapter 5:13-21
13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not [d]imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
May God add His blessing to the reading of His Word and to our understanding and application -Amen
Let us begin with this understanding that those men and women God chooses to use in the Bible we read about were just plain, ordinary men and women until God came to them. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Ruth, Esther, Moses, Matthew, Mary, Paul, Timothy and the lot became extraordinary when God came to them. He made them extraordinary and He stimulated their faith. This is the same way He works in our lives today. Oh yes, many were of good character, but some were not. We have murderers, liars, prostitutes and all were sinners by nature who God came to and changed for His purposes. So you see that individual encounters with God changes everything.
So as we look at this Word, let’s parse the scripture and see what happens when God comes.
13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. The background preceding this verse is that the church at Corinth had some come apostate persons come in behind Paul since his last missionary journey and have been boasting about their credentials. They stated what Paul had been teaching was not true. Let us now being to refute this beginning in verse 13. Paul used this expression of almost insanity < beside ourselves > to describe himself as one dogmatically devoted to truth. In this way, he was answering his critics who claimed he was nothing more than an insane fanatic devoid of reason. <of sound mind>. The original word meant to be moderate, sober minded, and in control of one’s self. Paul‘s behavior modeled this among the Corinthians as he defended his integrity and communicated God’s truth.
So what motivated Paul to minister to these people? We get the answer when we look at verses 14 and 15. 14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
When Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus and met the Living Christ, everything Paul had seen and believed to that point as a Jew and a Pharisee had been changed. The phrase the love of Christ is a reference to Christ’s love for Paul and all believers for all time which occurred at the cross. Christ’s loving, substitutionary death motivated Paul’s service to Jesus. Actually it compels him to serve. This refers to a pressure that creates and causes action in a person. Paul uses this phrase to emphasize the strength of his desire to offer his life to the Lord. One died for all. This phrase tells of Christ’s substitutionary death and here the preposition “for” indicates Jesus died “in instead of,” or “in place of” all sinners who would be saved. This truth is the heart of the gospel and is the doctrine of salvation. God’s wrath against sin required death of the sinner. Jesus took that wrath upon Himself at the cross and died in each sinner’s place. Thus He took away God’s wrath and satisfied God’s justice as the perfect sacrifice. <then all died.> Everyone who dies in Christ receives the benefits of His substitutionary death (see notes on Rom. 3:24–26; 6:8). Paul was overwhelmed with Christ’s love and was so amazed that Jesus would make him, the chief of all sinners, a part of the “all” who died in Him. So then in verse 15, Paul could no longer live for self as He was living, but had to live and serve the one who died for Him and rose again. The encounter on the road to Damascus proved to Paul the authenticity of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, otherwise how could it be, unless God ordained and sanctioned it.
Now to verse 16, 16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. This radical transformation of heart and soul and mind and spirit, caused by the encounter with Christ, meant he could no longer look at things and people the way he had previously. He now had to look at others spiritually.
Verse 17 is the heart of this passage and we may have to park here to fully unfold this message of the assurance. Our assurance is in what Christ has done, and what He is continuing to do to fully mature you and I who believe and trust in Him. Now to verse 17, 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
I know we apply this verse repeatedly but if you need assurance of what God is doing it pays for us to parse this verse in depth.
“ in Christ.” These two words are a deep and wonderful statement of the inexhaustible supply and significance of a believer’s redemption. This statement “in Christ” encompasses the following:
1) a believer’s absolute security in Christ, who bore in His body God’s judgment against sin; <John 14:6, Christ is the only way> John 6:37, All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
2) a believer’s acceptance in Him with whom God alone is well pleased; <Resurrection and ascension of Jesus to the right hand of the Father- Hebrews 10:12, But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,>
3) a believer’s future assurance in Him who is the resurrection and the eternal life and the sole guarantor of the believer’s inheritance in heaven; John 14: I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am ye may be also.
4) the believer’s participation in the divine nature of Christ, the everlasting Word (cf. 2 Pet. 1:4). new creation. This describes something that is created at a qualitatively new level of excellence. It refers to regeneration or the new birth, see (cf. John 3:5, born of water and the Spirit; Eph 2:4-10, 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
We are created by God and have been born again of the Spirit, transformed into new people. These words of Paul demonstrate the Christian’s forgiveness of sins paid for in Christ’s substitutionary death (cf. Gal. 6:15; Eph. 4:24). Now listen to this expression old things have passed away. After a person is regenerate, that is made new. The old value systems, priorities, beliefs, loves, and plans should be gone because you now have a spiritual nature which has been reborn-
Good news of great joy, you have been redeemed and have been changed by God. (Immanuel is in us) Evil and sin may still be present, but the transformed believer sees things differently. And this world should no longer control them. all things become. . . new. Notice the grammar and wording here. It indicates that this newness is a continuing condition and a fact of their new creation. The believer’s new spiritual perception of everything is a constantly with him, and he/she now lives for eternity, not earthly things. James identifies this transformation as a faith that produces works, see Eph. 2:10; for we are His workmanship both in you and because of you; and (James 2:14–25;) James writes in verse 24, 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
The remainder of the passage is about the scope and depth of Christ’s reconciliation of men. And at Jesus’ ascension, He gave the great commission to go and make disciples of all nations to men and not to angels. And the delivery of the gospel to men is a further action of reconciliation and has become our ministry.
The biblical definition of reconciliation is, the overcoming of enmity <God’s hatred of sin>and alienation <separation caused by sin>, between God and man and is reflected in the restoration of peace between God and man. This only comes by salvation. So that is what we are to do. One final point – and the verse says it all 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Be assured Jesus is working in you. Amen
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Jan 22 Sermon
Do you have hope in your heart today? Is that why you came today to worship? Or do you really know why you came to join us in worship today? Maybe by the time we leave here today you will better understand the urgings of your heart which brought you here to meet, not with this pastor, or with these people you see among you; but to actually seek and hear from the God of Heaven, who made you and loves you and has sent His Son for you?
I ask you again do you have hope in your heart or what brought you to this place today? Some people believe hope is defined as some indistinct feeling or longing which claims some undefined future benefit because you believe in it. Now if that sounds like fuzzy thinking or logic, you are correct and you should not really depend upon it.
Now that is not the hope which a believer should have in their heart. We sing often –
My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus Christ, my righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
What might these words mean and so where does this hope come from which Christians believe by faith?
Well according to God’s Word -
Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. (Rom 10:17). His Word also says, God’s grace through Jesus Christ saves us - By Grace are you save through faith and that not of your own it is the gift of God not of works lets any man should boast (Eph 2:8-9). So by the grace of God and in the works of Jesus, He saves you and makes you part of His family which we call Christians.
Now the outcome of that decision to trust Jesus Christ, to the ones who have actually been born from above, not just those who say they are believers. But to those who actually have become true followers, He provides this definition of the transformation in Galatians Chapter 2 , verse 20, I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. This is downright direct and personal to everyone who has been born from above, or as we say been born again. We become transformed by the renewing power of the love of God and He puts the knowledge of His hope within us. 1 John 5:13 says, 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.
This is faith and this is the blessed hope which lives within us, given to us by God.
So the true believer’s hope, which lives within us, is not an indistinct, undefined and amorphous type of hope. It is a hope which trusts or has faith in the promises of the living God. Faith and hope in the one who sent His Son to save us and lives within us moment by moment and eternally through His Holy Spirit.
So what is it about this hope that we need to know about today? Well our hope is not amorphous, undefined and indistinct. Because of our hope in God which we have received our lives should be different and reflect the change God has made. His life in us should result in our behavior and attitudes being different
Let’s begin with a single verse of scripture to guide us which Paul wrote to the believers in Rome. Go to Romans 15:4 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the [a]patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
What is scripture? If you believe that it is the revealed, active, inspired word of God and that it is inerrant and infallible then you are on the right track. And if you believe that whatever things were written before were written for our learning, you are closer to the truth. But the purpose of the written word and the truths in the bible should lead us to “know” the Author and His Son that we might have hope in our God. Hope in Him not just for today, but for today, tomorrow and for eternity. The simple truth is God has a plan for your welfare in life and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope. His way of doing that was to send His Son to make a payment which you and I as sinners could never pay and to put our trust in Him. He then produces hope in our lives. The Scriptures then give us a reference to lead and guide us onward.
His hope should produce fruit for our living.
Let’s examine this concept and see how God might instruct us concerning the hope which lives within us.
Lets’ begin our study in 1 Peter 3:14-16, 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But [a]sanctify [b]the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
So according to Peter and he would know about suffering, he says the following:
a. even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. Wow you mean even in the midst of suffering for Christ for His righteousness sake I am blessed? That is correct. What a concept you are blessed when God calls you to suffer for His sake
b. do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. Now this is a challenge for our hearts, but this is learning to walk in the will of God and having (Hope) (faith) (confidence) in the God who has called you. This is outrageous faith and walking in confidence in His truth.
c. sanctify the Lord in your heart – meaning keep the sanctuary of your heart must remain tender and confident in the Lord God Almighty. Remember out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks
d. Always be prepared to give a defense for the reason for the hope that is within you, not boastfully but in humble meekness and adoration for the one who loves you. Because of the hope and the love of Christ which is being nurtured and set apart {sanctified} within your heart, your heart is able to testify to that provision which God has place there by faith in the Lord Jesus. Remember you have been bought with a price therefore glorify God in your body.
e. As result of the working of God in you through His Son and the hope He instills in your heart, you testimony, your life will provide the evidence needed to refute what evildoers say about you, your life and your faith in Christ. And if it were possible to cause them to be ashamed.
II. Now go to Hebrews, chapter 10, verse 22 -24: 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
This verse is important because of the hope which is come to us when we believe in Christ. What then should be the result of this hope? This verse implies because of our hope, which is enabled by faith, we can draw near to the very throne room of heaven. And because of our hope through faith in Christ, He cleanses our hearts, our lives and our consciences with the pure water of the Word. And again because of our hope we receive a full assurance of faith which the world does not know. And this faith is only given to true believers. Our cleansing comes by the washing of the water of the Word. The world dismisses it as fantasy and says it is not true.
So God enables us to trust in Christ and to be born from above, which enables the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Spirits working in our lives strengthens us to hold fast to the confession of our hope in Jesus without wavering. Then His stirring in us should motivate us to want to stimulate good works in other believers.
III. There is a third verse which we should study which describes how hope works in us and it is Titus 2:12-14, 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.
His Hope within us should change how we live in this present age and in ages to come. First, we should deny ungodliness and the lusts of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. And we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.
Next, we should have a future perspective anticipating His future coming, {the rapture} and the glorious return to earth of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. His life, His sacrifice on the cross, leading to His payment of our eternal sin debt, redeems us from all lawless deeds, creating for Himself a people zealous and anxious for good works. Does His hope for you produce these outcomes or are you still unconvinced and unchanged and you really don’t have this type of hope within you?
Do you need to come to faith today in Jesus Christ, and are you truly saved? If not, then perhaps God is speaking to your heart with that little want to right now? Do not deny His calling, seek the Lord while He may be found, this could be your last opportunity. He will save you, He will save you. He will save you now. Only seek Him now. AMEN
Sanctity of Life Sunday, the Lord and giver of life
Genesis 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.
Genesis 18:14
Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”
Deuteronomy 30: 19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; 20 that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”
Psalm 139:13
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.
The Lord open and closes wombs – Mary, Elizabeth, Hannah, Sarah, Ruth,
Do you have hope in your heart today? Is that why you came today to worship? Or do you really know why you came to join us in worship today? Maybe by the time we leave here today you will better understand the urgings of your heart which brought you here to meet, not with this pastor, or with these people you see among you; but to actually seek and hear from the God of Heaven, who made you and loves you and has sent His Son for you?
I ask you again do you have hope in your heart or what brought you to this place today? Some people believe hope is defined as some indistinct feeling or longing which claims some undefined future benefit because you believe in it. Now if that sounds like fuzzy thinking or logic, you are correct and you should not really depend upon it.
Now that is not the hope which a believer should have in their heart. We sing often –
My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus Christ, my righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
What might these words mean and so where does this hope come from which Christians believe by faith?
Well according to God’s Word -
Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. (Rom 10:17). His Word also says, God’s grace through Jesus Christ saves us - By Grace are you save through faith and that not of your own it is the gift of God not of works lets any man should boast (Eph 2:8-9). So by the grace of God and in the works of Jesus, He saves you and makes you part of His family which we call Christians.
Now the outcome of that decision to trust Jesus Christ, to the ones who have actually been born from above, not just those who say they are believers. But to those who actually have become true followers, He provides this definition of the transformation in Galatians Chapter 2 , verse 20, I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. This is downright direct and personal to everyone who has been born from above, or as we say been born again. We become transformed by the renewing power of the love of God and He puts the knowledge of His hope within us. 1 John 5:13 says, 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.
This is faith and this is the blessed hope which lives within us, given to us by God.
So the true believer’s hope, which lives within us, is not an indistinct, undefined and amorphous type of hope. It is a hope which trusts or has faith in the promises of the living God. Faith and hope in the one who sent His Son to save us and lives within us moment by moment and eternally through His Holy Spirit.
So what is it about this hope that we need to know about today? Well our hope is not amorphous, undefined and indistinct. Because of our hope in God which we have received our lives should be different and reflect the change God has made. His life in us should result in our behavior and attitudes being different
Let’s begin with a single verse of scripture to guide us which Paul wrote to the believers in Rome. Go to Romans 15:4 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the [a]patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
What is scripture? If you believe that it is the revealed, active, inspired word of God and that it is inerrant and infallible then you are on the right track. And if you believe that whatever things were written before were written for our learning, you are closer to the truth. But the purpose of the written word and the truths in the bible should lead us to “know” the Author and His Son that we might have hope in our God. Hope in Him not just for today, but for today, tomorrow and for eternity. The simple truth is God has a plan for your welfare in life and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope. His way of doing that was to send His Son to make a payment which you and I as sinners could never pay and to put our trust in Him. He then produces hope in our lives. The Scriptures then give us a reference to lead and guide us onward.
His hope should produce fruit for our living.
Let’s examine this concept and see how God might instruct us concerning the hope which lives within us.
Lets’ begin our study in 1 Peter 3:14-16, 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But [a]sanctify [b]the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
So according to Peter and he would know about suffering, he says the following:
a. even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. Wow you mean even in the midst of suffering for Christ for His righteousness sake I am blessed? That is correct. What a concept you are blessed when God calls you to suffer for His sake
b. do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. Now this is a challenge for our hearts, but this is learning to walk in the will of God and having (Hope) (faith) (confidence) in the God who has called you. This is outrageous faith and walking in confidence in His truth.
c. sanctify the Lord in your heart – meaning keep the sanctuary of your heart must remain tender and confident in the Lord God Almighty. Remember out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks
d. Always be prepared to give a defense for the reason for the hope that is within you, not boastfully but in humble meekness and adoration for the one who loves you. Because of the hope and the love of Christ which is being nurtured and set apart {sanctified} within your heart, your heart is able to testify to that provision which God has place there by faith in the Lord Jesus. Remember you have been bought with a price therefore glorify God in your body.
e. As result of the working of God in you through His Son and the hope He instills in your heart, you testimony, your life will provide the evidence needed to refute what evildoers say about you, your life and your faith in Christ. And if it were possible to cause them to be ashamed.
II. Now go to Hebrews, chapter 10, verse 22 -24: 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
This verse is important because of the hope which is come to us when we believe in Christ. What then should be the result of this hope? This verse implies because of our hope, which is enabled by faith, we can draw near to the very throne room of heaven. And because of our hope through faith in Christ, He cleanses our hearts, our lives and our consciences with the pure water of the Word. And again because of our hope we receive a full assurance of faith which the world does not know. And this faith is only given to true believers. Our cleansing comes by the washing of the water of the Word. The world dismisses it as fantasy and says it is not true.
So God enables us to trust in Christ and to be born from above, which enables the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Spirits working in our lives strengthens us to hold fast to the confession of our hope in Jesus without wavering. Then His stirring in us should motivate us to want to stimulate good works in other believers.
III. There is a third verse which we should study which describes how hope works in us and it is Titus 2:12-14, 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.
His Hope within us should change how we live in this present age and in ages to come. First, we should deny ungodliness and the lusts of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. And we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.
Next, we should have a future perspective anticipating His future coming, {the rapture} and the glorious return to earth of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. His life, His sacrifice on the cross, leading to His payment of our eternal sin debt, redeems us from all lawless deeds, creating for Himself a people zealous and anxious for good works. Does His hope for you produce these outcomes or are you still unconvinced and unchanged and you really don’t have this type of hope within you?
Do you need to come to faith today in Jesus Christ, and are you truly saved? If not, then perhaps God is speaking to your heart with that little want to right now? Do not deny His calling, seek the Lord while He may be found, this could be your last opportunity. He will save you, He will save you. He will save you now. Only seek Him now. AMEN
Sanctity of Life Sunday, the Lord and giver of life
Genesis 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.
Genesis 18:14
Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”
Deuteronomy 30: 19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; 20 that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”
Psalm 139:13
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.
The Lord open and closes wombs – Mary, Elizabeth, Hannah, Sarah, Ruth,
Jan 15 Sermon
Ezekiel 22:22-31, Isaiah 59:14-16, The Bible presents a sad tale about the condition of a certain land, its rulers, its spiritual leaders, its priests and the supposed people of God. All have been corrupted by what 1st John 2:16 says, 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.
This is a terrible story of people of the flesh falling away from the One who loves them. Go with me to Ezekiel 22;23-31 where it says, 23 And the word of the Lord came to me,<Ezekiel> saying, 24 “Son of man, say to her: ‘You are a land that is not [d]cleansed or rained on in the day of indignation.’ 25 The conspiracy of her [e]prophets in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing the prey; they have devoured [f]people; they have taken treasure and precious things; they have made many widows in her midst. 26 Her priests have [g]violated My law and profaned My holy things; they have not distinguished between the holy and unholy, nor have they made known the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. 27 Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy [h]people, and to get dishonest gain. 28 Her prophets plastered them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions, and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ when the Lord had not spoken. 29 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.
We have just read a testimony about the prophets, the priests, the princes and the people where God our Father rejected them because of their sins of conspiring to rebel against Him. Further in Isaiah Chapter 59, God provides greater clarity for us so we might understand what is happening in their nation as well being able to apply this description to our own nation– Read with me please, beginning at the end of verse 12 - And as for our iniquities, we know them:
13 In transgressing and lying against the Lord, And departing from our God,
Speaking oppression and revolt,
Conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.
14 Justice 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.
Then the Lord saw it, and [c]it displeased Him, That there was no justice.
16 He saw that there was no man,
And wondered that there was no intercessor;
Therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him; And His own righteousness, it sustained Him.
Lying and falsehoods are part and parcel of what we see in America in 2023 and what do these indicate? Truth has fallen in the street. Let’s now examine our own hearts and read again the Word of God from Isaiah, beginning in verse 13 In transgressing and lying against the Lord, And departing from our God,
Speaking oppression and revolt,
Conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. {Lies such as: there is no God, He will approve of our behavior, life style, abortions}{trying to justify lies as the truth contrary to the Word of God, demeaning His law and Himself as the Law giver}
Then we see in verse 14 the results of our actions:
14 Justice is turned back,
And righteousness stands afar off;
For truth is fallen in the street,
And equity cannot enter. {you want to talk about equity in America today, there can be no equity without God’s justice and righteousness present}
This applies to what we read in Ezekiel about corrupt princes or in today’s terms, our leaders. The corrupt pastors are the modern priests, and they are part of the corrupt forecasters of the future or prophets (refers to pastors who mishandle the foretelling of the Word.) These are people all committed to lying and denying the truth. Truth has departed from them and the nation. <any parallels here with today?>These same truths hold fast for us as well as for historic Israel. Because God is immutable, He never changes.
Now what results from this evil in the leadership of the nation politically, morally and spiritually? The result is the people become depraved and they fall away.
Going back to Ezekiel we find these series of verses which we read, beginning in Chapter 22 verse 26. - so that I am profaned among them. 27 Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy [h]people, and to get dishonest gain. 28 Her prophets plastered them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions, and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ when the Lord had not spoken. 29 The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger.
Notice the starting point of all this activity is in verse 26, so when I am profaned among them. When men have a low opinion of God and have no fear of Him, we fall away and depart leading to great sin. Read this again, so when I am profaned among them. When God is profaned among them. This profaning of God and His benefits began far earlier but in great earnest after WW II. With great victory comes great temptation and so it was, God gave us great victory and with it our leadership and our people became prideful, arrogant and forgot that the victory was the Lord’s not our great army, navy and air corps. We began to trust more in technology, technical means, education and the strength of our arms than in the God of heaven. With that loss of the fear of God came the beginning of a decline in the morals and ethics of the princes, the priests, and those who were looking in the future. Looking more at what people could do rather than cultivating a relationship with God. Oh yes, this was not a great slide all in one day, but you saw this great birth of sinfulness in the 60s & 70’s with the hippies and the love generation. Blatant drugs, sexuality, immorality and the destruction of moral leaders which included Martin Luther King. Abortion, the pill, free sex, and no condemnation all these themes bubbled to the surface and took root in our universities, colleges which produced the intellegencia which began indoctrinating the following generations in our public schools. This same groupings of educated elites also infiltrated our seminaries. So today we have the result - the God is dead movement, CRT, BLM, abortion on demand and the like – all the moral decay in society. And we have seminarians teaching and learning heresy.
This results in our people fulfilling what is says in verse 29 of Chapter 22 of Ezekiel- 29 The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger.
So do you wonder why we need Jesus in 2023? The Princes running wild, with no oversight, penalizing any opposition to the truth; accusing citizens who want to do the right thing for their children and their children’s children of being domestic terrorists. There is more that moral decay in America, there is rottenness of sin in our Princes. Our priests deny the truth of God’s word teaching heresies. {} So if the prophets, the priests, the princes and now the people are divergent from God do you see why Jesus if needed in 2025??
We need to relate to what God did in Israel to Eli the priest because of his moral failure in restraining his sons from profaning the temple worship and in failing to teach truth to the people about God. {You can find this story in 1st Samuel Chapter 3)Eli was the high priest and was the teacher of all the priests and High priest to the people, interceding between God and the people. Eli was not willing to punish and reprimand his sons for gaining sexual favors from the women who came to the temple and who also took the best of the offerings for themselves instead of giving first fruits to God. God told Eli 13 … that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not [b]restrain them. And He added there was no atonement for his sins. Wow no way out. So God destroyed his sons. Eli fell and broke his neck upon hearing of the defeat of the people and the loss of the Ark of the Covenant. Great judgement fell upon the nation, upon the leadership – the priests the princes, as well as the people because they had all departed from God’s commands. If this has happened to the nation of Israel do you think God’s not going to bring the same judgement upon these United States? Do you see why we might just need Jesus in 2023??
Here is the truth -Romans 3: 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.
Verse 23 says, 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.
These verses are true and we definitely need a savior. Yes there is none righteous, no not one, no not one. And all have sinned. Notice God sent Jesus to be a propitiation, a payment for our sin. By Jesus blood God demonstrates His forbearance <restraint, patience> by forgiving and passing over our sins which we previously committed. He casts out our sin as far as the east is from the west. God is the just one and by His Son’s sacrifice and our faith in Jesus, He has provided justification and thereby salvation for our sins by Jesus’ perfect sacrifice. You and I don’t want to be where Eli was when God told him there was no sacrifice for his sin and God would destroy all of his house.
Jesus came saying, 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 may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Enter by the door of Jesus today and be save. He tells all who would hear – Come.
AMEN
Ezekiel 22:22-31, Isaiah 59:14-16, The Bible presents a sad tale about the condition of a certain land, its rulers, its spiritual leaders, its priests and the supposed people of God. All have been corrupted by what 1st John 2:16 says, 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.
This is a terrible story of people of the flesh falling away from the One who loves them. Go with me to Ezekiel 22;23-31 where it says, 23 And the word of the Lord came to me,<Ezekiel> saying, 24 “Son of man, say to her: ‘You are a land that is not [d]cleansed or rained on in the day of indignation.’ 25 The conspiracy of her [e]prophets in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing the prey; they have devoured [f]people; they have taken treasure and precious things; they have made many widows in her midst. 26 Her priests have [g]violated My law and profaned My holy things; they have not distinguished between the holy and unholy, nor have they made known the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. 27 Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy [h]people, and to get dishonest gain. 28 Her prophets plastered them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions, and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ when the Lord had not spoken. 29 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.
We have just read a testimony about the prophets, the priests, the princes and the people where God our Father rejected them because of their sins of conspiring to rebel against Him. Further in Isaiah Chapter 59, God provides greater clarity for us so we might understand what is happening in their nation as well being able to apply this description to our own nation– Read with me please, beginning at the end of verse 12 - And as for our iniquities, we know them:
13 In transgressing and lying against the Lord, And departing from our God,
Speaking oppression and revolt,
Conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.
14 Justice 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.
Then the Lord saw it, and [c]it displeased Him, That there was no justice.
16 He saw that there was no man,
And wondered that there was no intercessor;
Therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him; And His own righteousness, it sustained Him.
Lying and falsehoods are part and parcel of what we see in America in 2023 and what do these indicate? Truth has fallen in the street. Let’s now examine our own hearts and read again the Word of God from Isaiah, beginning in verse 13 In transgressing and lying against the Lord, And departing from our God,
Speaking oppression and revolt,
Conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. {Lies such as: there is no God, He will approve of our behavior, life style, abortions}{trying to justify lies as the truth contrary to the Word of God, demeaning His law and Himself as the Law giver}
Then we see in verse 14 the results of our actions:
14 Justice is turned back,
And righteousness stands afar off;
For truth is fallen in the street,
And equity cannot enter. {you want to talk about equity in America today, there can be no equity without God’s justice and righteousness present}
This applies to what we read in Ezekiel about corrupt princes or in today’s terms, our leaders. The corrupt pastors are the modern priests, and they are part of the corrupt forecasters of the future or prophets (refers to pastors who mishandle the foretelling of the Word.) These are people all committed to lying and denying the truth. Truth has departed from them and the nation. <any parallels here with today?>These same truths hold fast for us as well as for historic Israel. Because God is immutable, He never changes.
Now what results from this evil in the leadership of the nation politically, morally and spiritually? The result is the people become depraved and they fall away.
Going back to Ezekiel we find these series of verses which we read, beginning in Chapter 22 verse 26. - so that I am profaned among them. 27 Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy [h]people, and to get dishonest gain. 28 Her prophets plastered them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions, and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ when the Lord had not spoken. 29 The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger.
Notice the starting point of all this activity is in verse 26, so when I am profaned among them. When men have a low opinion of God and have no fear of Him, we fall away and depart leading to great sin. Read this again, so when I am profaned among them. When God is profaned among them. This profaning of God and His benefits began far earlier but in great earnest after WW II. With great victory comes great temptation and so it was, God gave us great victory and with it our leadership and our people became prideful, arrogant and forgot that the victory was the Lord’s not our great army, navy and air corps. We began to trust more in technology, technical means, education and the strength of our arms than in the God of heaven. With that loss of the fear of God came the beginning of a decline in the morals and ethics of the princes, the priests, and those who were looking in the future. Looking more at what people could do rather than cultivating a relationship with God. Oh yes, this was not a great slide all in one day, but you saw this great birth of sinfulness in the 60s & 70’s with the hippies and the love generation. Blatant drugs, sexuality, immorality and the destruction of moral leaders which included Martin Luther King. Abortion, the pill, free sex, and no condemnation all these themes bubbled to the surface and took root in our universities, colleges which produced the intellegencia which began indoctrinating the following generations in our public schools. This same groupings of educated elites also infiltrated our seminaries. So today we have the result - the God is dead movement, CRT, BLM, abortion on demand and the like – all the moral decay in society. And we have seminarians teaching and learning heresy.
This results in our people fulfilling what is says in verse 29 of Chapter 22 of Ezekiel- 29 The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger.
So do you wonder why we need Jesus in 2023? The Princes running wild, with no oversight, penalizing any opposition to the truth; accusing citizens who want to do the right thing for their children and their children’s children of being domestic terrorists. There is more that moral decay in America, there is rottenness of sin in our Princes. Our priests deny the truth of God’s word teaching heresies. {} So if the prophets, the priests, the princes and now the people are divergent from God do you see why Jesus if needed in 2025??
We need to relate to what God did in Israel to Eli the priest because of his moral failure in restraining his sons from profaning the temple worship and in failing to teach truth to the people about God. {You can find this story in 1st Samuel Chapter 3)Eli was the high priest and was the teacher of all the priests and High priest to the people, interceding between God and the people. Eli was not willing to punish and reprimand his sons for gaining sexual favors from the women who came to the temple and who also took the best of the offerings for themselves instead of giving first fruits to God. God told Eli 13 … that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not [b]restrain them. And He added there was no atonement for his sins. Wow no way out. So God destroyed his sons. Eli fell and broke his neck upon hearing of the defeat of the people and the loss of the Ark of the Covenant. Great judgement fell upon the nation, upon the leadership – the priests the princes, as well as the people because they had all departed from God’s commands. If this has happened to the nation of Israel do you think God’s not going to bring the same judgement upon these United States? Do you see why we might just need Jesus in 2023??
Here is the truth -Romans 3: 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.
Verse 23 says, 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.
These verses are true and we definitely need a savior. Yes there is none righteous, no not one, no not one. And all have sinned. Notice God sent Jesus to be a propitiation, a payment for our sin. By Jesus blood God demonstrates His forbearance <restraint, patience> by forgiving and passing over our sins which we previously committed. He casts out our sin as far as the east is from the west. God is the just one and by His Son’s sacrifice and our faith in Jesus, He has provided justification and thereby salvation for our sins by Jesus’ perfect sacrifice. You and I don’t want to be where Eli was when God told him there was no sacrifice for his sin and God would destroy all of his house.
Jesus came saying, 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 may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Enter by the door of Jesus today and be save. He tells all who would hear – Come.
AMEN
Jan 8 Sermon
Who will be first in your life in 2023? Yourself or will you allow Christ to be on the throne of your heart?
The believer who wrote the words of the text we will be reading today did not always live for Jesus Christ. He only began to do so when God in Jesus convicted him of His great sin; and when by grace he was brought to see the living eternal Savior who had made a lifesaving gift of paying for his sin and his guilt. From the moment of declaring himself a sinner, repenting and then receiving the new heavenly birth from above, this man began to live a new life beginning at that moment and for eternity in Jesus Christ. This person was the apostle Paul.
Jesus is to those who believe and have been born again from above, the pearl of great price. Because of Him and this new life He provides, they have become willing to give up all that have because Jesus is the way the truth and the life. He has or should have so completely won our hearts that now it should beat alone for Him; to His glory we would live, and in defense of His Gospel we would be willing to die to self and for others. He should have become for each believer the pattern of our new life, and the model after which we would sculpture our character.
Paul's words in Philippians 1:21 -mean more than most men think -For to me to live is Christ. They imply that the aim and end of his life is and was Christ. In modern words we might say, he ate and drank and slept Jesus which leads to eternal life. For Paul, Jesus was his very breath, the soul of his soul, the heart of his heart, the life of his life.
Can you say today, as you sit here in Oakland Baptist Church, as a professing Christian, that you are actively living up to this idea? Can you and I honestly say, for you and I to live is Christ and to die is gain ? Is this true in your home, in your weekly activities, in your political or sports discussions, in your business, your coffee breaks —are you doing it all for Him I owe? These activities are not meant to be done for yourself, for family or business advantage? You might be asking yourself, "Is that a bad mean reason?" For those who say and profess Christ it very much is.
If you and I professes to live for Christ alone; how can you and I live for another objective without committing spiritual adultery or making idols instead of worshiping Him?
Now this is the time to be honest with yourself and with God - there are many who carry out this principle to some degree; but who is it who dares to say that he has lived wholly for Christ as the apostle did? Yet this alone is the required measure of a believer or Christian. Jesus must be our source, our sustenance, our fashion, our end, all gathered up in one word—Christ as Lord despite the day and time in which we now live.
Now don’t get discouraged for God is at work in you and has given you and I a new year to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. If He wasn’t in love with you He would not have granted you another day. So then let us we fix our eyes upon Jesus and move ahead. Paul in Chapter 3 gives us some strategic words and hope to move into 2023, despite all the sin which surrounds us and so easily besets us. Read with me from
Paul in Philippians 3:12-14. The Word of God which says, 12 Not that I have already attained,[c] or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have [d]apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Wow, Paul says - but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. He adds further on - forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Now that doesn’t mean Paul didn’t learn from or ignore his mistakes, trials and errors, but he continued to press on or move onward toward the goal for the prize of the upward his calling of God in Christ Jesus.
How was or is this possible for Paul or for any of us as believers? First Paul was secure in the fact of His experience in meeting and accepting Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior. Do you have the same assurance that God has called you and ordained you and set you apart for His purposes? If you don’t have this assurance then you might want to pay attention closely to what is coming next. Just as Jesus told Nicodemus in order to even see or understand the things of God – which He called the Kingdom of Heaven you must be born again. Twice Jesus made these statements: In John 3:3
- Jesus answered and said to Nicodemus, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
- In John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
For Christ to have rule over your life you must have received Him the new birth by faith and asked Him into your life. If you have done so then you and I should pay attention to the firsts which are presented in the Word of God- His Bible. These firsts will guide you. and I into attaining a relationship with Jesus which would mirror Paul’s. But remember this – each of us is different. None of us are exactly the same or exactly a replica of Paul. Paul is an example. God promises to lead you individually to be His child. No two are identical, as each of us has received a special gift employ it as serving one another as the manifold grace of God. So the following are firsts which we should follow to walk closer with Christ and follow His example :
1. Matthew 6:33 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
If you read the preceding verses you find that Jesus was talking about the cares of this world- food, clothing, shelter and a variety of other things which we can pursue as idols. Our eyes may be fixed upon achieving various life style milestones. Our life style should reflect an absolute emphasis on seeking and keeping our eyes on the Lord. We should not be consumed with self-seeking and being self-oriented but God oriented and listening for His voice. This verse is a parallel to Deuteronomy 10:12. Check it out!
2. In Matthew Chapter 22 Jesus was asked what was the first commandment and here is His reply was - 37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
These verses would consume an entire lesson if we were to break out the ideas baked in these verses one by one. This is the same commandment just updated from what God gave to the Jews in Deuteronomy 6: 4 &5 -4 “Hear, O Israel: [b]The Lord our God, the Lord is one! 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
The verses say exactly what they mean and you should understand them if the Spirit of God is in you for they are clear. Since God in Christ loved you and gave Himself for you – out of the love He has given you and since you have a changed heart you are to love Him back with your entire being. This is meant to be a consuming all-pervasive love and response to God for what He has done in Jesus. There is nothing that can compare to what God and Jesus have given to us. Jesus is worthy of all we can give back. IF that is not your mindset then you need to repent and return to your first love which is Christ.
This Love of Christ must dwell in us richly to accomplish the remaining firsts which follow:
3. Check out Matthew 5 verse 23-24 - 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
This verse talks about interpersonal relationships and your attitude toward God and others. If your relationship with God in Christ is not correct how will you be able to have Godly, Christlike relationships with other. If you are coming in Worship to seek God, how is your heart, mind and soul towards your brother/sister/others? If you are angry, hostile and distressed over them, how can you hear and seek God when you trying to worship Him? Effectively you will not be able to connect. God will not hear your is the bottom line. It says First be reconciled to your brother.
4. Matthew 7:5 goes even further in describing this problem. Here in another first Jesus says, Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
For us to have the perspective we need we must align ourselves with God’s perspective and see His heart about ourselves and others. Many times this requires personal honesty, leading to repentance and tears for we find we have fallen very short of the standards set by Jesus. And we realize how we have disappointed the Lord who loves us so.
5. There is another first in Matthew 20:27
And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave. Many of us may want to achieve great things or be recognized for our Lord. The 12 disciples wanted be important in the Kingdom of God so they were arguing who would be number 1 , 2 etc. Jesus point is God’s grading systems and rewards are the opposite of the worlds. If you want to be counted high in the Kingdom you must be the servant of all, not whom others serve. If you keep this first principle you will be considered by Jesus as first in the Kingdom.
While this next first may be the final first we look at in today’s lesson there are more, both in Old and New Testament. The following first is a big first in many churches and individuals today and requires our examination. What is your attitude toward others and their sin today, do you automatically condemn the actions and motives of others? Do you ever seek after the heart of God to understand that others behavior might be changed if they knew the person you know? 6. Here is another first in John 8:7 - So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”
If someone is caught in an act sin do you automatically impugn and judge? We are to judge them by their fruit yes but how many times are we required to forgive others for their sins 7 or 70 times 7. If they continue in their sin expel and turn over to Satan, if they repent restore them to fellowship. We should not be ones who cast the first stone since we have been greatly forgiven. So then how should we treat others.
Keeping the first things first and relying on God’s Holy Spirit to teach, guide and direct us should be out path forward. May we look to these and other firsts to guide our path in 2023. Amen
Do you know Jesus Christ and have you been born from above? If not, is God’s Holy Spirit asking you to come to Jesus? If so then do not delay for now is the day of repentance. Seek me or one of our members today to know more about following Jesus or seek out the Billy Graham Association today.
Who will be first in your life in 2023? Yourself or will you allow Christ to be on the throne of your heart?
The believer who wrote the words of the text we will be reading today did not always live for Jesus Christ. He only began to do so when God in Jesus convicted him of His great sin; and when by grace he was brought to see the living eternal Savior who had made a lifesaving gift of paying for his sin and his guilt. From the moment of declaring himself a sinner, repenting and then receiving the new heavenly birth from above, this man began to live a new life beginning at that moment and for eternity in Jesus Christ. This person was the apostle Paul.
Jesus is to those who believe and have been born again from above, the pearl of great price. Because of Him and this new life He provides, they have become willing to give up all that have because Jesus is the way the truth and the life. He has or should have so completely won our hearts that now it should beat alone for Him; to His glory we would live, and in defense of His Gospel we would be willing to die to self and for others. He should have become for each believer the pattern of our new life, and the model after which we would sculpture our character.
Paul's words in Philippians 1:21 -mean more than most men think -For to me to live is Christ. They imply that the aim and end of his life is and was Christ. In modern words we might say, he ate and drank and slept Jesus which leads to eternal life. For Paul, Jesus was his very breath, the soul of his soul, the heart of his heart, the life of his life.
Can you say today, as you sit here in Oakland Baptist Church, as a professing Christian, that you are actively living up to this idea? Can you and I honestly say, for you and I to live is Christ and to die is gain ? Is this true in your home, in your weekly activities, in your political or sports discussions, in your business, your coffee breaks —are you doing it all for Him I owe? These activities are not meant to be done for yourself, for family or business advantage? You might be asking yourself, "Is that a bad mean reason?" For those who say and profess Christ it very much is.
If you and I professes to live for Christ alone; how can you and I live for another objective without committing spiritual adultery or making idols instead of worshiping Him?
Now this is the time to be honest with yourself and with God - there are many who carry out this principle to some degree; but who is it who dares to say that he has lived wholly for Christ as the apostle did? Yet this alone is the required measure of a believer or Christian. Jesus must be our source, our sustenance, our fashion, our end, all gathered up in one word—Christ as Lord despite the day and time in which we now live.
Now don’t get discouraged for God is at work in you and has given you and I a new year to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. If He wasn’t in love with you He would not have granted you another day. So then let us we fix our eyes upon Jesus and move ahead. Paul in Chapter 3 gives us some strategic words and hope to move into 2023, despite all the sin which surrounds us and so easily besets us. Read with me from
Paul in Philippians 3:12-14. The Word of God which says, 12 Not that I have already attained,[c] or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have [d]apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Wow, Paul says - but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. He adds further on - forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Now that doesn’t mean Paul didn’t learn from or ignore his mistakes, trials and errors, but he continued to press on or move onward toward the goal for the prize of the upward his calling of God in Christ Jesus.
How was or is this possible for Paul or for any of us as believers? First Paul was secure in the fact of His experience in meeting and accepting Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior. Do you have the same assurance that God has called you and ordained you and set you apart for His purposes? If you don’t have this assurance then you might want to pay attention closely to what is coming next. Just as Jesus told Nicodemus in order to even see or understand the things of God – which He called the Kingdom of Heaven you must be born again. Twice Jesus made these statements: In John 3:3
- Jesus answered and said to Nicodemus, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
- In John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
For Christ to have rule over your life you must have received Him the new birth by faith and asked Him into your life. If you have done so then you and I should pay attention to the firsts which are presented in the Word of God- His Bible. These firsts will guide you. and I into attaining a relationship with Jesus which would mirror Paul’s. But remember this – each of us is different. None of us are exactly the same or exactly a replica of Paul. Paul is an example. God promises to lead you individually to be His child. No two are identical, as each of us has received a special gift employ it as serving one another as the manifold grace of God. So the following are firsts which we should follow to walk closer with Christ and follow His example :
1. Matthew 6:33 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
If you read the preceding verses you find that Jesus was talking about the cares of this world- food, clothing, shelter and a variety of other things which we can pursue as idols. Our eyes may be fixed upon achieving various life style milestones. Our life style should reflect an absolute emphasis on seeking and keeping our eyes on the Lord. We should not be consumed with self-seeking and being self-oriented but God oriented and listening for His voice. This verse is a parallel to Deuteronomy 10:12. Check it out!
2. In Matthew Chapter 22 Jesus was asked what was the first commandment and here is His reply was - 37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
These verses would consume an entire lesson if we were to break out the ideas baked in these verses one by one. This is the same commandment just updated from what God gave to the Jews in Deuteronomy 6: 4 &5 -4 “Hear, O Israel: [b]The Lord our God, the Lord is one! 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
The verses say exactly what they mean and you should understand them if the Spirit of God is in you for they are clear. Since God in Christ loved you and gave Himself for you – out of the love He has given you and since you have a changed heart you are to love Him back with your entire being. This is meant to be a consuming all-pervasive love and response to God for what He has done in Jesus. There is nothing that can compare to what God and Jesus have given to us. Jesus is worthy of all we can give back. IF that is not your mindset then you need to repent and return to your first love which is Christ.
This Love of Christ must dwell in us richly to accomplish the remaining firsts which follow:
3. Check out Matthew 5 verse 23-24 - 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
This verse talks about interpersonal relationships and your attitude toward God and others. If your relationship with God in Christ is not correct how will you be able to have Godly, Christlike relationships with other. If you are coming in Worship to seek God, how is your heart, mind and soul towards your brother/sister/others? If you are angry, hostile and distressed over them, how can you hear and seek God when you trying to worship Him? Effectively you will not be able to connect. God will not hear your is the bottom line. It says First be reconciled to your brother.
4. Matthew 7:5 goes even further in describing this problem. Here in another first Jesus says, Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
For us to have the perspective we need we must align ourselves with God’s perspective and see His heart about ourselves and others. Many times this requires personal honesty, leading to repentance and tears for we find we have fallen very short of the standards set by Jesus. And we realize how we have disappointed the Lord who loves us so.
5. There is another first in Matthew 20:27
And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave. Many of us may want to achieve great things or be recognized for our Lord. The 12 disciples wanted be important in the Kingdom of God so they were arguing who would be number 1 , 2 etc. Jesus point is God’s grading systems and rewards are the opposite of the worlds. If you want to be counted high in the Kingdom you must be the servant of all, not whom others serve. If you keep this first principle you will be considered by Jesus as first in the Kingdom.
While this next first may be the final first we look at in today’s lesson there are more, both in Old and New Testament. The following first is a big first in many churches and individuals today and requires our examination. What is your attitude toward others and their sin today, do you automatically condemn the actions and motives of others? Do you ever seek after the heart of God to understand that others behavior might be changed if they knew the person you know? 6. Here is another first in John 8:7 - So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”
If someone is caught in an act sin do you automatically impugn and judge? We are to judge them by their fruit yes but how many times are we required to forgive others for their sins 7 or 70 times 7. If they continue in their sin expel and turn over to Satan, if they repent restore them to fellowship. We should not be ones who cast the first stone since we have been greatly forgiven. So then how should we treat others.
Keeping the first things first and relying on God’s Holy Spirit to teach, guide and direct us should be out path forward. May we look to these and other firsts to guide our path in 2023. Amen
Do you know Jesus Christ and have you been born from above? If not, is God’s Holy Spirit asking you to come to Jesus? If so then do not delay for now is the day of repentance. Seek me or one of our members today to know more about following Jesus or seek out the Billy Graham Association today.
Jan 1 Sermon
“Are you ready for God to work in 2023 and whom have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” I hope you have had a good and blessed Christmas and our fellowship in Christ today marks another year in our walk with the Lord. Take a moment with me and let’s thank God for giving us another year.
Father – I thank you for granting us entry into another year in your fellowship. I praise you and thank you for giving us life. I praise and thank you for providing us salvation which is so rich and free, but cost You and Your Son the blood of His prefect sacrifice. Without His perfect life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension back into heaven, we would be without hope and lost forever. Help us this year to treasure your perfect gift more than ever, to love you more dearly and to share Christ more freely than ever before. Amen
2022 has been a challenging year for all of us individually and collectively at Oakland Baptist Church. Rampant inflation and the increasing cost of everything, the invasion across the border, the runaway and reckless spending of government with the continuing spread of lies are just part of the challenges which we faced this past year. Many have been stricken by the loss of loved ones, personal sickness or disease or both; perhaps loss of health, loss of wealth and just the ability to get things done that need to be done. We have heard and seen wars, rumors of wars, plagues and sickness spread across our countries and of course now is coming the next wave of COVID threatening’s being brought to you by foreign intervention in our lives.
It is harder to get everything including health care, medicines, food and basic necessities. Believers are considered enemies and are targeted by our own agencies which we pay for by our tax dollars. But believe it or not these are external threats which have challenged believers at all times in history, since the time of belief in Jesus Christ. Tribulations and persecutions have been part of Jews and Christians since sin entered this creation which God gave us.
So the challenge in 2023 as things tend to unravel and deteriorate further is how should we be prepared. As a good planner each of us should evaluate the threats and provide a strategy of how to respond and still manage to grow in our relationship with God, our savior and to allow the Holy Spirit greater access and influence.
Before we look at the threat arrayed against us, let’s look to determine what sources will we use for our strategic and tactical planning for 2023? If we are using anything other than the Bible and the doctrines, teachings and strategies provided there, we are wasting our time. As I continue to stress, our best and most strenuous and “perfect {should say flawed} thinking is never as good as the one who created us in the beginning. Remember 2 Tim 3:16-17 says, 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for [a]instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Using the word of God as our guide, we will now proceed with a threat assessment of what opposes us in 2023. Three thing oppose us in this coming year which are becoming more blatant and overt. They are: Satan, the world and the flesh.
First is the great deceiver, who is a liar from the beginning - Satan. 1 Peter 5:8 says, 8 … your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Since the garden of Eden and the temptation of Adam and Eve he has been at work tripping up the faithful to destroy them causing them to doubt their faith and deny their God.
II. Next enemy is the world, it says in 1 John 2 verses 15 &16: 15 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. So when speaking of the world the idea is not just the physical world but the world system. Meaning how things work in the world to drive believers away from the truth of God’s creation. Satan while a defeated enemy, uses the world system to pull us away from our beliefs and truths of Him and our Father. What happens to us – the three temptations get in the way of His truths just like they did with Eve and are replicated in the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness after His baptism. They are again the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.
III. Enemy number three is your flesh, no not your physical body although it will eventually betray all of us and die. The flesh is your old sin nature which you were born with on this earth. Remember all have sinned, and the wages of that sin is death from Romans Chapters 3 and 6. Romans 8 says this in verse 12-13 - 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh and verse . Go to verse, 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Satan and the demons use the weaknesses inherent in the flesh to tempt us. This is the great caution which you must apply to our lives individually - to not walk by feelings which are of the flesh and sight. Jesus warned believers about the flesh. He said
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt 26.41)
These are the threats, so what is the plan to be overcomers?- Overcomers are those who would overcome Satan, the world and the flesh.
God’s word has the answer but we must walk in the Word by obedience to have them fulfilled in us. Here are the three challenging thing which we need to do.
Step 1 for Satan, according to the Word of God- James 4:7 says, Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and He will flee from you. Closer fellowship with your Lord and your God in submission will allow you to resist evil. Submission is required As you become more committed to serving and living for God, Satan will flee from you. This is absolutely the first necessary step for it puts us in the right relationship with God for Him to work within us.
Step 2. To overcome the world and the world system used by Satan, look to
1 John 5:4 says, For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Faith in Christ is the victory which overcomes the world and secondly to be
be {continually – I inject}transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12.2
Step 3 - the flesh overcomers Jesus tells us in John 3:6&7, 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
to overcome the flesh you must be born again. To be born again and from above and defeat your flesh you must receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Defeat of this unholy Trinity must be accomplished for you to be an overcomers in 2023.
“Are you ready for God to work in 2023 and whom have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” I hope you have had a good and blessed Christmas and our fellowship in Christ today marks another year in our walk with the Lord. Take a moment with me and let’s thank God for giving us another year.
Father – I thank you for granting us entry into another year in your fellowship. I praise you and thank you for giving us life. I praise and thank you for providing us salvation which is so rich and free, but cost You and Your Son the blood of His prefect sacrifice. Without His perfect life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension back into heaven, we would be without hope and lost forever. Help us this year to treasure your perfect gift more than ever, to love you more dearly and to share Christ more freely than ever before. Amen
2022 has been a challenging year for all of us individually and collectively at Oakland Baptist Church. Rampant inflation and the increasing cost of everything, the invasion across the border, the runaway and reckless spending of government with the continuing spread of lies are just part of the challenges which we faced this past year. Many have been stricken by the loss of loved ones, personal sickness or disease or both; perhaps loss of health, loss of wealth and just the ability to get things done that need to be done. We have heard and seen wars, rumors of wars, plagues and sickness spread across our countries and of course now is coming the next wave of COVID threatening’s being brought to you by foreign intervention in our lives.
It is harder to get everything including health care, medicines, food and basic necessities. Believers are considered enemies and are targeted by our own agencies which we pay for by our tax dollars. But believe it or not these are external threats which have challenged believers at all times in history, since the time of belief in Jesus Christ. Tribulations and persecutions have been part of Jews and Christians since sin entered this creation which God gave us.
So the challenge in 2023 as things tend to unravel and deteriorate further is how should we be prepared. As a good planner each of us should evaluate the threats and provide a strategy of how to respond and still manage to grow in our relationship with God, our savior and to allow the Holy Spirit greater access and influence.
Before we look at the threat arrayed against us, let’s look to determine what sources will we use for our strategic and tactical planning for 2023? If we are using anything other than the Bible and the doctrines, teachings and strategies provided there, we are wasting our time. As I continue to stress, our best and most strenuous and “perfect {should say flawed} thinking is never as good as the one who created us in the beginning. Remember 2 Tim 3:16-17 says, 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for [a]instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Using the word of God as our guide, we will now proceed with a threat assessment of what opposes us in 2023. Three thing oppose us in this coming year which are becoming more blatant and overt. They are: Satan, the world and the flesh.
First is the great deceiver, who is a liar from the beginning - Satan. 1 Peter 5:8 says, 8 … your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Since the garden of Eden and the temptation of Adam and Eve he has been at work tripping up the faithful to destroy them causing them to doubt their faith and deny their God.
II. Next enemy is the world, it says in 1 John 2 verses 15 &16: 15 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. So when speaking of the world the idea is not just the physical world but the world system. Meaning how things work in the world to drive believers away from the truth of God’s creation. Satan while a defeated enemy, uses the world system to pull us away from our beliefs and truths of Him and our Father. What happens to us – the three temptations get in the way of His truths just like they did with Eve and are replicated in the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness after His baptism. They are again the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.
III. Enemy number three is your flesh, no not your physical body although it will eventually betray all of us and die. The flesh is your old sin nature which you were born with on this earth. Remember all have sinned, and the wages of that sin is death from Romans Chapters 3 and 6. Romans 8 says this in verse 12-13 - 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh and verse . Go to verse, 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Satan and the demons use the weaknesses inherent in the flesh to tempt us. This is the great caution which you must apply to our lives individually - to not walk by feelings which are of the flesh and sight. Jesus warned believers about the flesh. He said
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt 26.41)
These are the threats, so what is the plan to be overcomers?- Overcomers are those who would overcome Satan, the world and the flesh.
God’s word has the answer but we must walk in the Word by obedience to have them fulfilled in us. Here are the three challenging thing which we need to do.
Step 1 for Satan, according to the Word of God- James 4:7 says, Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and He will flee from you. Closer fellowship with your Lord and your God in submission will allow you to resist evil. Submission is required As you become more committed to serving and living for God, Satan will flee from you. This is absolutely the first necessary step for it puts us in the right relationship with God for Him to work within us.
Step 2. To overcome the world and the world system used by Satan, look to
1 John 5:4 says, For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Faith in Christ is the victory which overcomes the world and secondly to be
be {continually – I inject}transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12.2
Step 3 - the flesh overcomers Jesus tells us in John 3:6&7, 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
to overcome the flesh you must be born again. To be born again and from above and defeat your flesh you must receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Defeat of this unholy Trinity must be accomplished for you to be an overcomers in 2023.
Dec 24 Sermon
Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 221224_Oakland Baptist Church + Easter 33 “Christmas Eve 2022??” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 1 Could you actually miss Christmas this year? Many in Bethlehem and in Israel missed Christmas the evening that Jesus was born. Well from the Bible’s telling just about everyone missed the event of all the ages except for a few shepherds, a carpenter named Joseph, his betrothed sweetheart – Mary, who was with child; Zechariah and his wife Mary’s cousin Elizabeth, and their infant baby- John the Baptist. And then of course there is baby Jesus who was just born that blessed morn. These folks didn’t miss Christmas for they were either there or were aware and waiting for the baby’s birth during some night while they were in Bethlehem. The angels in heaven didn’t miss that date either – the heavenly chorus sang to men and praised God with halleluiahs from who all blessing flow; and God the Father and the Holy Spirit didn’t miss Christmas for they had been planning and in the process of executing this event for many years. Actually it was millennia in happening, for it was in God’s plan since the time Adam and Eve sinned and He kicked them out of the Garden of Eden. The Biblical prophets didn’t miss Christmas although they didn’t have the exact day, century or year – oh they weren’t present but they were in heaven celebrating Immanuel – God with us. Isaiah and many of His fellow prophets had been predicting the baby Jesus arrival 700 years before, based upon inspiration from the Holy Spirit. They had been waiting since then in anticipation of this arrival and the blessings He would bring to all people. Isn’t this the message of the angels in Luke 2:9ff of - 9 And [c]behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they (shepherds) were greatly afraid. 10Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a [d]manger.” Now we know the Wise Men weren’t present in Bethlehem on Christmas day, there for the birth of Jesus. But they had not been deluded or unaware of His coming – they saw signs in the sky which pointed to His birth. They had to make a many month’slong trip to get there. They showed up maybe 2 years later but they still celebrated the birthdate of the King of the Jews. So they didn’t miss the Christmas for when they saw the start and its continued leading to the Christ child they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. They rejoiced in God’s fulfillment of His plan as predicted by those prophets 700 years earlier. This is why we call them Wise men Who else didn’t miss Christmas? Well I believe some of the shepherds were not planning to attend a birth but God chose to make the lowliest, most despised and societally uncouth aware of His most glorious gift _ His Son – the Son of Man. Step with into the eternal plan of God for a moment. In Philippians Chapter 2, God uses Paul to tell us about Jesus’ descent from Heaven to a manger stall. Begin with verse 7 and 8, 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. So , exactly how far was that fall? All the way from heaven. -2 Cor. 5.21 tells us, He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. So why would God honor shepherds with such honor to bless them with an Angelic choir and a visit to the manger to see baby Jesus – making sure they would not miss Christmas? I believe this is the message of Christmas. The gift of new life came in the form of a baby that first Christmas night. When God delivered on His promises to bring salvation to all men. The gift given as said in the angelic message was good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. In a lowly manager symbolizes the length God 221224_Oakland Baptist Church + Easter 33 “Christmas Eve 2022??” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 221224_Oakland Baptist Church + Easter 33 “Christmas Eve 2022??” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 2 would go to deliver salvation to all people from the highest to the lowest. Picture this- the plan of God is to allow His salvation for all and to begin by inviting the lowest of the low, those most rejected in all society to come to know God’s savior – Jesus the Christ, the anointed one. God is not willing that any should perish but that all could come to repentant, leading to redemption and salvation in His son. Was and is this not the ministry of Jesus to bring deliverance to all people beginning with the Jews – and they rejected Him. So who missed Christmas who shouldn’t have
Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 221224_Oakland Baptist Church + Easter 33 “Christmas Eve 2022??” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 1 Could you actually miss Christmas this year? Many in Bethlehem and in Israel missed Christmas the evening that Jesus was born. Well from the Bible’s telling just about everyone missed the event of all the ages except for a few shepherds, a carpenter named Joseph, his betrothed sweetheart – Mary, who was with child; Zechariah and his wife Mary’s cousin Elizabeth, and their infant baby- John the Baptist. And then of course there is baby Jesus who was just born that blessed morn. These folks didn’t miss Christmas for they were either there or were aware and waiting for the baby’s birth during some night while they were in Bethlehem. The angels in heaven didn’t miss that date either – the heavenly chorus sang to men and praised God with halleluiahs from who all blessing flow; and God the Father and the Holy Spirit didn’t miss Christmas for they had been planning and in the process of executing this event for many years. Actually it was millennia in happening, for it was in God’s plan since the time Adam and Eve sinned and He kicked them out of the Garden of Eden. The Biblical prophets didn’t miss Christmas although they didn’t have the exact day, century or year – oh they weren’t present but they were in heaven celebrating Immanuel – God with us. Isaiah and many of His fellow prophets had been predicting the baby Jesus arrival 700 years before, based upon inspiration from the Holy Spirit. They had been waiting since then in anticipation of this arrival and the blessings He would bring to all people. Isn’t this the message of the angels in Luke 2:9ff of - 9 And [c]behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they (shepherds) were greatly afraid. 10Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a [d]manger.” Now we know the Wise Men weren’t present in Bethlehem on Christmas day, there for the birth of Jesus. But they had not been deluded or unaware of His coming – they saw signs in the sky which pointed to His birth. They had to make a many month’slong trip to get there. They showed up maybe 2 years later but they still celebrated the birthdate of the King of the Jews. So they didn’t miss the Christmas for when they saw the start and its continued leading to the Christ child they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. They rejoiced in God’s fulfillment of His plan as predicted by those prophets 700 years earlier. This is why we call them Wise men Who else didn’t miss Christmas? Well I believe some of the shepherds were not planning to attend a birth but God chose to make the lowliest, most despised and societally uncouth aware of His most glorious gift _ His Son – the Son of Man. Step with into the eternal plan of God for a moment. In Philippians Chapter 2, God uses Paul to tell us about Jesus’ descent from Heaven to a manger stall. Begin with verse 7 and 8, 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. So , exactly how far was that fall? All the way from heaven. -2 Cor. 5.21 tells us, He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. So why would God honor shepherds with such honor to bless them with an Angelic choir and a visit to the manger to see baby Jesus – making sure they would not miss Christmas? I believe this is the message of Christmas. The gift of new life came in the form of a baby that first Christmas night. When God delivered on His promises to bring salvation to all men. The gift given as said in the angelic message was good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. In a lowly manager symbolizes the length God 221224_Oakland Baptist Church + Easter 33 “Christmas Eve 2022??” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 221224_Oakland Baptist Church + Easter 33 “Christmas Eve 2022??” Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?” 2 would go to deliver salvation to all people from the highest to the lowest. Picture this- the plan of God is to allow His salvation for all and to begin by inviting the lowest of the low, those most rejected in all society to come to know God’s savior – Jesus the Christ, the anointed one. God is not willing that any should perish but that all could come to repentant, leading to redemption and salvation in His son. Was and is this not the ministry of Jesus to bring deliverance to all people beginning with the Jews – and they rejected Him. So who missed Christmas who shouldn’t have
Dec 18 Sermon
Are you experiencing joy this Christmas? Church goers often read from Luke 2:9-11 as part of their Christmas celebrations. Here is what it says, 9 And [a]behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Do you have joy today because of your friendship and relationship to the living Son of God? Or is your life drab, dull and depressing and you have no joy. Perhaps you need a checkup this holiday season- a joy check if you will?
There are total of 192 expressions with just the word joy in the Bible - 127 in the Old Testament and 65 times in the New Testament. Many more are there if you expand the search and include the word joyful. Do you suppose God is interested in you experiencing joy?
Now understand this, Joy is not the same as being happy or gleeful or however you define having fun. Joy is a deeper, richer in understanding of the fact God loves you, cares for you and desires to walk with you in all of life’s pleasures, difficulties and distresses. It is a measure of the fulness God. He imparts to human hearts the wonders of His love. It begins with the wonderous moment you believe on the name of the Lord Jesus and receive Him in your heart and will continue through this life and into eternity forever, which is redundant but necessary for you to understand His truth
Here are some verses about joy we hear commonly at Christmas and Easter. In, Matthew 2:10, When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. (This speaks to the Wise men as they departed from Herod to find the Christ child, who I might remind you is now probably a young child.)
Upon Jesus’ ascension into heaven we hear in Luke 24:52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. The doubtful disciples worshiped Him now for they had visible evidence that Jesus had ascended into heaven.
Another reference about Joy comes in Galatians 5:22-23, where it says of the Holy Spirit’s presence in the life of the believe He gives fruit into each life Read Galatians 5:22-23, 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 [b]gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Jesus also spoke to joy many several time but this verse relates to everyone who receives the free gift of salvation, Luke 15:7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. This is Jesus finishing the understanding of the shepherd finding the lost sheep and could also refer to the following parable about the Prodigal Son.
So you see Bible is full of references to the Joy that a relationship with God, Christ and indwelling of the Holy Spirit achieves in the life of the believer. God also speaks in many references in the Old Testament about the loss and lack of Joy which comes by rebelling against God, denying His teaching, His commandments and going your own way. Sin compromises your joy and creates enmity {hate} against you from God. This is true in Old and New Testaments despite what some may teach about being under the new covenant. The Judgement of God falls on men and women because of rebellion and sin even in the new covenant relationship, otherwise God would be liar and unjust to those in the Old Testament.
I want to now look at Joy in some more depth parsing some additional texts so you might get a better appreciation for how joy is reflect in the life of the believer. Got to Psalm 16:11, It says there, You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
You will show me the path of life – what path? The path, the narrow path that leads to life everlasting in your Son. Do you know righteousness comes from God and is given to you when you believe? The righteousness of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice and blood covers you, cleanses your sin and brings you into fellowship with God Almighty by His grace, your faith and His good works. This can only be done by God in Christ, you could never attain the works necessary to satisfy a holy God. Let’s pause here – do you really understand and accept this gift from God? It is critical to your life. Joy only comes because of what God does in your life. David tells us in Psalm 51 after he repented of His sin with Uriah’s death and His wife - Psalm 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Thy free Spirit Joy returned for David after he confessed, repented and returned to the Lord. Not before, during or while sinning with Bathsheba until Nathan came there was no joy. You will experience the same lack of Joy and diminished relationship with your Lord until you repent and return as well.
Here is second instance where God brings joy into the lives of those who persist and become dedicated, and separated followers of the Lord. The people in Nehemiah’s day had been apart from Jerusalem and true temple worship in slavery with Nebuchadnezzar for 70 years. God used King Cyrus to release them and sent them back to Jerusalem to reestablish the temple and rebuild the wall. In the seventh month after their return, the priest called a sacred assembly according to the Lords direction and the people read as one from the Book of the Law in the temple square. Nehemiah records in Chapter 8:10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
When the people, in true worship, heard the Word of the Law from God and understood their sin versus the promises of God they wanted to weep. The word recorded in that chapter says, “all the people wept.” They wept because the Spirit of the Lord had overcome them and they recognized their sin and repented to tears. But again read verse 10- Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
The people were charged to do what? - rejoice with the joy of the Lord. For the joy of your Lord is your strength. Have you ever understood until this moment that God’s Word is your joy and your strength? Scripture teaches that, Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Your strength in faith is directly influence by how much you saturate your soul, heart and mind in the Word of God.
There is a further promise for those who would come in repentance before the Lord, which is stated in Psalm 126:5 Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. Why does repentance seem so odious to believers? I believe it comes because of the harness of our hearts and indifference to suffering and lies which we encounter daily in our world today. Is your heart hear and without joy today?
Third, Jesus spoke clearly to his disciples of one the further outcomes of having fellowship with Him. Read in John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 2 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
Jesus here speaks to a specific commandment which, if followed, will sustain the gift of joy which Jesus gives you and His joy in you would be full if obeyed. Did you ever realize that faithful obedience to His Word and teachings produces joy, especially when we love one another even as Jesus loves you? Notice in particular He says that My joy, the joy of Jesus Christ Himself, might remain in you. And that joy remaining in you will produce a joy in you that is full and probably full beyond measure for that is how Jesus does things. Repeat the Joy of the Lord is my strength to underscore this!
Romans 14:17 - for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
There are many more verses which I could blast you with, but I believe maybe you might be getting the point by now about Joy and its relationship to you, your heart and your fellowship with the Lord Jesus.
Let’s sum up todays message is one final verse and spend a moment applying it to our lives. Let’s use Isaiah 61:10 as a summary for today. Read with me please - Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Because of what God has done in us through Jesus Christ we have been clothed me with the garments of salvation- Jesus paid it all. He has given us all things according to righteousness. He has covered us with the Blood of the Lamb to be made presentable before our Holy God Almighty. He gave us all the implements included in the full armor of God in Ephesians 6. He Himself is the bridegroom and we believers are considered and designated as His bride. Can you believe it you are one of the Jewels in His crown? Now given these facts perhaps you can begin to believe as Isaiah did that you will greatly rejoice in the Lord. And that your soul shall be joyful in your God, for He has has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue. ( 2 Peter 1:3)
AMEN
Do you need to repent today for your lack of Joy in the Lord for He is your strength? Do you now see your joy in the Lord is a reflection upon His life in you and your commitment and dedication to becoming a committed believer in Jesus? A commitment to Him is not a casual thing. Or perhaps you have never really received God’s anointing from above and your need to be save by the Blood of the Lamb. Will you respond today and give your life to the one who absolutely loves you and died for you? At the invitation come forward for repentance or salvation. Let God lead you this morning.
Additional selected verses on Joy :
Colossians 1:10-12, 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
Hebrews 12:2-3, 2looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and [b]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
Esther 8:17 And in every province and city, wherever the king’s command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday. Then many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews fell upon them.
Ecclesiastes 2:26 For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God.
Isaiah 29:19 The humble also shall increase their joy in the Lord, And the poor among men shall rejoice In the Holy One of Israel.
Are you experiencing joy this Christmas? Church goers often read from Luke 2:9-11 as part of their Christmas celebrations. Here is what it says, 9 And [a]behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Do you have joy today because of your friendship and relationship to the living Son of God? Or is your life drab, dull and depressing and you have no joy. Perhaps you need a checkup this holiday season- a joy check if you will?
There are total of 192 expressions with just the word joy in the Bible - 127 in the Old Testament and 65 times in the New Testament. Many more are there if you expand the search and include the word joyful. Do you suppose God is interested in you experiencing joy?
Now understand this, Joy is not the same as being happy or gleeful or however you define having fun. Joy is a deeper, richer in understanding of the fact God loves you, cares for you and desires to walk with you in all of life’s pleasures, difficulties and distresses. It is a measure of the fulness God. He imparts to human hearts the wonders of His love. It begins with the wonderous moment you believe on the name of the Lord Jesus and receive Him in your heart and will continue through this life and into eternity forever, which is redundant but necessary for you to understand His truth
Here are some verses about joy we hear commonly at Christmas and Easter. In, Matthew 2:10, When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. (This speaks to the Wise men as they departed from Herod to find the Christ child, who I might remind you is now probably a young child.)
Upon Jesus’ ascension into heaven we hear in Luke 24:52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. The doubtful disciples worshiped Him now for they had visible evidence that Jesus had ascended into heaven.
Another reference about Joy comes in Galatians 5:22-23, where it says of the Holy Spirit’s presence in the life of the believe He gives fruit into each life Read Galatians 5:22-23, 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 [b]gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Jesus also spoke to joy many several time but this verse relates to everyone who receives the free gift of salvation, Luke 15:7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. This is Jesus finishing the understanding of the shepherd finding the lost sheep and could also refer to the following parable about the Prodigal Son.
So you see Bible is full of references to the Joy that a relationship with God, Christ and indwelling of the Holy Spirit achieves in the life of the believer. God also speaks in many references in the Old Testament about the loss and lack of Joy which comes by rebelling against God, denying His teaching, His commandments and going your own way. Sin compromises your joy and creates enmity {hate} against you from God. This is true in Old and New Testaments despite what some may teach about being under the new covenant. The Judgement of God falls on men and women because of rebellion and sin even in the new covenant relationship, otherwise God would be liar and unjust to those in the Old Testament.
I want to now look at Joy in some more depth parsing some additional texts so you might get a better appreciation for how joy is reflect in the life of the believer. Got to Psalm 16:11, It says there, You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
You will show me the path of life – what path? The path, the narrow path that leads to life everlasting in your Son. Do you know righteousness comes from God and is given to you when you believe? The righteousness of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice and blood covers you, cleanses your sin and brings you into fellowship with God Almighty by His grace, your faith and His good works. This can only be done by God in Christ, you could never attain the works necessary to satisfy a holy God. Let’s pause here – do you really understand and accept this gift from God? It is critical to your life. Joy only comes because of what God does in your life. David tells us in Psalm 51 after he repented of His sin with Uriah’s death and His wife - Psalm 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Thy free Spirit Joy returned for David after he confessed, repented and returned to the Lord. Not before, during or while sinning with Bathsheba until Nathan came there was no joy. You will experience the same lack of Joy and diminished relationship with your Lord until you repent and return as well.
Here is second instance where God brings joy into the lives of those who persist and become dedicated, and separated followers of the Lord. The people in Nehemiah’s day had been apart from Jerusalem and true temple worship in slavery with Nebuchadnezzar for 70 years. God used King Cyrus to release them and sent them back to Jerusalem to reestablish the temple and rebuild the wall. In the seventh month after their return, the priest called a sacred assembly according to the Lords direction and the people read as one from the Book of the Law in the temple square. Nehemiah records in Chapter 8:10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
When the people, in true worship, heard the Word of the Law from God and understood their sin versus the promises of God they wanted to weep. The word recorded in that chapter says, “all the people wept.” They wept because the Spirit of the Lord had overcome them and they recognized their sin and repented to tears. But again read verse 10- Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
The people were charged to do what? - rejoice with the joy of the Lord. For the joy of your Lord is your strength. Have you ever understood until this moment that God’s Word is your joy and your strength? Scripture teaches that, Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Your strength in faith is directly influence by how much you saturate your soul, heart and mind in the Word of God.
There is a further promise for those who would come in repentance before the Lord, which is stated in Psalm 126:5 Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. Why does repentance seem so odious to believers? I believe it comes because of the harness of our hearts and indifference to suffering and lies which we encounter daily in our world today. Is your heart hear and without joy today?
Third, Jesus spoke clearly to his disciples of one the further outcomes of having fellowship with Him. Read in John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 2 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
Jesus here speaks to a specific commandment which, if followed, will sustain the gift of joy which Jesus gives you and His joy in you would be full if obeyed. Did you ever realize that faithful obedience to His Word and teachings produces joy, especially when we love one another even as Jesus loves you? Notice in particular He says that My joy, the joy of Jesus Christ Himself, might remain in you. And that joy remaining in you will produce a joy in you that is full and probably full beyond measure for that is how Jesus does things. Repeat the Joy of the Lord is my strength to underscore this!
Romans 14:17 - for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
There are many more verses which I could blast you with, but I believe maybe you might be getting the point by now about Joy and its relationship to you, your heart and your fellowship with the Lord Jesus.
Let’s sum up todays message is one final verse and spend a moment applying it to our lives. Let’s use Isaiah 61:10 as a summary for today. Read with me please - Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Because of what God has done in us through Jesus Christ we have been clothed me with the garments of salvation- Jesus paid it all. He has given us all things according to righteousness. He has covered us with the Blood of the Lamb to be made presentable before our Holy God Almighty. He gave us all the implements included in the full armor of God in Ephesians 6. He Himself is the bridegroom and we believers are considered and designated as His bride. Can you believe it you are one of the Jewels in His crown? Now given these facts perhaps you can begin to believe as Isaiah did that you will greatly rejoice in the Lord. And that your soul shall be joyful in your God, for He has has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue. ( 2 Peter 1:3)
AMEN
Do you need to repent today for your lack of Joy in the Lord for He is your strength? Do you now see your joy in the Lord is a reflection upon His life in you and your commitment and dedication to becoming a committed believer in Jesus? A commitment to Him is not a casual thing. Or perhaps you have never really received God’s anointing from above and your need to be save by the Blood of the Lamb. Will you respond today and give your life to the one who absolutely loves you and died for you? At the invitation come forward for repentance or salvation. Let God lead you this morning.
Additional selected verses on Joy :
Colossians 1:10-12, 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
Hebrews 12:2-3, 2looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and [b]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
Esther 8:17 And in every province and city, wherever the king’s command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday. Then many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews fell upon them.
Ecclesiastes 2:26 For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God.
Isaiah 29:19 The humble also shall increase their joy in the Lord, And the poor among men shall rejoice In the Holy One of Israel.
Dec 11 Sermon
Christmas is coming and are your already overwhelmed? Perhaps not so much with Christmas but it adds to your stress and woes because you see food, gas and the cost of living increasing every time you go to the store. You see crime, evil and dishonesty being rewarded. And dishonesty, greed and self-interests seeming to triumph over goodness everywhere you turn. How do you responds to this mess? Do you spend time complaining about what’s happening? Do you believe you are being continually defeated or dismayed at the forces of evil and dishonesty that are arrayed against you? I am sure we all despair sometimes, and there is nothing inherently wrong with this? But if you are at it continually railing against circumstances and the forces arrayed against you then perhaps there is a bigger problem? Do you understand that God knows exactly where you are and what is happening in your life? Complaining and grumbling are not necessarily good responses
Complaining and grumbling and griping have gotten the people of God in some very bad juju over the centuries. I have pulled one of the many verses which resulted from me searching the word “complained,” Check out Numbers 14:2. It says, And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness!
The peoples grumbling and complaining were voice to but were not really directed against Moses, Aaron or Joshua. These complaints were actually against God who was leading them.
What is the so what here? What does this mean to us, in our day and in our world? So how best then do we evaluate our Position? Our best position is to apply and measure ourselves against the word of God – the Bible and what God says about what is “truth.”.
Let’s look at the Old Testament book of Numbers 13:25-33. now beginning at verse 25, 25 And they returned from spying out the land after forty days.
26 Now they departed and came back to Moses and Aaron and all the congregation of the children of Israel in the Wilderness of Parana, at Kadesh; they brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 Then they told him, and said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly [g]flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28 Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan.”
30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.”
31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” 32 And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. 33 There we saw the [h]giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like[i]grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”
My, my, things were really bad according to ten spies. But two spies said no, we are able, with God’s promise, to do follow God’s command. Do you think the people believed that they were just going to walk into the promised land and be handed all these rewards as freebees? Apparently, they did, for they complained again and again against their circumstance which God had put them in the middle of on purpose. God was leading them to Himself and that is not always an easy task, especially for a people who had been slaves for 400+ years and were now free to choose who they would worship and honor.
Folks there is a big divide here which you and I need to understand. There are three specific places mentioned here from Exodus through Joshua. These places represent three states or conditions in their relationship to God and His promises. These three places are; Egypt, the Wilderness and the Promised Land. Each of us today is in one of these locations in our relationship with God. Egypt, Pharaoh and the many differing gods therein represent the domain of sin and evil and is the resident domain of the damned, both present and future.
Second is the Promised land which represents the domain of God in Christ for those living today and for eternity. Make no mistake the Promised Land is for those who have fully received and are living for and are “in Christ” in our world today. The is the land of those born again and from above; and are populated by those who were sinners, who have come as the whosoever will and called upon the name of the Lord, who have been saved by grace through faith. These are those who are walking by faith in Christ and not by sight
Now listen and understand about the middle ground between Egypt and the Promised Land. It is called Wilderness and it is middle ground. The wilderness is for those who have heard the promise from God for redemption, but have not fully trusted by faith in the truth of the promise; and are living frustrated and unstable in the world around them. These are the ones we just read about who consider themselves as “grasshoppers,” who are unwilling and unable to fully accept the promises and truths which God has given us and learned to trust and walk in them.
The question for the day is, where are you? Are you still in Egypt in the midst of your sin never having believed or trusted in that Jesus nonsense? Or are you having heard the truth and begun to believe but because of your lack of faith and unbelief are now in the wilderness of circumstances, like those in Moses’ day? Notice closely in our scripture for today verse 31 31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we. This is showing a direct lack of faith in the Words of God spoken to them by Moses.
Do you remember in the new testament where the man who desired his son to be healed from demon possession – 40 So I implored Your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.”
41 Then Jesus answered and said, “O [f]faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and [g]bear with you? (Luke 9:40-41)
– because of the disciples lack of faith they were severely rebuked by Jesus.
The problem we have is there is no fear of God. Without the fear of God we lack the wisdom which comes by fearing God. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
The Israelites living in bondage had seen the acts of God but had never come to know and to fear, honor, love and trust Him so they were overwhelmed by the forces arrayed against them. This type of living caused God to proclaim 40 years banishment in the wilderness until all over 20 years old had perished except Caleb, Joshua and Moses. Those men were satisfied to call themselves Grasshoppers before those who opposed them for they did not believe or trust in the promises of God. Even thought they testified to the fact that the Land was full of milk and honey, they denied God was able to deliver them? Are you a grasshopper Christian living in the Wilderness of sin not relying on the promises of God?
Or have you fully trusted in the Lord God and Him only shall you serve, as Jesus spoke in Luke 4:8? These are the blessed who are living even now in the promised land.
You ask me how can you say that with all the problems I have right now?? I guess maybe you are a grasshopper Christian. Others such as Bill Bright might label you differently - a carnal Christian. You have heard the promises but are not fully committed yourself to trusting in God’s power or His word. Perhaps you are not really saved? Could this be true of you?
Is this the way you believe you stand before God today? A mere grasshopper unable to contend for the faith with the enemies who come against you? Do you know God is with you and has called us to stand and having done all to stand? {Eph 6:11-19) I believe many people today are overcome by all that is coming against believers, traditional Christian values and beliefs. We are not grasshoppers but overcomers and those who are empowered by God and who have His strength to stand in the evil day despite all
I ask you to meditate on this verse as you prepare your hearts for Christmas - The Essence of the Law is from Deuteronomy 10:12
12 “And now, Israel (Christians), what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,
If you do so you will not become a grasshopper Christian, this is the promise of God.
Read these verses for a summary on the
“the fear of the Lord is” from Proverbs:
1. Proverbs 1:7
2. Proverbs 8:13
3. Proverbs 9:10
4. Proverbs 14:26
5. Proverbs 14:27
6. Proverbs 15:16
7. Proverbs 15:33
8. Proverbs 16:6
9. Proverbs 19:1
NKJV 1975 version Thomas Nelson publishers.
Christmas is coming and are your already overwhelmed? Perhaps not so much with Christmas but it adds to your stress and woes because you see food, gas and the cost of living increasing every time you go to the store. You see crime, evil and dishonesty being rewarded. And dishonesty, greed and self-interests seeming to triumph over goodness everywhere you turn. How do you responds to this mess? Do you spend time complaining about what’s happening? Do you believe you are being continually defeated or dismayed at the forces of evil and dishonesty that are arrayed against you? I am sure we all despair sometimes, and there is nothing inherently wrong with this? But if you are at it continually railing against circumstances and the forces arrayed against you then perhaps there is a bigger problem? Do you understand that God knows exactly where you are and what is happening in your life? Complaining and grumbling are not necessarily good responses
Complaining and grumbling and griping have gotten the people of God in some very bad juju over the centuries. I have pulled one of the many verses which resulted from me searching the word “complained,” Check out Numbers 14:2. It says, And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness!
The peoples grumbling and complaining were voice to but were not really directed against Moses, Aaron or Joshua. These complaints were actually against God who was leading them.
What is the so what here? What does this mean to us, in our day and in our world? So how best then do we evaluate our Position? Our best position is to apply and measure ourselves against the word of God – the Bible and what God says about what is “truth.”.
Let’s look at the Old Testament book of Numbers 13:25-33. now beginning at verse 25, 25 And they returned from spying out the land after forty days.
26 Now they departed and came back to Moses and Aaron and all the congregation of the children of Israel in the Wilderness of Parana, at Kadesh; they brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 Then they told him, and said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly [g]flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28 Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan.”
30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.”
31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” 32 And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. 33 There we saw the [h]giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like[i]grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”
My, my, things were really bad according to ten spies. But two spies said no, we are able, with God’s promise, to do follow God’s command. Do you think the people believed that they were just going to walk into the promised land and be handed all these rewards as freebees? Apparently, they did, for they complained again and again against their circumstance which God had put them in the middle of on purpose. God was leading them to Himself and that is not always an easy task, especially for a people who had been slaves for 400+ years and were now free to choose who they would worship and honor.
Folks there is a big divide here which you and I need to understand. There are three specific places mentioned here from Exodus through Joshua. These places represent three states or conditions in their relationship to God and His promises. These three places are; Egypt, the Wilderness and the Promised Land. Each of us today is in one of these locations in our relationship with God. Egypt, Pharaoh and the many differing gods therein represent the domain of sin and evil and is the resident domain of the damned, both present and future.
Second is the Promised land which represents the domain of God in Christ for those living today and for eternity. Make no mistake the Promised Land is for those who have fully received and are living for and are “in Christ” in our world today. The is the land of those born again and from above; and are populated by those who were sinners, who have come as the whosoever will and called upon the name of the Lord, who have been saved by grace through faith. These are those who are walking by faith in Christ and not by sight
Now listen and understand about the middle ground between Egypt and the Promised Land. It is called Wilderness and it is middle ground. The wilderness is for those who have heard the promise from God for redemption, but have not fully trusted by faith in the truth of the promise; and are living frustrated and unstable in the world around them. These are the ones we just read about who consider themselves as “grasshoppers,” who are unwilling and unable to fully accept the promises and truths which God has given us and learned to trust and walk in them.
The question for the day is, where are you? Are you still in Egypt in the midst of your sin never having believed or trusted in that Jesus nonsense? Or are you having heard the truth and begun to believe but because of your lack of faith and unbelief are now in the wilderness of circumstances, like those in Moses’ day? Notice closely in our scripture for today verse 31 31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we. This is showing a direct lack of faith in the Words of God spoken to them by Moses.
Do you remember in the new testament where the man who desired his son to be healed from demon possession – 40 So I implored Your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.”
41 Then Jesus answered and said, “O [f]faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and [g]bear with you? (Luke 9:40-41)
– because of the disciples lack of faith they were severely rebuked by Jesus.
The problem we have is there is no fear of God. Without the fear of God we lack the wisdom which comes by fearing God. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
The Israelites living in bondage had seen the acts of God but had never come to know and to fear, honor, love and trust Him so they were overwhelmed by the forces arrayed against them. This type of living caused God to proclaim 40 years banishment in the wilderness until all over 20 years old had perished except Caleb, Joshua and Moses. Those men were satisfied to call themselves Grasshoppers before those who opposed them for they did not believe or trust in the promises of God. Even thought they testified to the fact that the Land was full of milk and honey, they denied God was able to deliver them? Are you a grasshopper Christian living in the Wilderness of sin not relying on the promises of God?
Or have you fully trusted in the Lord God and Him only shall you serve, as Jesus spoke in Luke 4:8? These are the blessed who are living even now in the promised land.
You ask me how can you say that with all the problems I have right now?? I guess maybe you are a grasshopper Christian. Others such as Bill Bright might label you differently - a carnal Christian. You have heard the promises but are not fully committed yourself to trusting in God’s power or His word. Perhaps you are not really saved? Could this be true of you?
Is this the way you believe you stand before God today? A mere grasshopper unable to contend for the faith with the enemies who come against you? Do you know God is with you and has called us to stand and having done all to stand? {Eph 6:11-19) I believe many people today are overcome by all that is coming against believers, traditional Christian values and beliefs. We are not grasshoppers but overcomers and those who are empowered by God and who have His strength to stand in the evil day despite all
I ask you to meditate on this verse as you prepare your hearts for Christmas - The Essence of the Law is from Deuteronomy 10:12
12 “And now, Israel (Christians), what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,
If you do so you will not become a grasshopper Christian, this is the promise of God.
Read these verses for a summary on the
“the fear of the Lord is” from Proverbs:
1. Proverbs 1:7
2. Proverbs 8:13
3. Proverbs 9:10
4. Proverbs 14:26
5. Proverbs 14:27
6. Proverbs 15:16
7. Proverbs 15:33
8. Proverbs 16:6
9. Proverbs 19:1
NKJV 1975 version Thomas Nelson publishers.
Dec 4 Sermon
In every case in scripture whether Old Testaments - say Moses, Abram to Abraham, Gideon, David or any of the prophets to the New Testament disciples, God always wants a deeper relationship with those He called. The path to a deep relationship for each could be painful, joyous, full of challenges and difficulties. Just look at the life of Paul, John or Peter every twist and turn of their lives God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit was moving them towards a deeper and more fulfilling relationship with Himself. Jesus told the disciples simply Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men. Sounds quite simple but if we look at their lives, the growing in relationship to God was not easy and, in some cases, painful, personally stretching and difficult.
God in Christ has not changed He wants a close personal and individual relationship with you. This may not have been your experience growing up. You may not have had warm, close loving relationship with your parents, brothers, sisters and family. Your relationships could have been very formal, almost cold and professional to a large extent or even abusive, punishing and hateful full of drunken rage or misgiving. That is not the love of God. He corrects and emends our ways to be conformed to His precepts but to the one who comes to Him in faith, He will in no wise cast out. The love of God is evident in the fact that He sent His Son a ransom for many for sin. God’s greatest love was made real on the cross of Calvary where Jesus paid it all for you and I. As the song says, A message written in Red from His shed blood. We could spend the rest of the lesson on the love of God but we will not. The love of God is settled at the cross forever.
You on the other hand need to know that the work of the Holy Spirit is to conform your life to the image of the Son (Romans 8:29.) Which means God is at work in the life of everyone who is called by His name (Phil. 2.13). Now you may be oblivious or have ignored the calling of God for so long you do not realize He is drawing your unto Himself with chords of love. He wants close intimate fellowship with your heart and He wants you on mission for Him. Question does this discussion ring true in your heart right now, or is this confusing? Let’s gain insight into this problem by simply looking at the disciples of Jesus. God is wants us to understand His ways and draw us deeper in our relationship with Him. Look in the New Testament Gospel of Luke, chapter 5, beginning at the first verse. Let’s read:
5 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him {Jesus}to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.
4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon {Peter}, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they [a]forsook all and followed Him.
Now going to verse 12 we begin Case II – which is the immediate application for the instruction of the disciples in God’s ways of what He just taught the disciples-
Jesus Cleanses a Leper 12 And it happened when He was in a certain city, that behold, a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face and [b]implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”
13 Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately the leprosy left him. 14 And He charged him to tell no one, “But go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as a testimony to them, just as Moses commanded.” {this action of going to the Priest fulfills the law of God found in Leviticus}
Pray with me – Lord help us to see what you want is us from this teaching in Luke 5. It is important Lord for us to see your loving approach to drawing us deeper in Your love. Amen
Go back now to verse 1-5 and let’s dig into the truths here for our understanding.
What we don’t discern here from this text is that Jesus had earlier met these men who He will eventually call to be disciples in Mark Chapter 1 and Matthew, Chapter 4 and Peter, Andrew, James and John went with Him to Capernaum and Galilee but they went back to their trade of being fishermen.
Here is the important point – Jesus in the life of an individual makes a big difference, and encounter with Jesus is life changing and will rearrange everything. But as in the future disciples case it took more than one encounter for them to awaken to His calling. Note this Jesus is preaching to the crowd but His concern is always for individuals. If you study God’s word you will always find this pattern is true.
Jesus is now about to invite them into deeper waters with Himself. This was after they had spent all night fishing and yet caught nothing. Read what the text says. Now this says something about the character of the men Jesus was calling perhaps as many as 7 of the 12 were fisherman. To be a professional fisherman these individuals would have had to have faith to plod the seas day after day. So they needed persistence, patience and had to be efficient and these were good qualities for the faith works God was calling them to accomplish. But they lacked a very essential quality – deep and abiding personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. So let’s see what Jesus does.
It says that Jesus was preaching to a crowd which was continually pressing around Him, so He commandeers a fishing boat to give Himself some space from them. Now notice how God orchestrated details. He put the frustrated fishermen in the exact presence of His Son, while they were finishing up cleaning up from a disappointing night. Now it says Jesus was using this fishing boat as a platform to preach the Word of God – and the people were obviously hungry for the Word. Jesus was teaching with authority and the people could not get enough. So who else was hearing and needed the Word of God but the fishermen – just a coincidence, right? Jesus was already calling others to respond to His Word, He was fishing for souls already.
Do you understand that Peter and the other future disciples were captives on the boat? Romans 10:17 tells us, Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Jesus’ teaching and preaching was to the crowd but plainly also for the future disciples, for He was preparing them for a future encounter with Him.
This is actually God’s invitation for you and I and these men to go deeper with Him and to prepare us to join Him in His work.
Stay focused on verses 3-5: 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.
4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon {Peter}, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”
Jesus first gets into Simon Peter’s boat and ask Him to put out a little from the land. A simple request but unexpected. So Jesus first asks us to trust a little to have faith in Him, just a little to trust in Him. This gives us a chance to take our first step of obedience in faith. Then the next and greater step is to cast out into deeper water. Notice is says after His teaching the multitudes He stopped speaking and He says to Peter and the crew a command – Launch out into the deep. Jesus has been teaching Simon Peter and the rest of the crew and they having heard His teaching are now put to the test. So here Jesus who they have been with before but left and went back to fishing are now challenged again by Jesus not in some unfamiliar setting but right there in their workplace on the Sea of Galilee.
But it was not just to “Launch out into the deep but to do something extraordinary and let down At this command Jesus is challenging them in everything they think they know and that is all about fishing and their life’s work. But He is also meeting them at the point of their need which was to provide for others and themselves.
Notice Simon Peter’s concern he answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing. This was simply stating the facts which Jesus already knew. Notice the term Master this is recognition of a higher estate than he has understood to this point.
Remember, Simon is a fisherman- he knows that the fish are caught at night when they come to the surface. During the day the fish go deep to get to the cooler water. Jesus call to launch into the deep flies in the face of all they have learned and understood. After all Jesus is no fisherman, who is He to tell them what to do.
These men are about to experience the power of a word spoken by God, but not quite yet.
A further step of obedience is required by Simon and these men and here it is. Simon after hearing Jesus teaching to the multitudes has taken to heart the words He has said, and now here is what he says, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” Now look at the result of this next step of faith look to verse 8 - 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. Notice the learning by the future disciples they immediately called others to share in the bounty which the Lord had provided- So they signaled to their partners. Gods’ providence and care demands sharing, yes in the work as well. So they called others.
Now notice the immediate heart change in Simon when he fully recognized the activity and calling of God through Jesus working, verse 8 - 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken;
Jesus then calmly admonishes them to take heart what I have done here I will do with you but “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.
When they returned it says, verse 11, 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they [a]forsook all and followed Him.
Now immediately Jesus reinforces this teaching of His ways by curing a leper. I would like to spend many minutes explaining the healing of the leper but we can’t. Here is the gist – leprosy is a disease and it represents sin in all its evil intent. Leprosy separates, it is pervasive, it festers, it must be isolated, it represents a fatal problem in an individual. Leprosy makes a person insensitive to the pain it is causing and harms both the individual and others. The fact that a Leper comes to Jesus and asked to be healed shows that God was working in the heart of this leper to recognize that He needed to come to Jesus for He was the only source of true healing. Just as He did with the Fisherman faith and actions had to be demonstrated by those coming to Jesus for healing and salvation. Jesus was concerned about the individual and touched the unclean to make Him whole.
This is what He does with us all.
Do you see that Jesus is wanting to draw you into deeper fellowship with Himself today? Has God spoken to your heart this morning if so are your prepared to respond to His command to push out just a little further? Will you be obedient today -after all Jesus is calling you today?
Amen
In every case in scripture whether Old Testaments - say Moses, Abram to Abraham, Gideon, David or any of the prophets to the New Testament disciples, God always wants a deeper relationship with those He called. The path to a deep relationship for each could be painful, joyous, full of challenges and difficulties. Just look at the life of Paul, John or Peter every twist and turn of their lives God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit was moving them towards a deeper and more fulfilling relationship with Himself. Jesus told the disciples simply Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men. Sounds quite simple but if we look at their lives, the growing in relationship to God was not easy and, in some cases, painful, personally stretching and difficult.
God in Christ has not changed He wants a close personal and individual relationship with you. This may not have been your experience growing up. You may not have had warm, close loving relationship with your parents, brothers, sisters and family. Your relationships could have been very formal, almost cold and professional to a large extent or even abusive, punishing and hateful full of drunken rage or misgiving. That is not the love of God. He corrects and emends our ways to be conformed to His precepts but to the one who comes to Him in faith, He will in no wise cast out. The love of God is evident in the fact that He sent His Son a ransom for many for sin. God’s greatest love was made real on the cross of Calvary where Jesus paid it all for you and I. As the song says, A message written in Red from His shed blood. We could spend the rest of the lesson on the love of God but we will not. The love of God is settled at the cross forever.
You on the other hand need to know that the work of the Holy Spirit is to conform your life to the image of the Son (Romans 8:29.) Which means God is at work in the life of everyone who is called by His name (Phil. 2.13). Now you may be oblivious or have ignored the calling of God for so long you do not realize He is drawing your unto Himself with chords of love. He wants close intimate fellowship with your heart and He wants you on mission for Him. Question does this discussion ring true in your heart right now, or is this confusing? Let’s gain insight into this problem by simply looking at the disciples of Jesus. God is wants us to understand His ways and draw us deeper in our relationship with Him. Look in the New Testament Gospel of Luke, chapter 5, beginning at the first verse. Let’s read:
5 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him {Jesus}to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.
4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon {Peter}, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they [a]forsook all and followed Him.
Now going to verse 12 we begin Case II – which is the immediate application for the instruction of the disciples in God’s ways of what He just taught the disciples-
Jesus Cleanses a Leper 12 And it happened when He was in a certain city, that behold, a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face and [b]implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”
13 Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately the leprosy left him. 14 And He charged him to tell no one, “But go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as a testimony to them, just as Moses commanded.” {this action of going to the Priest fulfills the law of God found in Leviticus}
Pray with me – Lord help us to see what you want is us from this teaching in Luke 5. It is important Lord for us to see your loving approach to drawing us deeper in Your love. Amen
Go back now to verse 1-5 and let’s dig into the truths here for our understanding.
What we don’t discern here from this text is that Jesus had earlier met these men who He will eventually call to be disciples in Mark Chapter 1 and Matthew, Chapter 4 and Peter, Andrew, James and John went with Him to Capernaum and Galilee but they went back to their trade of being fishermen.
Here is the important point – Jesus in the life of an individual makes a big difference, and encounter with Jesus is life changing and will rearrange everything. But as in the future disciples case it took more than one encounter for them to awaken to His calling. Note this Jesus is preaching to the crowd but His concern is always for individuals. If you study God’s word you will always find this pattern is true.
Jesus is now about to invite them into deeper waters with Himself. This was after they had spent all night fishing and yet caught nothing. Read what the text says. Now this says something about the character of the men Jesus was calling perhaps as many as 7 of the 12 were fisherman. To be a professional fisherman these individuals would have had to have faith to plod the seas day after day. So they needed persistence, patience and had to be efficient and these were good qualities for the faith works God was calling them to accomplish. But they lacked a very essential quality – deep and abiding personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. So let’s see what Jesus does.
It says that Jesus was preaching to a crowd which was continually pressing around Him, so He commandeers a fishing boat to give Himself some space from them. Now notice how God orchestrated details. He put the frustrated fishermen in the exact presence of His Son, while they were finishing up cleaning up from a disappointing night. Now it says Jesus was using this fishing boat as a platform to preach the Word of God – and the people were obviously hungry for the Word. Jesus was teaching with authority and the people could not get enough. So who else was hearing and needed the Word of God but the fishermen – just a coincidence, right? Jesus was already calling others to respond to His Word, He was fishing for souls already.
Do you understand that Peter and the other future disciples were captives on the boat? Romans 10:17 tells us, Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Jesus’ teaching and preaching was to the crowd but plainly also for the future disciples, for He was preparing them for a future encounter with Him.
This is actually God’s invitation for you and I and these men to go deeper with Him and to prepare us to join Him in His work.
Stay focused on verses 3-5: 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.
4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon {Peter}, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”
Jesus first gets into Simon Peter’s boat and ask Him to put out a little from the land. A simple request but unexpected. So Jesus first asks us to trust a little to have faith in Him, just a little to trust in Him. This gives us a chance to take our first step of obedience in faith. Then the next and greater step is to cast out into deeper water. Notice is says after His teaching the multitudes He stopped speaking and He says to Peter and the crew a command – Launch out into the deep. Jesus has been teaching Simon Peter and the rest of the crew and they having heard His teaching are now put to the test. So here Jesus who they have been with before but left and went back to fishing are now challenged again by Jesus not in some unfamiliar setting but right there in their workplace on the Sea of Galilee.
But it was not just to “Launch out into the deep but to do something extraordinary and let down At this command Jesus is challenging them in everything they think they know and that is all about fishing and their life’s work. But He is also meeting them at the point of their need which was to provide for others and themselves.
Notice Simon Peter’s concern he answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing. This was simply stating the facts which Jesus already knew. Notice the term Master this is recognition of a higher estate than he has understood to this point.
Remember, Simon is a fisherman- he knows that the fish are caught at night when they come to the surface. During the day the fish go deep to get to the cooler water. Jesus call to launch into the deep flies in the face of all they have learned and understood. After all Jesus is no fisherman, who is He to tell them what to do.
These men are about to experience the power of a word spoken by God, but not quite yet.
A further step of obedience is required by Simon and these men and here it is. Simon after hearing Jesus teaching to the multitudes has taken to heart the words He has said, and now here is what he says, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” Now look at the result of this next step of faith look to verse 8 - 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. Notice the learning by the future disciples they immediately called others to share in the bounty which the Lord had provided- So they signaled to their partners. Gods’ providence and care demands sharing, yes in the work as well. So they called others.
Now notice the immediate heart change in Simon when he fully recognized the activity and calling of God through Jesus working, verse 8 - 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken;
Jesus then calmly admonishes them to take heart what I have done here I will do with you but “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.
When they returned it says, verse 11, 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they [a]forsook all and followed Him.
Now immediately Jesus reinforces this teaching of His ways by curing a leper. I would like to spend many minutes explaining the healing of the leper but we can’t. Here is the gist – leprosy is a disease and it represents sin in all its evil intent. Leprosy separates, it is pervasive, it festers, it must be isolated, it represents a fatal problem in an individual. Leprosy makes a person insensitive to the pain it is causing and harms both the individual and others. The fact that a Leper comes to Jesus and asked to be healed shows that God was working in the heart of this leper to recognize that He needed to come to Jesus for He was the only source of true healing. Just as He did with the Fisherman faith and actions had to be demonstrated by those coming to Jesus for healing and salvation. Jesus was concerned about the individual and touched the unclean to make Him whole.
This is what He does with us all.
Do you see that Jesus is wanting to draw you into deeper fellowship with Himself today? Has God spoken to your heart this morning if so are your prepared to respond to His command to push out just a little further? Will you be obedient today -after all Jesus is calling you today?
Amen
Nov 20 Sermon
We always hearing Pastors, Preachers and Evangelists talking about “repentance.” What is the big deal about repentance? Why is everyone all flustered about repentance and why do they make such an issue about it? You might even be thinking that yourself right this moment – be truthful now, no denying it!
Why is the idea, the desire and the act of repentance so difficult for us to want to understand and to grasp?
Teacher, Teacher, I think I know the answer, as I raise my hand excitedly bouncing up and down in my seat!!!
I believe it all has to do with the nature of the human heart. The Bible says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? (Jer. 17:9)
When the average person thinks "evil or wickedness," he or she generally thinks of a cruelly-featured, sneering, bestial man wickedly twirling his mustache as he draws perverse delight from inflicting misery on his fellow human beings.
People who fit the almost cartoonish definition we've grown accustomed to viewing as evil, certainly do exist -- and we hear about those dictators, serial killers, hit men, & psychopaths on the nightly news.
But, it's a mistake to believe that those are the only people who do evil or that only activities that rise to the level of murder, rape, or armed robbery are sins. The worst of the worst may deserve especially strong condemnation, but small cruelties committed by unthinking people -- who view themselves as good and just, despite their sometimes-malicious actions -- have done more than most people realize to spread evil, degrade civilization, and drag our culture into the sewers. Here are some exemplars of wickedness today for your consideration:
1) Anonymously emailing death threats to others.
2) Abortion on demand is evil, kills a person but that’s choice and that’s OK, right? Redefining words to make evil acceptable that is wickedness.
3) Suing someone who did nothing wrong in order to collect a big payday or make a profit.
4) Passing on information that you know is a lie about a political, business or personal associate or opponent.
5) Posting someone's phone number or address online in an effort to intimidate or in hopes that someone will try to hurt or harm them.
6) Passing rules or legislation to enrich your friends, family, or yourself.
7) A witty comedian telling a brilliant joke about how dumb people are who do the right thing.
8) Lying to a woman to get her to bed with you.
9.) Lying so you don’t have to work and collect welfare or benefits checks
10) Trying to convince people to do something that's immoral, unethical, or just plain wrong so that you'll feel better about doing it yourself.
11) Spreading disinformation about anything – called gossiping, or lying.
12) Pastors who water down and or don’t teach Biblical truths, his Lord requires, because they conflict with his political or personal views on correctness.
So there is all sorts of wickedness around us today and it all come from a dark heart. Jesus says, A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. (Matt. 12.35). Lots of evil treasure in the world today don’t you think?
Repentance then is looking at our hearts from a heavenly or Godly perspective and understanding how dark they are and turning in the exact opposite direction. We turn away from because there is new light inside us. What has changed? God has opened us up to Himself and has put a new Spirit within us, initially just enough to cause us to understand the sin and draw us to Himself.
Some ideas from scripture for us to consider follow:
Matthew 3:2,8,11 John the Baptist
and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”8 -Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance 11I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Matthew 4:17 says, From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Jesus spoke again of the importance of repentance in Matthew 9:14, 14 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.
Repentance is absolutely essential for entry into the Kingdom of Heaven, it comes by enlightened conviction created by God’s stirring our hearts because of our sinful condition.
Repentance is essential for continued growth as a believer and staying in fellowship with God. It is not enough to continually say I am sorry, we must repent and turn away or again and again saying, Yes Lord I must turn away. This truth is evident in 2 Cor 7. 9-10 says, 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. So it is not enough just to be sorry for sorrow leads to death. Repentance actually turning away leads to life.
So that’s an overview, we need to dig deeper for God is calling all believers today to repent, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. (Eph. 5:27} I ask you a question today as you consider the biblical calling of God’s Word, are you as His child without spot or wrinkle and can you say I am holy and without blemish? If you are unable to say this in the near presence of God, then each one of us needs repentance today!
Digging deeper into Matthew 3 we see John the Baptist baptizing believing Israelites in a baptism of repentance. Why is he doing this since they already believe in God? Let’s read Matt Chapter 3, beginning at verse 1, 3 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.’ ”
4 Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, 9 and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 10 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit [a]and fire. 12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
So let’s cherry pick from this text a few verses
1. Verses 2 and 3, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.’
John the Baptist wax aware of his calling from God. Remember the angel told his daddy- Zacharias, the. priest, as he was doing his duty in the temple, your child shall be filled with the Holy Spirit in the womb 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
So we see here John the Baptist doing what was prophesied by the Angel. John filled with the Holy Spirit knows what He is to do and that is prepare for the coming Messiah.
#2. Matthew 3. 5-6. 5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.
John was preparing the way for the Jews who believed in God to confession and repentance.
John was on mission with God to “prepare ye the way of the Lord. These were the common people sensing the power of God in the person of John the Baptist and being baptized in the Jordan. Now ritual cleansing was part of the Jewish ritual but this is more I believe. Baptism is this sense was for the purging of sins in preparation to receive a future blessing in our case forgiveness. I believe this call was beyond what was normally considered ritual cleansing. Preparing and responding to baptisms from John was sensing the activity and call of God not just ritualistic and ceremonial cleansing.
#3. Note verses 11 and 12: 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit [a]and fire. 12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
This confirms John’s call to baptize unto repentance on the basis of water, but the one who is coming has much more. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit [a]and fire. This is the baptism we read about when Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night. Nicodemus sensed he was lacking something necessary to have forgiveness and to be holy not just now but for eternity. Jesus answers the desire of his heart and says “you must be born again”
You see according to the word of God you and I cannot stand in God presence in our present condition as a sinner or as an unrepentant believer.
We are advised in Psalms 24:3-5 of this –
3Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
Or who may stand in His holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive blessing from the Lord,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation
Repentance is essential for salvation in order to believe initially.
Repentance and forgiveness is continual in the life of a born again believer.
Yes once saved always saved, but repentance is cause by the activity of the Holy Spirit described in John 16. Unrepentant believers will be judged for their hard hearts and unforgiven sins at the bema judgement of Jesus.
Here is the call today for this church in this hour not dependent upon anyone else but upon the call of God to create this church without spot or wrinkle unto Himself. If you don’t know Jesus as Lord and Savior and you have not asked Him into your heart today. Now I the time, today is the day of salvation. Reject His call at your eternal peril
For believers you may need renewed cleansing and repentance to turn from your wicked ways – Remember David and his call -Renew a right sprite within me. Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thy Holy Spirt from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free spirit. AMEN
FATHER we beg you to meet with us now. May we respond to your call upon our lives to cleansed, holy and anointed vessels unto your honor today. Amen
We always hearing Pastors, Preachers and Evangelists talking about “repentance.” What is the big deal about repentance? Why is everyone all flustered about repentance and why do they make such an issue about it? You might even be thinking that yourself right this moment – be truthful now, no denying it!
Why is the idea, the desire and the act of repentance so difficult for us to want to understand and to grasp?
Teacher, Teacher, I think I know the answer, as I raise my hand excitedly bouncing up and down in my seat!!!
I believe it all has to do with the nature of the human heart. The Bible says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? (Jer. 17:9)
When the average person thinks "evil or wickedness," he or she generally thinks of a cruelly-featured, sneering, bestial man wickedly twirling his mustache as he draws perverse delight from inflicting misery on his fellow human beings.
People who fit the almost cartoonish definition we've grown accustomed to viewing as evil, certainly do exist -- and we hear about those dictators, serial killers, hit men, & psychopaths on the nightly news.
But, it's a mistake to believe that those are the only people who do evil or that only activities that rise to the level of murder, rape, or armed robbery are sins. The worst of the worst may deserve especially strong condemnation, but small cruelties committed by unthinking people -- who view themselves as good and just, despite their sometimes-malicious actions -- have done more than most people realize to spread evil, degrade civilization, and drag our culture into the sewers. Here are some exemplars of wickedness today for your consideration:
1) Anonymously emailing death threats to others.
2) Abortion on demand is evil, kills a person but that’s choice and that’s OK, right? Redefining words to make evil acceptable that is wickedness.
3) Suing someone who did nothing wrong in order to collect a big payday or make a profit.
4) Passing on information that you know is a lie about a political, business or personal associate or opponent.
5) Posting someone's phone number or address online in an effort to intimidate or in hopes that someone will try to hurt or harm them.
6) Passing rules or legislation to enrich your friends, family, or yourself.
7) A witty comedian telling a brilliant joke about how dumb people are who do the right thing.
8) Lying to a woman to get her to bed with you.
9.) Lying so you don’t have to work and collect welfare or benefits checks
10) Trying to convince people to do something that's immoral, unethical, or just plain wrong so that you'll feel better about doing it yourself.
11) Spreading disinformation about anything – called gossiping, or lying.
12) Pastors who water down and or don’t teach Biblical truths, his Lord requires, because they conflict with his political or personal views on correctness.
So there is all sorts of wickedness around us today and it all come from a dark heart. Jesus says, A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. (Matt. 12.35). Lots of evil treasure in the world today don’t you think?
Repentance then is looking at our hearts from a heavenly or Godly perspective and understanding how dark they are and turning in the exact opposite direction. We turn away from because there is new light inside us. What has changed? God has opened us up to Himself and has put a new Spirit within us, initially just enough to cause us to understand the sin and draw us to Himself.
Some ideas from scripture for us to consider follow:
Matthew 3:2,8,11 John the Baptist
and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”8 -Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance 11I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Matthew 4:17 says, From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Jesus spoke again of the importance of repentance in Matthew 9:14, 14 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.
Repentance is absolutely essential for entry into the Kingdom of Heaven, it comes by enlightened conviction created by God’s stirring our hearts because of our sinful condition.
Repentance is essential for continued growth as a believer and staying in fellowship with God. It is not enough to continually say I am sorry, we must repent and turn away or again and again saying, Yes Lord I must turn away. This truth is evident in 2 Cor 7. 9-10 says, 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. So it is not enough just to be sorry for sorrow leads to death. Repentance actually turning away leads to life.
So that’s an overview, we need to dig deeper for God is calling all believers today to repent, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. (Eph. 5:27} I ask you a question today as you consider the biblical calling of God’s Word, are you as His child without spot or wrinkle and can you say I am holy and without blemish? If you are unable to say this in the near presence of God, then each one of us needs repentance today!
Digging deeper into Matthew 3 we see John the Baptist baptizing believing Israelites in a baptism of repentance. Why is he doing this since they already believe in God? Let’s read Matt Chapter 3, beginning at verse 1, 3 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.’ ”
4 Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, 9 and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 10 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit [a]and fire. 12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
So let’s cherry pick from this text a few verses
1. Verses 2 and 3, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.’
John the Baptist wax aware of his calling from God. Remember the angel told his daddy- Zacharias, the. priest, as he was doing his duty in the temple, your child shall be filled with the Holy Spirit in the womb 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
So we see here John the Baptist doing what was prophesied by the Angel. John filled with the Holy Spirit knows what He is to do and that is prepare for the coming Messiah.
#2. Matthew 3. 5-6. 5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.
John was preparing the way for the Jews who believed in God to confession and repentance.
John was on mission with God to “prepare ye the way of the Lord. These were the common people sensing the power of God in the person of John the Baptist and being baptized in the Jordan. Now ritual cleansing was part of the Jewish ritual but this is more I believe. Baptism is this sense was for the purging of sins in preparation to receive a future blessing in our case forgiveness. I believe this call was beyond what was normally considered ritual cleansing. Preparing and responding to baptisms from John was sensing the activity and call of God not just ritualistic and ceremonial cleansing.
#3. Note verses 11 and 12: 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit [a]and fire. 12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
This confirms John’s call to baptize unto repentance on the basis of water, but the one who is coming has much more. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit [a]and fire. This is the baptism we read about when Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night. Nicodemus sensed he was lacking something necessary to have forgiveness and to be holy not just now but for eternity. Jesus answers the desire of his heart and says “you must be born again”
You see according to the word of God you and I cannot stand in God presence in our present condition as a sinner or as an unrepentant believer.
We are advised in Psalms 24:3-5 of this –
3Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
Or who may stand in His holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive blessing from the Lord,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation
Repentance is essential for salvation in order to believe initially.
Repentance and forgiveness is continual in the life of a born again believer.
Yes once saved always saved, but repentance is cause by the activity of the Holy Spirit described in John 16. Unrepentant believers will be judged for their hard hearts and unforgiven sins at the bema judgement of Jesus.
Here is the call today for this church in this hour not dependent upon anyone else but upon the call of God to create this church without spot or wrinkle unto Himself. If you don’t know Jesus as Lord and Savior and you have not asked Him into your heart today. Now I the time, today is the day of salvation. Reject His call at your eternal peril
For believers you may need renewed cleansing and repentance to turn from your wicked ways – Remember David and his call -Renew a right sprite within me. Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thy Holy Spirt from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free spirit. AMEN
FATHER we beg you to meet with us now. May we respond to your call upon our lives to cleansed, holy and anointed vessels unto your honor today. Amen
Nov 13 Sermon
We know the days we live in and how contemptuous and evil they are; challenging us to the very core, defying us to live according to the dictates of God in Christ Jesus our Lord who is in us. How can you and I endure is such evil and strife, with all the lies and deception occurring around us and among our families and friends both saved and unsaved? There must be an answer, but where and how should we look to know it?
Tucked away in amidst Paul’s instructing husband and wives how to get along in married life is this statement – we read from Eph 5:25, 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might [g]sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. Amen
Pray – Father lead us into understanding and to applying the way you have provided for our salvation and our continued sanctification, in the name of Jesus our Lord. AMEN
Let’s repeat these words in the middle of this text, for they make a statement - just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might [g]sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
Notice there two “He might” phrases, again 2 of them on verses 26 and in 27- , 26 that He might [g]sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
The verses state that Jesus gave Himself that He might create a way for us to be sanctified and cleansed. I repeat - just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her . We need to look at this truth as the beginning. we find our salvation as a believer and our continued growth into being a sanctified saint all began with the shed Blood of the Lamb – that takes away the sin of the world. Verse 26 gives us more the 26 that He might [g]sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word
The phrase -washing of water by the word is the key. Without Jesus’ sacrifice and blood, the Holy Spirit would not have come. We then could not have become the temple of Holy Spirit who is in us. Jesus made all of this possible through His blood. Jesus did it all – He paid it all. Yes, He paid it all for me. So Jesus’ sacrifice has given us access to the Holy Spirit, who is in us. Remember, the Holy Spirit, He is God, equivalent to Jesus and in every way, like Him. Jesus tells us in John 14:26 this,“
26 But the 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.” Jesus death and sacrifice made it possible for us to become His church (meaning - a body or believers wh0o have been saved, sanctified and cleansed individually, And to have new life in Him that is without spot or wrinkle – to become holy and without blemish. The Helper will teach you all things. He who is the Spirit of Truth, will reveal all truth and truth has a wonderful characteristic, it sets you free from yourself and anything which would separate you from Jesus.
Are you without spot or blemish today? Is you conduct – you speaking, living and without blemish? No! Then perhaps we need to pay attention to the Word of God to allow Him to work is us and help us become His bride.
Look again and according to verse 27 =-, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
That He, who is the Christ might present the church without spot or wrinkle, holy to Himself and to His Father in heaven. First let’s remember what Jesus also said in the scriptures. Jesus said, “and upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”(Matt 16:18) Jesus is today in the process of building His church. He is accomplishing this by building Himself in you and not in some building! Scripture also tells us elsewhere, For it is God who is at work in us both to will and to work for His good purpose. (Phil 2:13}.
That preparation of the heart and mind is essential for God to begin a complete work in our hearts. There is more required for us to become His church. In the Old Testament in 1st Chronicles 15:12 as David instructs the Levites to bring up the Arc of the Covenant to Jerusalem. He tells them to sanctify themselves in preparation for approaching the Arc of God.
To sanctify means “to separate, to set apart for sacred purposes” or “to purify.” in Numbers 8.
Part II. After Jesus sacrifice we don’t believe God requires such ceremonies today. But He does purify us when we read and study His Word – the Bible.
To allow the Bible to have its complete work in us and to fully allow the Bible to work in our lives we must have the Holy Spirit in us. As such, the completed work of Christ and His sending of the Holy Spirit to His disciples was required for you and I to become God’s finished work.
God uses the Bible to “wash us by His Word” for cleansing of heart and mind. As we read His word He uses it to purify and purge us in purification and holiness. This is the function of the Holy Spirit. He takes the Word of God brings it in through our eyes, to our minds, and allows it to work throughout our being to cause repentance from sin, recognition of His truth, to change our hearts and minds to become like Jesus.
We need to understand then what God has give us. He has given us Himself in the presence of the Holy Spirit, who is in you. He is God. Second the Word of God is just not another book of literature, poetry and moralistic writings. It is a true love letter from God on high. Preserved, prepared and delivered to you by the activity of God over 1500 years, multiple authors and 66 individual books which all related to the same author and the same story – God’s redemptive activity towards you.
His Word has special attributes unlike any other book ever written. It is infallible, inerrant and inspired Word direct from the heart of God. Infallible – means never failing, its blessings are renewed day by day. What He has said He will do and it will always happen.
Inerrant and this is where men have such difficulty in understanding God’s word. We want to find fault with His book, that is the nature of sinful man. If men say it is fallible meaning it has faults, we are calling God a liar. If you were God and you knew the totally fallen nature of Your creation and the opposition provided by Satan, why would you give the sons of Adam a book full of mistakes. If this truly is a love letter from God, why make mistakes? Infallibility is an attribute of God and if He is infallible then He could not write a fallible book- Answer is – He didn’t.
Lastly, we say it is Inspired. What does this mean. Inspired of what or whom. The 66 books were written by a variety of human authors, Moses, David, Solomon, John, Isaiah, Luke a gentile, Peter, and Saul, called Paul. David was an adulterer and murderer, and so was Paul. How then could this book be anything but just another book, when all these flawed people authored various chapters. This is where inspiration takes over – God uses flawed men, with their character and nature to be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit. And use the inspiration of God’s Holy Ghost to influence the hearts and minds of these writers to produce the truth of what He wanted written to us.
Now perhaps you are beginning to grasp how God uses His word to [g]sanctify and cleanse us with the washing of water by the word, as stated in 26.
In our day I believe we are experiencing a great falling away of supposed believers from God’s church. I believe this is in line with scripture. I believe in this past week we were disappointed in seeing God not answering our prayers to rapidly remedy our circumstance in America? I believe this is on purpose so that God may continue to prepare a church that is without spot or wrinkle and which is preparation for His soon coming.
I believe the purification and cleansing of we the church, may actually involve sacrifices on the part of believers. Jesus warned us of the coming persecution of the churches. I believe that is forthcoming because many hearts of the church have turned away from Him. Look how the churches have been concerned about speaking out about abortion and have failed to be the “watchmen on the wall in Ezekiel 3.”
Our purification and sanctification is very important for our lives for it leads to other essentials in loving and honoring God . You see exposure and meditation on His Word is essential just to allow us to have basic worship – that is to know and understand the wonder and love of God and what He has done for us.
is o Revelation 3: 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.[l] Therefore be [m]zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
We know the days we live in and how contemptuous and evil they are; challenging us to the very core, defying us to live according to the dictates of God in Christ Jesus our Lord who is in us. How can you and I endure is such evil and strife, with all the lies and deception occurring around us and among our families and friends both saved and unsaved? There must be an answer, but where and how should we look to know it?
Tucked away in amidst Paul’s instructing husband and wives how to get along in married life is this statement – we read from Eph 5:25, 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might [g]sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. Amen
Pray – Father lead us into understanding and to applying the way you have provided for our salvation and our continued sanctification, in the name of Jesus our Lord. AMEN
Let’s repeat these words in the middle of this text, for they make a statement - just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might [g]sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
Notice there two “He might” phrases, again 2 of them on verses 26 and in 27- , 26 that He might [g]sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
The verses state that Jesus gave Himself that He might create a way for us to be sanctified and cleansed. I repeat - just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her . We need to look at this truth as the beginning. we find our salvation as a believer and our continued growth into being a sanctified saint all began with the shed Blood of the Lamb – that takes away the sin of the world. Verse 26 gives us more the 26 that He might [g]sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word
The phrase -washing of water by the word is the key. Without Jesus’ sacrifice and blood, the Holy Spirit would not have come. We then could not have become the temple of Holy Spirit who is in us. Jesus made all of this possible through His blood. Jesus did it all – He paid it all. Yes, He paid it all for me. So Jesus’ sacrifice has given us access to the Holy Spirit, who is in us. Remember, the Holy Spirit, He is God, equivalent to Jesus and in every way, like Him. Jesus tells us in John 14:26 this,“
26 But the 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.” Jesus death and sacrifice made it possible for us to become His church (meaning - a body or believers wh0o have been saved, sanctified and cleansed individually, And to have new life in Him that is without spot or wrinkle – to become holy and without blemish. The Helper will teach you all things. He who is the Spirit of Truth, will reveal all truth and truth has a wonderful characteristic, it sets you free from yourself and anything which would separate you from Jesus.
Are you without spot or blemish today? Is you conduct – you speaking, living and without blemish? No! Then perhaps we need to pay attention to the Word of God to allow Him to work is us and help us become His bride.
Look again and according to verse 27 =-, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
That He, who is the Christ might present the church without spot or wrinkle, holy to Himself and to His Father in heaven. First let’s remember what Jesus also said in the scriptures. Jesus said, “and upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”(Matt 16:18) Jesus is today in the process of building His church. He is accomplishing this by building Himself in you and not in some building! Scripture also tells us elsewhere, For it is God who is at work in us both to will and to work for His good purpose. (Phil 2:13}.
That preparation of the heart and mind is essential for God to begin a complete work in our hearts. There is more required for us to become His church. In the Old Testament in 1st Chronicles 15:12 as David instructs the Levites to bring up the Arc of the Covenant to Jerusalem. He tells them to sanctify themselves in preparation for approaching the Arc of God.
To sanctify means “to separate, to set apart for sacred purposes” or “to purify.” in Numbers 8.
Part II. After Jesus sacrifice we don’t believe God requires such ceremonies today. But He does purify us when we read and study His Word – the Bible.
To allow the Bible to have its complete work in us and to fully allow the Bible to work in our lives we must have the Holy Spirit in us. As such, the completed work of Christ and His sending of the Holy Spirit to His disciples was required for you and I to become God’s finished work.
God uses the Bible to “wash us by His Word” for cleansing of heart and mind. As we read His word He uses it to purify and purge us in purification and holiness. This is the function of the Holy Spirit. He takes the Word of God brings it in through our eyes, to our minds, and allows it to work throughout our being to cause repentance from sin, recognition of His truth, to change our hearts and minds to become like Jesus.
We need to understand then what God has give us. He has given us Himself in the presence of the Holy Spirit, who is in you. He is God. Second the Word of God is just not another book of literature, poetry and moralistic writings. It is a true love letter from God on high. Preserved, prepared and delivered to you by the activity of God over 1500 years, multiple authors and 66 individual books which all related to the same author and the same story – God’s redemptive activity towards you.
His Word has special attributes unlike any other book ever written. It is infallible, inerrant and inspired Word direct from the heart of God. Infallible – means never failing, its blessings are renewed day by day. What He has said He will do and it will always happen.
Inerrant and this is where men have such difficulty in understanding God’s word. We want to find fault with His book, that is the nature of sinful man. If men say it is fallible meaning it has faults, we are calling God a liar. If you were God and you knew the totally fallen nature of Your creation and the opposition provided by Satan, why would you give the sons of Adam a book full of mistakes. If this truly is a love letter from God, why make mistakes? Infallibility is an attribute of God and if He is infallible then He could not write a fallible book- Answer is – He didn’t.
Lastly, we say it is Inspired. What does this mean. Inspired of what or whom. The 66 books were written by a variety of human authors, Moses, David, Solomon, John, Isaiah, Luke a gentile, Peter, and Saul, called Paul. David was an adulterer and murderer, and so was Paul. How then could this book be anything but just another book, when all these flawed people authored various chapters. This is where inspiration takes over – God uses flawed men, with their character and nature to be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit. And use the inspiration of God’s Holy Ghost to influence the hearts and minds of these writers to produce the truth of what He wanted written to us.
Now perhaps you are beginning to grasp how God uses His word to [g]sanctify and cleanse us with the washing of water by the word, as stated in 26.
In our day I believe we are experiencing a great falling away of supposed believers from God’s church. I believe this is in line with scripture. I believe in this past week we were disappointed in seeing God not answering our prayers to rapidly remedy our circumstance in America? I believe this is on purpose so that God may continue to prepare a church that is without spot or wrinkle and which is preparation for His soon coming.
I believe the purification and cleansing of we the church, may actually involve sacrifices on the part of believers. Jesus warned us of the coming persecution of the churches. I believe that is forthcoming because many hearts of the church have turned away from Him. Look how the churches have been concerned about speaking out about abortion and have failed to be the “watchmen on the wall in Ezekiel 3.”
Our purification and sanctification is very important for our lives for it leads to other essentials in loving and honoring God . You see exposure and meditation on His Word is essential just to allow us to have basic worship – that is to know and understand the wonder and love of God and what He has done for us.
is o Revelation 3: 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.[l] Therefore be [m]zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
Nov 6 Sermon
The Question is - are you following Jesus at a distance? Let us pray!
So what does this mean, I am following Jesus at a distance? It means instead of a solid, intimate love relationship with the Lord of Lords, and the King of Kings you have separated yourself from your Lord and Savior and are following Him by distancing yourself.
Now sometimes distancing yourself from someone allows you to gain perspective from that person, the issues that they are associated with; or in an intimate personal relationship, separation can allow you to evaluate feelings from fact. We used to use the expression – getting your head together, meaning I move from emotional thinking to a more logical perspective. People who become emotionally involved during periods of great stress, like a war or multiple deaths, plague or COVID isolation can make unwise choices which can impact them forever.
Our friend and fellow disciple Peter is about to engage a similar type of folly, which will have lifetime consequences. Read with me from the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 14, begin at verse 53, 53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest; and with him were assembled all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes. 54 But Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he sat with the servants and warmed himself at the fire.55 Now the chief priests and all the council sought testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. 56 For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies [k]did not agree.
On the night of Jesus betrayal all hell is breaking out, quite literally. The disciples get their first real taste of evil’s hatred for the Son of Man and by association also for them. While Jesus is despised and rejected of men and is aware of the evil being poured upon Himself, He has tried to warn His disciples, but they as usual payed little attention and had little understanding.
I am sure you are familiar with the Easter story but earlier in this same Chapter, even having told the disciples 3 times before, He was going to be turned over to evil men, suffer, die and be buried. Yet they did not listen, and did they understand? No and they didn’t ask for more detail. Here’s what Jesus told them previously in verses 27 – 29: -27 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble [i]because of Me this night, for it is written:
‘I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep will be scattered.’
28 “But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”
29 Peter said to Him, “Even if all are made to [j]stumble, yet I will not be.”
So here is Peter earlier in the evening swearing great allegiance to Jesus and will soon deny Him 3 times. Instead of listening to the council and warning of Jesus – Peter knew better.
Have you ever convinced yourself that you can do something without fail, and when the time comes to complete it, you failed miserably? I know I have and then I replay it all night long sleeplessly because I should have been able to complete this task.
Here is the problem with Peter and many of us, if we are truly honest before our Lord –54 But Peter followed Him at a distance,
Now you say, but Peter was right there in the presence of Jesus. Yes, He was and Jesus is trying to prepare Peter for the trials to come. But being physically present does not mean, He had his spiritual eyes and ears on. Jesus warned Him in the text we just read in verses 27-29. Jesus tells Peter before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times.
And shortly Jesus is about to go and pray and He is going to invite three of His closest disciples to come pray with Him for His soul is in great distress. So what does Peter do, He falls asleep not once but three times. After the first sleep cycle, Jesus warns Peter , verse 37- 38, 37 Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Jesus is indeed warning Peter for the great trial He is about to endure. So Peter is not walking closely to His Lord, he is going about it halfhearted. Oh yes Jesus is important after all. Peter would say, I was the first to confess that Jesus was the Messiah, surely things are ok. But again here is the problem - –54 … Peter was following Him at a distance,
We see this problem manifest itself in the nation of Israel and Judah in the Old Testament- But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, (Duet 30:17).
Peter was not guarding his heart and protecting his relationship with His Lord. He was too into self. Yes, He knew Jesus and He knew He was the Son of God who takes away the sin of the world. But Peter was distracted, turned away perhaps considering the wrong things. Perhaps neglecting his bible study, or praying or he was concerned about all the political and social hubbub going on around Jerusalem and this Passover.
In our terms he had distanced himself emotionally and spiritually away from Jesus intimacy and while He was present with Jesus, he was not in synch or understanding with Him. This is what I mean by following Jesus at a distance. Peter was following Jesus at a distance this was going to result in tragic consequences for him.
Is this also true about us and our relationship with Jesus? We don’t see the need to be in church every Sunday worshiping with other believers. After all we have other priorities which are more important. Or perhaps God is
wanting to draw us into closer fellowship with Him through Bible study and prayer, but you ignore the weekly bible study time each week and you can’t be stressed out in having to attend the study before the worship service. You see the reason Jesus wants you in those services is so He can speak more clearly as you focus more intently on Him. And when you pray or others pray He invades your prayers to sensitize your heart to Him.
Or perhaps you are shorting God is your giving? He wants you to give yourself and of yourself and your heart is cold to His nudges because you are following Jesus at a distance.
Peter experiences supreme heartbreak because of following Jesus at a distance. Read with me from verse 72. Peter has denied Jesus three times the last to a group accusing him of being a Galilean because of how he spoke. Verse 72 says.l72 A second time the rooster crowed. Then Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And when he thought about it, he wept.
In another Gospel it says he went out and wept bitterly. Because he followed Jesus at a distance and didn’t have his mind girded on the Lord he failed and it impacted him. He wondered if Jesus would ever forgive him, which He did by the sea of Galilee. He asked Peter three times – do you love Me? - and then the command “Feed my sheep.”
In this day and hour we need to be serious minded and sober about our relationship with Jesus. We cannot afford to follow Jesus at a distance. If our faith and our relationship is going to be tested we best be studied and prayed up, fellowshipping with other believers and have incorporated Romans 12:1-2 in our living:
12 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.
If our life is God’s and we are His then our lives are to be a living sacrifice to Him which is a reasonable service and our fellowship with Him will lead to transformed minds and hearts. This is where we need to be. Amen
The Question is - are you following Jesus at a distance? Let us pray!
So what does this mean, I am following Jesus at a distance? It means instead of a solid, intimate love relationship with the Lord of Lords, and the King of Kings you have separated yourself from your Lord and Savior and are following Him by distancing yourself.
Now sometimes distancing yourself from someone allows you to gain perspective from that person, the issues that they are associated with; or in an intimate personal relationship, separation can allow you to evaluate feelings from fact. We used to use the expression – getting your head together, meaning I move from emotional thinking to a more logical perspective. People who become emotionally involved during periods of great stress, like a war or multiple deaths, plague or COVID isolation can make unwise choices which can impact them forever.
Our friend and fellow disciple Peter is about to engage a similar type of folly, which will have lifetime consequences. Read with me from the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 14, begin at verse 53, 53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest; and with him were assembled all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes. 54 But Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he sat with the servants and warmed himself at the fire.55 Now the chief priests and all the council sought testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. 56 For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies [k]did not agree.
On the night of Jesus betrayal all hell is breaking out, quite literally. The disciples get their first real taste of evil’s hatred for the Son of Man and by association also for them. While Jesus is despised and rejected of men and is aware of the evil being poured upon Himself, He has tried to warn His disciples, but they as usual payed little attention and had little understanding.
I am sure you are familiar with the Easter story but earlier in this same Chapter, even having told the disciples 3 times before, He was going to be turned over to evil men, suffer, die and be buried. Yet they did not listen, and did they understand? No and they didn’t ask for more detail. Here’s what Jesus told them previously in verses 27 – 29: -27 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble [i]because of Me this night, for it is written:
‘I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep will be scattered.’
28 “But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”
29 Peter said to Him, “Even if all are made to [j]stumble, yet I will not be.”
So here is Peter earlier in the evening swearing great allegiance to Jesus and will soon deny Him 3 times. Instead of listening to the council and warning of Jesus – Peter knew better.
Have you ever convinced yourself that you can do something without fail, and when the time comes to complete it, you failed miserably? I know I have and then I replay it all night long sleeplessly because I should have been able to complete this task.
Here is the problem with Peter and many of us, if we are truly honest before our Lord –54 But Peter followed Him at a distance,
Now you say, but Peter was right there in the presence of Jesus. Yes, He was and Jesus is trying to prepare Peter for the trials to come. But being physically present does not mean, He had his spiritual eyes and ears on. Jesus warned Him in the text we just read in verses 27-29. Jesus tells Peter before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times.
And shortly Jesus is about to go and pray and He is going to invite three of His closest disciples to come pray with Him for His soul is in great distress. So what does Peter do, He falls asleep not once but three times. After the first sleep cycle, Jesus warns Peter , verse 37- 38, 37 Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Jesus is indeed warning Peter for the great trial He is about to endure. So Peter is not walking closely to His Lord, he is going about it halfhearted. Oh yes Jesus is important after all. Peter would say, I was the first to confess that Jesus was the Messiah, surely things are ok. But again here is the problem - –54 … Peter was following Him at a distance,
We see this problem manifest itself in the nation of Israel and Judah in the Old Testament- But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, (Duet 30:17).
Peter was not guarding his heart and protecting his relationship with His Lord. He was too into self. Yes, He knew Jesus and He knew He was the Son of God who takes away the sin of the world. But Peter was distracted, turned away perhaps considering the wrong things. Perhaps neglecting his bible study, or praying or he was concerned about all the political and social hubbub going on around Jerusalem and this Passover.
In our terms he had distanced himself emotionally and spiritually away from Jesus intimacy and while He was present with Jesus, he was not in synch or understanding with Him. This is what I mean by following Jesus at a distance. Peter was following Jesus at a distance this was going to result in tragic consequences for him.
Is this also true about us and our relationship with Jesus? We don’t see the need to be in church every Sunday worshiping with other believers. After all we have other priorities which are more important. Or perhaps God is
wanting to draw us into closer fellowship with Him through Bible study and prayer, but you ignore the weekly bible study time each week and you can’t be stressed out in having to attend the study before the worship service. You see the reason Jesus wants you in those services is so He can speak more clearly as you focus more intently on Him. And when you pray or others pray He invades your prayers to sensitize your heart to Him.
Or perhaps you are shorting God is your giving? He wants you to give yourself and of yourself and your heart is cold to His nudges because you are following Jesus at a distance.
Peter experiences supreme heartbreak because of following Jesus at a distance. Read with me from verse 72. Peter has denied Jesus three times the last to a group accusing him of being a Galilean because of how he spoke. Verse 72 says.l72 A second time the rooster crowed. Then Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And when he thought about it, he wept.
In another Gospel it says he went out and wept bitterly. Because he followed Jesus at a distance and didn’t have his mind girded on the Lord he failed and it impacted him. He wondered if Jesus would ever forgive him, which He did by the sea of Galilee. He asked Peter three times – do you love Me? - and then the command “Feed my sheep.”
In this day and hour we need to be serious minded and sober about our relationship with Jesus. We cannot afford to follow Jesus at a distance. If our faith and our relationship is going to be tested we best be studied and prayed up, fellowshipping with other believers and have incorporated Romans 12:1-2 in our living:
12 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.
If our life is God’s and we are His then our lives are to be a living sacrifice to Him which is a reasonable service and our fellowship with Him will lead to transformed minds and hearts. This is where we need to be. Amen
Oct 30 Sermon
Noah Found Grace Genesis 6:5-9, 22)
5 Then [c]the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent[d] of the thoughts of his heart was only evil [e]continually. 6 And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping have made them.
One of our greatest problems when reading the bible is overcoming our own arrogance of superiority and believing we are the smartest beings who ever lived on the face of planet earth – ever! We also believe we would not have made the same mistakes as those who went before us; and last but not least we believe that many stories we read in the Old Testament are allegories which never really happened. After all could you really believe that Jonah got swallowed by a fish and lived for three days in the belly of a whale.? Or more unlikely “creation “– we modern thought leaders with all our current scientific knowledge, know the earth is not about six thousands of years old but millions and billions of years old; and a story about some God destroying the earth with a flood, with some flimsy boat and all the animals in it? Why that is pure fantasy?
If you are not self-centered; you are humble and have the fear of God as the beginning of wisdom in your heart and the Holy Spirit – the Teacher, the Spirit of Truth is guiding you since you met the Lord Jesus, you may have a different level of understanding about the great miracles God has wrought.
First let’s pray – God our Father who gives wisdom to anyone who would ask and who says draw near to me and I will draw near to you<” draw us near and give us wisdom to understand Your truths. AMEN
Begin with verse 5 which is probably becoming more of a reality in our day -5 Then [c]the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every intent[d] of the thoughts of his heart was only evil [e]continually. You see all the wickedness going on – calling good evil and evil good! All the evil of “choice”, perversion of gender and sexuality, lies about the border, inclusiveness, the definition of freedom, hate speech toward those who believe in the bible and many other things which are just plain wrong. Notice in verses 6 and 7 how God responds in His being and in iHHHis heHis heart about His creation. He was sorry and grieved He had made them. Woah bad stuff and then He says I will destroy man – very bad tidings about men. I wonder how God is looking down on us today? When will He say enough!!
Thank God for verse 8,
God’s description in Genesis 6:8 gives us insight into Noah’s character. The word “Found” is a simple, active perfect, verb-leading to action, and is not passive. So, Noah found favor—grace—in God’s eyes because Noah was actively looking toward God. Other examples of this word include; Adam found no helpmate from among the animals that was suitable for him (Genesis 2:20), and Noah’s dove did not find rest for the sole of her foot (Genesis 8:9). Laban did not find his household images that Rachel had stolen and hidden (Genesis 31:35), and Hilkiah the priest found the book of the law of the Lord given by Moses
(2 Chronicles 34:14-15). Noah’s seeking was active and didn’t just happen.
What can we learn from the life of this great man?
God’s specifically intended for us to know that Noah’s life was righteous—in spite of the horrid condition of the world of his day. He was looking for God’s direction and for His answers to his heart’s cry. Noah wasn’t merely hanging loose, just waiting for the inevitable destruction that he sensed was coming due to the increase of sin and rejection of God which surrounded him. Noah was sensing a response from God. Noah sensed and joined God in His coming activity, and Noah “found” favor or grace and God spoke to Him!
In late Centuries later, God used Ezekiel to warn of future judgment which would happen to the land of Israel because - wickedness. God also identified three peculiar men as examples—Noah, Daniel, and Job—as “righteous” men in history (Ezekiel 14:14, 20). In that comparison, Noah was much more than a mere chance recipient of God’s grace.
I. Job was “the greatest of all the men of the east” (Job 1:3). His livestock resources (mainly those for caravan duty) were enormous. That certainly meant that he was a successful trade broker and possibly a source for prized stock. He had multiple houses and land—so much so that “bands” from nearby nations were necessary to destroy his wealth.
God had labeled Job “my servant...there is none like him in the earth, a perfect [blameless] and an upright man, one that feared God, and eschewed [shuns] evil” (Job 1:8). Job was much more than a “nice guy.” He was probably the wealthiest man of his day, and yet he was of such godly character that God used him as His servant to chastise Satan.
II. Daniel was one of the king’s descendants and nobles from Judah taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:3). The account of Daniel and his three godly friends is well known to believers, but the young adult experiences of Daniel often obscure His long life as a leader of the (learned men- think tank) of the day. He was selected and commissioned as a “great man” by Nebuchadnezzar and “sat in the gate of the king” (Daniel 2:48-49). Daniel was a senior political advisor for six kings over 70 years. Great resume for a Hebrew Slave boy!
God called Daniel - “greatly beloved” (Daniel 10:11). Daniel was given deep spiritual insight, which he could have used to his personal gain. But he always made it clear that he was gifted by God’s grace—and he always gave God credit. God also used Daniel to record several of the most remarkable prophecies in all of Scripture. Daniel lived, spoke and was the man of God for his day.
If the comparisons of righteous men listed in Ezekiel 14 are genuine comparisons, Noah must have had strong significance to God in his day. He clearly had a deep relationship with God who had access to all resources and skills needed to accomplish the monumental task he gave Noah. Since God’s instructions to build the Ark were somewhat general, it is not beyond reason to assume that Noah had some natural technical abilities which God used. He also was given unusual wisdom. The pre-Flood civilization would certainly have had some more advanced skills and resources to assist in his shipbuilding. The cloud created by theory of evolution has mesmerized our world, relegating the “ancient” world into some prehistoric existence—living in caves, grass huts with animal skins for clothing. The Bible paints a far different picture! There were cities during Noah’s day, as well as developed technology that included metallurgy and the skills to build and sell musical instruments (Genesis 4:17-22). Somebody had to construct habitations for the expanding population, and dto coordinate the distribution and development of those manufacturing places that produced the products needed by society.
Noah’s world was very wicked, but it functioned with needs similar to our current world. When the Lord Jesus wanted to emphasize the suddenness of the destruction in the coming end-times judgment, He did it by drawing a comparison with the “day-to-day” life of the people around Noah. Luke 17:26-27 says,
And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.
Noah was used of God in his day. Whether he was a general contractor, an architect, or a business baron or just the servant of God is a guess. But the fact that he found grace as He responded and was used by God is what is important. Noah was fully dedicated and listening to and for God during his life.
The Bible says that Noah was one two men in all history, who “walked with God” (Genesis 6:9). The other is Enoch, spoken of in Genesis 5:24. Noah was not some bumbling, drunken hypocrite as some try to tell today. God’s commentary of Noah being “just” and “perfect” (upright, without blemish) debunks this claim. God called Noah and entrusted him with a monumental task, unique in all of time.
IV. Noah was “just.” That simply means that he was known for treating all equitably. Even in the wicked world that disgusted the Father, Noah was “just” in his dealings. He charged reasonable prices for his work. He gave a good product (whatever it was) to those who employed his services. His honesty and fairness and fear of God, gave rise to his influence in the community. He was proven to be a man of integrity and of God Genesis 7:1).
V. Noah was “perfect.” That precious reputation, from God’s perspective, means that he was a man not under condemnation. His “just” dealings resulted in a “blameless” record. Whatever the wicked people of his day may have said behind his back, they knew that Noah was above reproach. His faith in God and His right relationship with God was the basis for this perfection. He was not without sin but was righteous before God. His obedience in doing what God requested caused, God to label him as “perfect.” Obedience to God is better than sacrifice
V. Peter in the NT described Noah as a “preacher of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:5). Think of this description in the context of Genesis 6! The whole earth was “filled with violence” and “every heart” only thought after evil. The social climate must have fully sin filled. Yet Noah had the guts to stand up for God and His salvation. This righteous behavior was openly rejected, just like today.
He probably angered His extended family members, and some or most of his employees, because he was not equitable or inclusive. But by the time the judgment of God fell, only Noah, his wife, and three of their sons and their wives were willing to follow God into the Ark. Many would consider a ministry a failure today, and yet God insisted that Noah’s faith not only “saved” his family but the future world from extinction (Hebrews 11:7)!
We are not told in Scripture what Noah preached. Noah may well have preached about the coming judgment of the Flood/rain and their desperate need to return to God’s truth for salvation. Whatever he preached and however it was implemented, He obeyed God’s command, God labeled Noah a “preacher of righteousness” by the only Judge that ultimately counts.
God’s grace is always available. It is not hidden from anyone. But it must be “found” by God’s servants as we “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
There is a need for all men to find grace in the eyes of the Lord today! Yes, Absolutely we need God! It is not because we face another worldwide flood (Gen. 9:8-17), but because we face destruction for turning away from God! (2 Pet. 3:3-14). Peter reminds us that just as the world was once destroyed by water, so it shall be destroyed by fire after Jesus returns! Before this happens, we must receive Jesus and find grace in the eyes of the Lord! Otherwise, we will be like die outside the Ark of Jesus Christ
Concepts from HENRY M. MORRIS III, D.MIN. * |12/28/2012)
Noah Found Grace Genesis 6:5-9, 22)
5 Then [c]the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent[d] of the thoughts of his heart was only evil [e]continually. 6 And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping have made them.
- ” 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
- 9 This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, [f]perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God
- 22 Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.
- 2nd Peter 2:3- 4 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to [b]hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness
One of our greatest problems when reading the bible is overcoming our own arrogance of superiority and believing we are the smartest beings who ever lived on the face of planet earth – ever! We also believe we would not have made the same mistakes as those who went before us; and last but not least we believe that many stories we read in the Old Testament are allegories which never really happened. After all could you really believe that Jonah got swallowed by a fish and lived for three days in the belly of a whale.? Or more unlikely “creation “– we modern thought leaders with all our current scientific knowledge, know the earth is not about six thousands of years old but millions and billions of years old; and a story about some God destroying the earth with a flood, with some flimsy boat and all the animals in it? Why that is pure fantasy?
If you are not self-centered; you are humble and have the fear of God as the beginning of wisdom in your heart and the Holy Spirit – the Teacher, the Spirit of Truth is guiding you since you met the Lord Jesus, you may have a different level of understanding about the great miracles God has wrought.
First let’s pray – God our Father who gives wisdom to anyone who would ask and who says draw near to me and I will draw near to you<” draw us near and give us wisdom to understand Your truths. AMEN
Begin with verse 5 which is probably becoming more of a reality in our day -5 Then [c]the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every intent[d] of the thoughts of his heart was only evil [e]continually. You see all the wickedness going on – calling good evil and evil good! All the evil of “choice”, perversion of gender and sexuality, lies about the border, inclusiveness, the definition of freedom, hate speech toward those who believe in the bible and many other things which are just plain wrong. Notice in verses 6 and 7 how God responds in His being and in iHHHis heHis heart about His creation. He was sorry and grieved He had made them. Woah bad stuff and then He says I will destroy man – very bad tidings about men. I wonder how God is looking down on us today? When will He say enough!!
Thank God for verse 8,
- ” 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
God’s description in Genesis 6:8 gives us insight into Noah’s character. The word “Found” is a simple, active perfect, verb-leading to action, and is not passive. So, Noah found favor—grace—in God’s eyes because Noah was actively looking toward God. Other examples of this word include; Adam found no helpmate from among the animals that was suitable for him (Genesis 2:20), and Noah’s dove did not find rest for the sole of her foot (Genesis 8:9). Laban did not find his household images that Rachel had stolen and hidden (Genesis 31:35), and Hilkiah the priest found the book of the law of the Lord given by Moses
(2 Chronicles 34:14-15). Noah’s seeking was active and didn’t just happen.
What can we learn from the life of this great man?
God’s specifically intended for us to know that Noah’s life was righteous—in spite of the horrid condition of the world of his day. He was looking for God’s direction and for His answers to his heart’s cry. Noah wasn’t merely hanging loose, just waiting for the inevitable destruction that he sensed was coming due to the increase of sin and rejection of God which surrounded him. Noah was sensing a response from God. Noah sensed and joined God in His coming activity, and Noah “found” favor or grace and God spoke to Him!
In late Centuries later, God used Ezekiel to warn of future judgment which would happen to the land of Israel because - wickedness. God also identified three peculiar men as examples—Noah, Daniel, and Job—as “righteous” men in history (Ezekiel 14:14, 20). In that comparison, Noah was much more than a mere chance recipient of God’s grace.
I. Job was “the greatest of all the men of the east” (Job 1:3). His livestock resources (mainly those for caravan duty) were enormous. That certainly meant that he was a successful trade broker and possibly a source for prized stock. He had multiple houses and land—so much so that “bands” from nearby nations were necessary to destroy his wealth.
God had labeled Job “my servant...there is none like him in the earth, a perfect [blameless] and an upright man, one that feared God, and eschewed [shuns] evil” (Job 1:8). Job was much more than a “nice guy.” He was probably the wealthiest man of his day, and yet he was of such godly character that God used him as His servant to chastise Satan.
II. Daniel was one of the king’s descendants and nobles from Judah taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:3). The account of Daniel and his three godly friends is well known to believers, but the young adult experiences of Daniel often obscure His long life as a leader of the (learned men- think tank) of the day. He was selected and commissioned as a “great man” by Nebuchadnezzar and “sat in the gate of the king” (Daniel 2:48-49). Daniel was a senior political advisor for six kings over 70 years. Great resume for a Hebrew Slave boy!
God called Daniel - “greatly beloved” (Daniel 10:11). Daniel was given deep spiritual insight, which he could have used to his personal gain. But he always made it clear that he was gifted by God’s grace—and he always gave God credit. God also used Daniel to record several of the most remarkable prophecies in all of Scripture. Daniel lived, spoke and was the man of God for his day.
If the comparisons of righteous men listed in Ezekiel 14 are genuine comparisons, Noah must have had strong significance to God in his day. He clearly had a deep relationship with God who had access to all resources and skills needed to accomplish the monumental task he gave Noah. Since God’s instructions to build the Ark were somewhat general, it is not beyond reason to assume that Noah had some natural technical abilities which God used. He also was given unusual wisdom. The pre-Flood civilization would certainly have had some more advanced skills and resources to assist in his shipbuilding. The cloud created by theory of evolution has mesmerized our world, relegating the “ancient” world into some prehistoric existence—living in caves, grass huts with animal skins for clothing. The Bible paints a far different picture! There were cities during Noah’s day, as well as developed technology that included metallurgy and the skills to build and sell musical instruments (Genesis 4:17-22). Somebody had to construct habitations for the expanding population, and dto coordinate the distribution and development of those manufacturing places that produced the products needed by society.
Noah’s world was very wicked, but it functioned with needs similar to our current world. When the Lord Jesus wanted to emphasize the suddenness of the destruction in the coming end-times judgment, He did it by drawing a comparison with the “day-to-day” life of the people around Noah. Luke 17:26-27 says,
And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.
Noah was used of God in his day. Whether he was a general contractor, an architect, or a business baron or just the servant of God is a guess. But the fact that he found grace as He responded and was used by God is what is important. Noah was fully dedicated and listening to and for God during his life.
The Bible says that Noah was one two men in all history, who “walked with God” (Genesis 6:9). The other is Enoch, spoken of in Genesis 5:24. Noah was not some bumbling, drunken hypocrite as some try to tell today. God’s commentary of Noah being “just” and “perfect” (upright, without blemish) debunks this claim. God called Noah and entrusted him with a monumental task, unique in all of time.
IV. Noah was “just.” That simply means that he was known for treating all equitably. Even in the wicked world that disgusted the Father, Noah was “just” in his dealings. He charged reasonable prices for his work. He gave a good product (whatever it was) to those who employed his services. His honesty and fairness and fear of God, gave rise to his influence in the community. He was proven to be a man of integrity and of God Genesis 7:1).
V. Noah was “perfect.” That precious reputation, from God’s perspective, means that he was a man not under condemnation. His “just” dealings resulted in a “blameless” record. Whatever the wicked people of his day may have said behind his back, they knew that Noah was above reproach. His faith in God and His right relationship with God was the basis for this perfection. He was not without sin but was righteous before God. His obedience in doing what God requested caused, God to label him as “perfect.” Obedience to God is better than sacrifice
V. Peter in the NT described Noah as a “preacher of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:5). Think of this description in the context of Genesis 6! The whole earth was “filled with violence” and “every heart” only thought after evil. The social climate must have fully sin filled. Yet Noah had the guts to stand up for God and His salvation. This righteous behavior was openly rejected, just like today.
He probably angered His extended family members, and some or most of his employees, because he was not equitable or inclusive. But by the time the judgment of God fell, only Noah, his wife, and three of their sons and their wives were willing to follow God into the Ark. Many would consider a ministry a failure today, and yet God insisted that Noah’s faith not only “saved” his family but the future world from extinction (Hebrews 11:7)!
We are not told in Scripture what Noah preached. Noah may well have preached about the coming judgment of the Flood/rain and their desperate need to return to God’s truth for salvation. Whatever he preached and however it was implemented, He obeyed God’s command, God labeled Noah a “preacher of righteousness” by the only Judge that ultimately counts.
God’s grace is always available. It is not hidden from anyone. But it must be “found” by God’s servants as we “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
There is a need for all men to find grace in the eyes of the Lord today! Yes, Absolutely we need God! It is not because we face another worldwide flood (Gen. 9:8-17), but because we face destruction for turning away from God! (2 Pet. 3:3-14). Peter reminds us that just as the world was once destroyed by water, so it shall be destroyed by fire after Jesus returns! Before this happens, we must receive Jesus and find grace in the eyes of the Lord! Otherwise, we will be like die outside the Ark of Jesus Christ
Concepts from HENRY M. MORRIS III, D.MIN. * |12/28/2012)
Oct 23 Sermon
We often hear the song in Church about the lighthouse. In the ending of the first verse of this song it states this - If it wasn't for the lighthouse, my ship would sail no more. And in the chorus, it emphasizes - If it wasn't for The Lighthouse, Where would this ship be?
Many of us can relate to the fact that when we came to faith in Jesus Christ, He changed everything. There used to be and I believe still is a radio program produced out of Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago. It is called Unshackled. The stories told in that radio hour are designed to make you face the truth and think about your life and purpose. God has used Pacific Garden Mission as a lighthouse to call people to the light of His saving truth and change the destructive path they were on, to one of salvation by faith and then to victory in Jesus. In each case, God uses other people or radio programs, or churches or any spiritual activity to draw others unto Himself, that they may see the light of Christ. The light of Christ makes them a beacon, a shining reflection of the light within them to draw them unto Himself. Being someone who becomes a beacon of light to call others to Jesus, is something Jesus instituted early in His ministry for Jesus is the light.
In John 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.” Here Jesus announces He is the light of the world, but notice there is much more. Jesus says, He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. Scripture says, If you walk in the light as He is in the light you will have fellowship with Him and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses you and I from all sin. Since Jesus is the light, He promises to build in your life a new life and light and we will walk in it together with Him. But there is more promised and this is why the Christian life is not boring; believers are also to become Salt and Light.
In Matt 5:14-15, Jesus states to His disciples, 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. This means if you have confessed with your mouth and believed in your heart that Jesus is Lord, you have been saved from your sin, you are His disciple. The Holy Spirit has now taken up residence in your heart, and you are now qualified, enlisted and encouraged to become a lampstand on a hill and allow His light to shine in and through you, so others can come to faith in Christ by His grace.
In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he addresses this issue directly and provides some conditions which will enable us to fulfill our commission to walk in the light and be reflections of Jesus light and life each day.
Let’s pray first and ask God to impress upon our lives the truths contained in the verses which follow. Father, thank you God for Your sanctified and perfect word of Truth. Instruct us now and draw us to obedience in Christ. Without you Lord the Christian life is impossible. Lead us Lord in the way everlasting and open our heart’s eyes. Amen
Please turn in you Bibles to Phil.2:12-17 : 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
14 Do all things without [d]complaining and disputing,[e] 15 that you may become blameless and [f]harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Paul knows His death is near and He is imparting valuable truths so that the Churches and especially the Philippian church members might learn to walk in them.
See verses 12- and 13. 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; c.
There are some deep truths buried in this series of verses. Paul to his friends those he calls beloved, once you obeyed me while I was there with you, now I may no longer be there with you, you are to do this work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
You might concluded from just this verse that you are on your own. But that is not the case. True Paul is anticipating His departure from this earth and highlighting that while he was here he could help them walk according to the “way.” But soon he would no longer be with them. He wants them to know the fear and trembling is to fear and tremble before the Lord, so verse 13 actually provides this context, 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
God did not just save you and then dump you to be on your own - the purpose of the Holy Spirit within one, remember Jesus promised the Paraclete – the Helper, one just like Him, would come and dwell within you. He is at work in you both to will and to do for His, that is God’s good pleasure. God wants you to walk in His Spirit until you are conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). So what do we mean by conformed for I can never be perfect like Jesus. It means your life, if it becomes God centered and does not remain self-centered, can become a mirror image of the traits of love, truth and righteousness (His righteousness) and the remaining gifts of the Spirit which we found in Jesus. This is how you are guided by the Holy Spirit and become lights unto others. They actually see something right in you.
This attitude of Christ likeness then leads to understanding the remainder of the verses in this passage we have illustrated. Read now beginning in verse 14, 14 Do all things without [d]complaining and disputing,[e] 15 that you may become blameless and [f]harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life,
So if the life of Christ is living in you by the Holy Spirits activity you should be able to navigate the difficulties presented by this current age without too many gripes or groans.
That does not mean you accept the current moral decay or sexual perversion, the increasing lies about gender confusion, abortion as a means of cost control, c-r-t, or other things like race as a dividing factor. You may also not agree that this country is inherently bad, the constitution is racist, flawed and does not promote equality, and that the government grants you inalienable rights – which by the way actually come from God according to His Word the Bible. It does mean that you accept the fact that God is in control of your life and the world around you and that you walk by faith not by sight and you are redeeming the time for the days are short until the next coming of Christ. And that you will reap what you so, whether good or evil.
What the text says is by refraining from complaints and disputes, we may be blameless and innocent (sincere and guileless). To be blameless means that no charge can be sustained against you personally (see Dan. 6:4). A blameless person may sin, but he repents, confesses, and makes right with God or whomever, whenever possible. To be harmless here means to be sincere, without deceit, innocent of false teaching or perverting truth willfully.
If we live this way we as children of God should be without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. By living lives without blemish, we as God’s children will stand out clearly against the dark and evil background of this world.
This leads Paul to think of us as lights shining in the darkness, just as Jesus commanded. So the darker the night, the brighter the light should shine as we lift His light on high.
Christians are not to consider themselves as lights in and of themselves for we are light-bearers. We as believers cannot create light, but we can and should reflect the glory of the Lord so that others may see Jesus in us. This light should and will be shared wherever we are led to go in Christ. This may require us to speak out against the darkness around us sometimes in our homes, in our family members, in our workplace and in those in authority. This is because the light within us compels us to speak the truth into the darkness. This may mean we have to reject the lies about our failing economy and the negative impacts of green energy policies and inflation upon ourselves and others. That open borders, the continued persecution of Christians, and conservatives are a perversion of equal justice under the law. And we may also have to stand up and reject the lies of how “professional educators” are sexually grooming and not instructing our children reading, writing and arithmetic is evil. Mandatory shots for our children is participating in murdering our children. All these lies must be countered.
So how do we remain true in amidst this train wreck currently happening in our government. It begins with what Paul suggests in verse 16 - 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Holding fast the word of life means hanging on to the Bible which are the words of life given to us by God. This reminds me of the biblical example of “cleaving” used in the traditional wedding ceremony. The first definition to cleave is to cut in two. The second meaning is pertinent to our understanding - dabhaq; kollao, meaning "to adhere to," or "to join one's self to." Here we are told that a man should cleave unto his wife (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5). It is said that Ruth should cleave unto her mother-in-law (Ruth 1:14), and that certain men cleave unto Paul (Acts 17:34);
"Cleave" is also used in this sense to describe our adherence to biblical principles. Paul admonished the Romans to cleave to that which is good (Romans 12:9).
Holding fast to the word of God means we keep the word of God central to our living, our praying our walking with God. We must become people of the book using it as reference, study and correction for all we endeavor to do. We recognize and honor God’s Word as literal inerrant, infallible and inspired coming from God to you. When you open this book you come face to face with its author and He speaks to you by it. We read His word, We study His word and we live by His Word, because it is His love letter to us.
If we will but set His Word before us and honor Him by living our lives in it He will be honored and glorified but an even bigger promise is given in the Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us into all truth. So God give us the Bible, Give us Himself so we can understand and apply it and the Holy Spirit enables us to read it and assist us in living it out day by day. This truth is built into verse 13 which we have already read -13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Wow could you ask for anything else God loves you so much He sent His Son, and the Son sent one just like Himself to live in you and guide you. And last but not least He gave you a love letter for helping your daily living in Him – His book the Bible. What a great and mighty God we serve. Amen
If you don’t have a personal relationship with the Lord God through His Son reach out today. Remember whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved Romans 10:13. Seek Him and He will be found by you.
We often hear the song in Church about the lighthouse. In the ending of the first verse of this song it states this - If it wasn't for the lighthouse, my ship would sail no more. And in the chorus, it emphasizes - If it wasn't for The Lighthouse, Where would this ship be?
Many of us can relate to the fact that when we came to faith in Jesus Christ, He changed everything. There used to be and I believe still is a radio program produced out of Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago. It is called Unshackled. The stories told in that radio hour are designed to make you face the truth and think about your life and purpose. God has used Pacific Garden Mission as a lighthouse to call people to the light of His saving truth and change the destructive path they were on, to one of salvation by faith and then to victory in Jesus. In each case, God uses other people or radio programs, or churches or any spiritual activity to draw others unto Himself, that they may see the light of Christ. The light of Christ makes them a beacon, a shining reflection of the light within them to draw them unto Himself. Being someone who becomes a beacon of light to call others to Jesus, is something Jesus instituted early in His ministry for Jesus is the light.
In John 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.” Here Jesus announces He is the light of the world, but notice there is much more. Jesus says, He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. Scripture says, If you walk in the light as He is in the light you will have fellowship with Him and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses you and I from all sin. Since Jesus is the light, He promises to build in your life a new life and light and we will walk in it together with Him. But there is more promised and this is why the Christian life is not boring; believers are also to become Salt and Light.
In Matt 5:14-15, Jesus states to His disciples, 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. This means if you have confessed with your mouth and believed in your heart that Jesus is Lord, you have been saved from your sin, you are His disciple. The Holy Spirit has now taken up residence in your heart, and you are now qualified, enlisted and encouraged to become a lampstand on a hill and allow His light to shine in and through you, so others can come to faith in Christ by His grace.
In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he addresses this issue directly and provides some conditions which will enable us to fulfill our commission to walk in the light and be reflections of Jesus light and life each day.
Let’s pray first and ask God to impress upon our lives the truths contained in the verses which follow. Father, thank you God for Your sanctified and perfect word of Truth. Instruct us now and draw us to obedience in Christ. Without you Lord the Christian life is impossible. Lead us Lord in the way everlasting and open our heart’s eyes. Amen
Please turn in you Bibles to Phil.2:12-17 : 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
14 Do all things without [d]complaining and disputing,[e] 15 that you may become blameless and [f]harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Paul knows His death is near and He is imparting valuable truths so that the Churches and especially the Philippian church members might learn to walk in them.
See verses 12- and 13. 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; c.
There are some deep truths buried in this series of verses. Paul to his friends those he calls beloved, once you obeyed me while I was there with you, now I may no longer be there with you, you are to do this work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
You might concluded from just this verse that you are on your own. But that is not the case. True Paul is anticipating His departure from this earth and highlighting that while he was here he could help them walk according to the “way.” But soon he would no longer be with them. He wants them to know the fear and trembling is to fear and tremble before the Lord, so verse 13 actually provides this context, 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
God did not just save you and then dump you to be on your own - the purpose of the Holy Spirit within one, remember Jesus promised the Paraclete – the Helper, one just like Him, would come and dwell within you. He is at work in you both to will and to do for His, that is God’s good pleasure. God wants you to walk in His Spirit until you are conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). So what do we mean by conformed for I can never be perfect like Jesus. It means your life, if it becomes God centered and does not remain self-centered, can become a mirror image of the traits of love, truth and righteousness (His righteousness) and the remaining gifts of the Spirit which we found in Jesus. This is how you are guided by the Holy Spirit and become lights unto others. They actually see something right in you.
This attitude of Christ likeness then leads to understanding the remainder of the verses in this passage we have illustrated. Read now beginning in verse 14, 14 Do all things without [d]complaining and disputing,[e] 15 that you may become blameless and [f]harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life,
So if the life of Christ is living in you by the Holy Spirits activity you should be able to navigate the difficulties presented by this current age without too many gripes or groans.
That does not mean you accept the current moral decay or sexual perversion, the increasing lies about gender confusion, abortion as a means of cost control, c-r-t, or other things like race as a dividing factor. You may also not agree that this country is inherently bad, the constitution is racist, flawed and does not promote equality, and that the government grants you inalienable rights – which by the way actually come from God according to His Word the Bible. It does mean that you accept the fact that God is in control of your life and the world around you and that you walk by faith not by sight and you are redeeming the time for the days are short until the next coming of Christ. And that you will reap what you so, whether good or evil.
What the text says is by refraining from complaints and disputes, we may be blameless and innocent (sincere and guileless). To be blameless means that no charge can be sustained against you personally (see Dan. 6:4). A blameless person may sin, but he repents, confesses, and makes right with God or whomever, whenever possible. To be harmless here means to be sincere, without deceit, innocent of false teaching or perverting truth willfully.
If we live this way we as children of God should be without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. By living lives without blemish, we as God’s children will stand out clearly against the dark and evil background of this world.
This leads Paul to think of us as lights shining in the darkness, just as Jesus commanded. So the darker the night, the brighter the light should shine as we lift His light on high.
Christians are not to consider themselves as lights in and of themselves for we are light-bearers. We as believers cannot create light, but we can and should reflect the glory of the Lord so that others may see Jesus in us. This light should and will be shared wherever we are led to go in Christ. This may require us to speak out against the darkness around us sometimes in our homes, in our family members, in our workplace and in those in authority. This is because the light within us compels us to speak the truth into the darkness. This may mean we have to reject the lies about our failing economy and the negative impacts of green energy policies and inflation upon ourselves and others. That open borders, the continued persecution of Christians, and conservatives are a perversion of equal justice under the law. And we may also have to stand up and reject the lies of how “professional educators” are sexually grooming and not instructing our children reading, writing and arithmetic is evil. Mandatory shots for our children is participating in murdering our children. All these lies must be countered.
So how do we remain true in amidst this train wreck currently happening in our government. It begins with what Paul suggests in verse 16 - 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Holding fast the word of life means hanging on to the Bible which are the words of life given to us by God. This reminds me of the biblical example of “cleaving” used in the traditional wedding ceremony. The first definition to cleave is to cut in two. The second meaning is pertinent to our understanding - dabhaq; kollao, meaning "to adhere to," or "to join one's self to." Here we are told that a man should cleave unto his wife (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5). It is said that Ruth should cleave unto her mother-in-law (Ruth 1:14), and that certain men cleave unto Paul (Acts 17:34);
"Cleave" is also used in this sense to describe our adherence to biblical principles. Paul admonished the Romans to cleave to that which is good (Romans 12:9).
Holding fast to the word of God means we keep the word of God central to our living, our praying our walking with God. We must become people of the book using it as reference, study and correction for all we endeavor to do. We recognize and honor God’s Word as literal inerrant, infallible and inspired coming from God to you. When you open this book you come face to face with its author and He speaks to you by it. We read His word, We study His word and we live by His Word, because it is His love letter to us.
If we will but set His Word before us and honor Him by living our lives in it He will be honored and glorified but an even bigger promise is given in the Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us into all truth. So God give us the Bible, Give us Himself so we can understand and apply it and the Holy Spirit enables us to read it and assist us in living it out day by day. This truth is built into verse 13 which we have already read -13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Wow could you ask for anything else God loves you so much He sent His Son, and the Son sent one just like Himself to live in you and guide you. And last but not least He gave you a love letter for helping your daily living in Him – His book the Bible. What a great and mighty God we serve. Amen
If you don’t have a personal relationship with the Lord God through His Son reach out today. Remember whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved Romans 10:13. Seek Him and He will be found by you.
Oct 9 Sermon
Assurance of the Resurrection
5 For we know that if our earthly [a]house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our [b]habitation which is from heaven, 3 if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. 4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 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
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.
11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.
Why is the presence of God so terrorizing to men and women? Well if you think about it, confronting God is like contacting an alien species. We recognize fellow humans immediately for they are just like us – immersed in sin. When we encounter God He to us is totally alien. First and foremost He is God and inherently we recognize He is different. First, He is absolutely holy and without imperfection. We being sin creatures cannot endure the presence of one who is sinless and pure our spirits immediately cower from this holiness and purity. We are not like Him. Secondly, He is God He is self-existent, meaning He was not created but exists within Himself. He has the power of life within His control and we are created beings with only the life we have been given. I believe in my spirit that our hearts and spirits recognize this difference between ourselves and one who has the power of creation and it is frightening to be in the presence of absolute life-giving power. So when we encounter the living God we intrinsically recognize these factors. If we look in the bible and map the encounters of many people with Angels who continually stand in the glorious presence of God, we come to understand what happens. A man say John the revelator is on the isle of Patmos on the Lords day meditating on the scripture when he encounters an angel sent to reveal to him the events recorded in the book of Revelation. What happens? John immediately falls on his face and the angel chastises him because he (the angel) is a fellow messenger. But John sensing the otherness of the angel immediately falls on his face to worship him.
This is the fear and yes, the awesome terror of the Lord, which we must not shy away from as believers.
There is a second terror and that is the fear of eternal judgement which is far war and has everlasting punishment as its end game. If I were you I would never wait if God is calling you to faith in His Son. To die without the Savior’s blood covering your sin is to be lost eternally, which is forever. That is not a good thing.
The body which we will have from heaven is a new body, gives us a new life and allows us a new home in heaven. Yes, your revamped body will be like Jesus’ resurrection body. I believe everything that Jesus was able to do you will be able to do as well. Thing such as miraculously appear, have no barriers to entry and go almost by thought from place to place will be capabilities in your new body. You will not age, will not get sick, and you will be with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and in their presence. Paul tells us the corruption must put on incorruption in order to be able to see God (1 Cor. 15). This new body is the new tent Paul talks about here in these verses.
Verse 4 and 5 say, 4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as [c]a guarantee.
The promise from God is a secure promise which Paul tells us is guaranteed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. This happens at the moment of the new birth from above, when we call upon the name of the Lord to be saved. Now I want you to remember what it says in scripture in Romans 10. It says in verse 13, 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
There is literally no one beyond the reach of God’s forgiveness who truly repents and confesses that Jesus is Lord and believes in their heart that God raised them from the dead.
But this new tent promise causes us to groan for today we recognize the promise of the future and I don’t know about you but I sure could use a new body. So both in body, soul and spirit we groan awaiting our future adoption, knowing by faith that it is coming. Now some in the Corinthian church may have doubted this was the truth so Paul is writing it get them straight on what God had revealed to him. I don’t know about you but I would sure like to be swallowed up in life. I believe we consider death an end even though we go to be with the Lord. According to Paul it sounds like the step across death is new life – life greater than anything we can think or imagine. {But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Cor. 2:9)
Go now to verses 6 to 8 - 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.
To counter the fake news the Corinthians were being bombarded with Paul puts it out there, that our confidence is not by what we see but by faith. So be confident to be here today for this God’s plan for you today. Don’t fret or worry.
Now go to verses 9 and 10. So if we are walking by faith and not by sight, putting our confidence in the truth of what God says then we should do what -
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.
In legal terms this is what you will call a redirect. Redirect our purpose to concentrate our walk to be pleasing to the Lord not so much out of fear, but more out of love. Our love shows us to be wanting to please the Lord because we realize what an amazing thing He has done for us. Should we not praise God for what and all that He has done. Yes, we are to greatly respect and honor God for He is God and He is utterly different than we are.
Verse 11 should give us context for knowing the terror of the Lord, we should persuade men that they need to receive Jesus to have life in heaven and rejoice in His free gift. But also know this you are well known to God, and he knows the intents of your heart- will you honor and receive Him today? He is calling His sheep and they hear His voice – will you receive Him right now?
AMEN
Assurance of the Resurrection
5 For we know that if our earthly [a]house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our [b]habitation which is from heaven, 3 if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. 4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 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
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.
11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.
Why is the presence of God so terrorizing to men and women? Well if you think about it, confronting God is like contacting an alien species. We recognize fellow humans immediately for they are just like us – immersed in sin. When we encounter God He to us is totally alien. First and foremost He is God and inherently we recognize He is different. First, He is absolutely holy and without imperfection. We being sin creatures cannot endure the presence of one who is sinless and pure our spirits immediately cower from this holiness and purity. We are not like Him. Secondly, He is God He is self-existent, meaning He was not created but exists within Himself. He has the power of life within His control and we are created beings with only the life we have been given. I believe in my spirit that our hearts and spirits recognize this difference between ourselves and one who has the power of creation and it is frightening to be in the presence of absolute life-giving power. So when we encounter the living God we intrinsically recognize these factors. If we look in the bible and map the encounters of many people with Angels who continually stand in the glorious presence of God, we come to understand what happens. A man say John the revelator is on the isle of Patmos on the Lords day meditating on the scripture when he encounters an angel sent to reveal to him the events recorded in the book of Revelation. What happens? John immediately falls on his face and the angel chastises him because he (the angel) is a fellow messenger. But John sensing the otherness of the angel immediately falls on his face to worship him.
This is the fear and yes, the awesome terror of the Lord, which we must not shy away from as believers.
There is a second terror and that is the fear of eternal judgement which is far war and has everlasting punishment as its end game. If I were you I would never wait if God is calling you to faith in His Son. To die without the Savior’s blood covering your sin is to be lost eternally, which is forever. That is not a good thing.
The body which we will have from heaven is a new body, gives us a new life and allows us a new home in heaven. Yes, your revamped body will be like Jesus’ resurrection body. I believe everything that Jesus was able to do you will be able to do as well. Thing such as miraculously appear, have no barriers to entry and go almost by thought from place to place will be capabilities in your new body. You will not age, will not get sick, and you will be with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and in their presence. Paul tells us the corruption must put on incorruption in order to be able to see God (1 Cor. 15). This new body is the new tent Paul talks about here in these verses.
Verse 4 and 5 say, 4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as [c]a guarantee.
The promise from God is a secure promise which Paul tells us is guaranteed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. This happens at the moment of the new birth from above, when we call upon the name of the Lord to be saved. Now I want you to remember what it says in scripture in Romans 10. It says in verse 13, 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
There is literally no one beyond the reach of God’s forgiveness who truly repents and confesses that Jesus is Lord and believes in their heart that God raised them from the dead.
But this new tent promise causes us to groan for today we recognize the promise of the future and I don’t know about you but I sure could use a new body. So both in body, soul and spirit we groan awaiting our future adoption, knowing by faith that it is coming. Now some in the Corinthian church may have doubted this was the truth so Paul is writing it get them straight on what God had revealed to him. I don’t know about you but I would sure like to be swallowed up in life. I believe we consider death an end even though we go to be with the Lord. According to Paul it sounds like the step across death is new life – life greater than anything we can think or imagine. {But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Cor. 2:9)
Go now to verses 6 to 8 - 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.
To counter the fake news the Corinthians were being bombarded with Paul puts it out there, that our confidence is not by what we see but by faith. So be confident to be here today for this God’s plan for you today. Don’t fret or worry.
Now go to verses 9 and 10. So if we are walking by faith and not by sight, putting our confidence in the truth of what God says then we should do what -
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.
In legal terms this is what you will call a redirect. Redirect our purpose to concentrate our walk to be pleasing to the Lord not so much out of fear, but more out of love. Our love shows us to be wanting to please the Lord because we realize what an amazing thing He has done for us. Should we not praise God for what and all that He has done. Yes, we are to greatly respect and honor God for He is God and He is utterly different than we are.
Verse 11 should give us context for knowing the terror of the Lord, we should persuade men that they need to receive Jesus to have life in heaven and rejoice in His free gift. But also know this you are well known to God, and he knows the intents of your heart- will you honor and receive Him today? He is calling His sheep and they hear His voice – will you receive Him right now?
AMEN
Oct 2 Sermon
Do we as believers actually know, understand and fully grasp the idea that no matter what is occurring around us, that God is at work in the world around us? It is a simple statement – God is always at work in the world around you. But our finite minds only comprehend what we actually are seeing and experiencing. Yet the truth is this; if this is my Father’s world then to my listening ears all nature sings and round me rings the music, not of the spheres, but my Heavenly Father’s hands. Do you know that this is a true statement? But you and I complain, if that is true why can I not see Him at work around me; or at least if that’s true why am I not aware of it? Perhaps you and I need a tutorial in the truth of God’s word before we can begin to understand the activity of God.
God has revealed to us He has always been at work even before the beginning recorded in Genesis. God is beyond the concept of time and has created time and a place for us, but He envisioned the beginning of this place, this existence and each of us in eternity past and knows the ending in eternity future. {Psalms 139) This is the only way our minds can comprehend that God is self-existent. He exists because He is God. If you have faith in the infallible, inerrant and inspired Word of God, He created everything just as He said in Genesis, Chapters 1-3. It all happened as He spoke into creation that which He had planned. The very creation speaks to this truth, it is just the mind of man who does not wish to believe it is so. It demonstrates the rebellious and sin nature in which you and I are all born and is proof positive the only way we can find God is via the Savior Jesus Christ.
First point - Did you not know that God does not promote Himself but He reveals Himself to those who would seek Him? The apostle Paul tells us He is evident in the world of nature all around us. And God says, Draw near to Me and I will draw near to you. Here is a fact that perhaps you never knew. Let’s read Ecclesiastes 8:17 – it says, then I saw all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. For though a man labors to discover it, yet he will not find it; moreover, though a wise man attempts to know it, he will not be able to find it.
Note again exactly what the text says, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. For though a man labors to discover it, yet he will not find it.
Second point - Our God chooses to draw near and reveal Himself as He chooses. Many times in the past God used prophets, kings, priests, a donkey, a burning bush and many other ways to reveal Himself. But God is the one who comes to encounter us. Here is an example-
We have an interesting discussion in 1st Kings Chapter 18, where Elijah challenges the Priests’ of Baal. After all morning the priests have been calling on their god Baal and nothing is happening to consume the sacrifice of the bull on the alter. So Elijah starts challenging them about Baal. Elijah says, maybe he is away or indisposed or asleep, or too tired to respond. Now note how Isaiah describes God in this passage from Chapter 40:28-29
28 Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
God does not grow weary, nor faint. His is unsearchable
God is not like anything we can understand. He is beyond us. God tells us, “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. {Isa. 55:8-9} So unless God reveals Himself to you, you cannot know Him.
Because man was is such a lost condition God had mercy and gave us grace and sent a Savior. So God’s greatest revelation of Himself which He gave freely to us was and is His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus verifies this by stating, He who has seen Me has seen the Father. Elsewhere He tells us, I and the Father are one. So Jesus reveals to us by living and serving among us about His saving grace, mercy and peace which the Father has shown us in the life of Jesus.
Third Point - now because He has come to us, revealed Himself to us and we by faith have been one of those whosoever wills, who have called upon the name of the Lord. Having done so, He has saved us from our sin and eternal wrath and has given us new life in Christ. It was His activity and His Holy Spirit which worked mightily in us. He has enabled this new life in Christ within us. So God’s completed work on the Cross with His Son, provided us new life in His life, death, burial and resurrection.
Thus, we have been blessed because of this revelation and hear what Jesus has prepared for you and I. Look in Matthew 13:10-13 and see.
10 And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”
11 He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the [a]mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.12 For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
This text reveals that God has granted to you and I, as believers, knowledge which the world will not receive - to know the [a]mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. So one of God’s continuing and ongoing works is to give us spiritual discernment. Discernment leads us to acknowledge and abide, living in this final revelation of Philippians 2:13 - 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. God is at work in you personally and in the world around to accomplish His good pleasure.
How else can the apostle Paul tells us – all things work together for good, if our Father is not at work in our world today and every day? I pray God has encouraged you with His truth today. AMEN
If you want to know more about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ please see me or one of our deacons after the service. You can also find more information by contacting the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association by e-mail or phone.
Do we as believers actually know, understand and fully grasp the idea that no matter what is occurring around us, that God is at work in the world around us? It is a simple statement – God is always at work in the world around you. But our finite minds only comprehend what we actually are seeing and experiencing. Yet the truth is this; if this is my Father’s world then to my listening ears all nature sings and round me rings the music, not of the spheres, but my Heavenly Father’s hands. Do you know that this is a true statement? But you and I complain, if that is true why can I not see Him at work around me; or at least if that’s true why am I not aware of it? Perhaps you and I need a tutorial in the truth of God’s word before we can begin to understand the activity of God.
God has revealed to us He has always been at work even before the beginning recorded in Genesis. God is beyond the concept of time and has created time and a place for us, but He envisioned the beginning of this place, this existence and each of us in eternity past and knows the ending in eternity future. {Psalms 139) This is the only way our minds can comprehend that God is self-existent. He exists because He is God. If you have faith in the infallible, inerrant and inspired Word of God, He created everything just as He said in Genesis, Chapters 1-3. It all happened as He spoke into creation that which He had planned. The very creation speaks to this truth, it is just the mind of man who does not wish to believe it is so. It demonstrates the rebellious and sin nature in which you and I are all born and is proof positive the only way we can find God is via the Savior Jesus Christ.
First point - Did you not know that God does not promote Himself but He reveals Himself to those who would seek Him? The apostle Paul tells us He is evident in the world of nature all around us. And God says, Draw near to Me and I will draw near to you. Here is a fact that perhaps you never knew. Let’s read Ecclesiastes 8:17 – it says, then I saw all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. For though a man labors to discover it, yet he will not find it; moreover, though a wise man attempts to know it, he will not be able to find it.
Note again exactly what the text says, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. For though a man labors to discover it, yet he will not find it.
Second point - Our God chooses to draw near and reveal Himself as He chooses. Many times in the past God used prophets, kings, priests, a donkey, a burning bush and many other ways to reveal Himself. But God is the one who comes to encounter us. Here is an example-
We have an interesting discussion in 1st Kings Chapter 18, where Elijah challenges the Priests’ of Baal. After all morning the priests have been calling on their god Baal and nothing is happening to consume the sacrifice of the bull on the alter. So Elijah starts challenging them about Baal. Elijah says, maybe he is away or indisposed or asleep, or too tired to respond. Now note how Isaiah describes God in this passage from Chapter 40:28-29
28 Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
God does not grow weary, nor faint. His is unsearchable
God is not like anything we can understand. He is beyond us. God tells us, “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. {Isa. 55:8-9} So unless God reveals Himself to you, you cannot know Him.
Because man was is such a lost condition God had mercy and gave us grace and sent a Savior. So God’s greatest revelation of Himself which He gave freely to us was and is His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus verifies this by stating, He who has seen Me has seen the Father. Elsewhere He tells us, I and the Father are one. So Jesus reveals to us by living and serving among us about His saving grace, mercy and peace which the Father has shown us in the life of Jesus.
Third Point - now because He has come to us, revealed Himself to us and we by faith have been one of those whosoever wills, who have called upon the name of the Lord. Having done so, He has saved us from our sin and eternal wrath and has given us new life in Christ. It was His activity and His Holy Spirit which worked mightily in us. He has enabled this new life in Christ within us. So God’s completed work on the Cross with His Son, provided us new life in His life, death, burial and resurrection.
Thus, we have been blessed because of this revelation and hear what Jesus has prepared for you and I. Look in Matthew 13:10-13 and see.
10 And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”
11 He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the [a]mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.12 For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
This text reveals that God has granted to you and I, as believers, knowledge which the world will not receive - to know the [a]mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. So one of God’s continuing and ongoing works is to give us spiritual discernment. Discernment leads us to acknowledge and abide, living in this final revelation of Philippians 2:13 - 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. God is at work in you personally and in the world around to accomplish His good pleasure.
How else can the apostle Paul tells us – all things work together for good, if our Father is not at work in our world today and every day? I pray God has encouraged you with His truth today. AMEN
If you want to know more about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ please see me or one of our deacons after the service. You can also find more information by contacting the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association by e-mail or phone.
Sept 25 Sermon
1) introduction
a) Remember only God can prophesy.
b) Isaiah 46:9-10 says,
i) Remember the former things of old,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like Me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things that are not yet done,
Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
And I will do all My pleasure,’
c) The Bible is the one book that allows us to look into the future.
d) Scriptures tell of an individual, malevolent dictator who is yet to come.
e) This enemy has many aliases.
f) Though this enemy has many aliases, he has but one heart and one mind.
g) In today’s Scripture passage, he is called the beast.
h) Today’s message will focus on five specific things as we study about this beast.
2) First, the beasT engenders and creates social agitation (revelation 13:1)
a) Revelation 13:1 Then [a]I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having [b]seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name
i) The beast comes up out of the sea.
ii) This is society in agitation and in distress.
b) The Bible teaches that the wicked people of this world are like the troubled sea.
i) Isaiah 57:20-21
(1) But the wicked are like the troubled sea,
When it cannot rest,
Whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
(2) 21 “There is no peace,”
Says my God, “for the wicked.”
c) Revelation 17:15
i) There is a seething sea of distress and agitation that is going to deliver to this world a beast.
ii) Out of this seething sea that the beast is going to come.
iii) Perilous times will produce the beast.
iv) Historian Arnold Toynbee said that when the world has distress, economic problems and technology, that we are then ripe to produce a new Caesar (referring to the antichrist).
3) Second, the beast has satanic attributes (revelation 13:1-2)
a) Revelation 13:2 - 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.
b) The devil is the father of the beast.
c) Revelation 12:3
i) The devil is described in this passage.
(1) The beast in Revelation 13 is described the same way.
d) The devil spawns this beast of a man.
i) 2 Thessalonians 2:9
e) Jesus, who is God in flesh, could say, “He that hath seen Me hath seen My Father.” (John 14:9)
i) The beast, who will be Satan in the flesh, will be able to say, “He that hath seen me hath seen my father.”
f) The beast will be a composite of all of the dictators and the great regimes of the past.
i) Revelation 13:2
(1) The lion represents the ungodly rulers of Babylon.
(2) The bear represents the ancient empire of Medio-Persia.
(3) The leopard represents the Greece under Alexander the Great.
ii) He will inherit all the beastly characteristics of these former kingdoms.
g) He will be a beastly creature, and the world will receive him
i) John 5:43 -43 I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive.
ii) People will reject the Lamb; and they will embrace the beast
4) Third, the beast has a disguised seductive appeal (revelation 13:3-4) 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”
h) You might think that if he is a beast, everyone would be afraid of him.
i) When the Bible speaks of his beastly characteristics, it is referring to his nature, not his appearance
j) This man will be very appealing in the eyes of the world. He will be followed with admiration.
i) Don’t think of him as hideous.
(1) He will be handsome, charming, clever and very intelligent. He will be a global charmer.
ii) One of the reasons for his popularity will be his resuscitation.
(1) Somehow, he will be wounded and will appear to come back from the dead.
k) The whole world will marvel after this man who disguises himself as a man of peace.
5) Fourth, the beast is driven by sinister ambitions (revelation 13:4-10) 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to [c]continue for forty-two months. 6 Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. 7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every [d]tribe, tongue, and nation. 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 10 He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the [e]patience and the faith of the saints.
l) Jesus came “to seek and to save that which is lost.” Luke 19:10
m) What are the ambitions of the beast?
i) To deify Satan.
(1) Revelation 13:4 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”
(2) Satan has always had the burning ambition to be worshipped.
ii) To defy the Savior.
(1) Revelation 13:5-6 5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to [c]continue for forty-two months. 6 Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven.
(2) Satan cannot touch the saints in Heaven, so he is reduced to name calling.
(3) He will belch forth blasphemies with burning eloquence to turn people away from God, and they will believe his lies.
iii) To destroy the saints.
(1) Revelation 13:7 7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them.
(2) The beast will want every true believer in Jesus Christ destroyed.
(3) The tribulation saints (who will be on Earth after the church is raptured out) will face the guillotine, firing squads, gas chambers, concentration camps, torture and terror
iv) To dominate society.
(1) Revelation 13:7- And authority was given him over every [d]tribe, tongue, and nation.
(2) He will unify the people of this world.
(3) It will be a regime {like the Nazi’s of WWII}of war and intimidation
v) To delude sinners.
(1) He wants to keep them condemned and doomed.
(2) Revelation 13:8-10
(3) He is the devil’s messiah.
6) Fifth, the beast has a supporting agent who is his mouthpiece (revelation 13:11-18)
n) The beast will have a sinister minister of propaganda who will present him {the 1st Beast} to the whole world.
i) Revelation 13:11 11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon
(1) “Two horns like a lamb” shows us that he imitates Jesus, but he speaks as a dragon.
ii) He will look like a lamb, but he will speak like a dragon.
o) This is THE unholy trinity.
i) The devil always mimics God. The holy Trinity consists of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The unholy trinity consists of the dragon, the beast and the false prophet.
p) The false prophet will be to the beast what the Holy Spirit is to Jesus Christ.
q) In order to cause the world to worship the beast, this minister of propaganda will have three major weapons in his arsenal.
i) The weapon of fire
(1) Revelation 13:13 13 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.
ii) The image weapon, what is that?
(1) Revelation 13:14-15 14 And he deceives [f]those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. 15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.
(2) This is an image that can speak.
iii) The mark weapon, what is that?
(1) Revelation 13:16-18 - 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has [g]the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.
(2) If you are not sealed by the Spirit {Eph. 1:13-14), then you will be branded by the beast.
(3) Everybody will be forced to take a mark in order to do commerce {buy and sell to earn a living and have possessions – food, clothing.}
(4) This mark, 666, is the number of a man.
r) We may not be exactly certain exactly what the fire, the image and the mark will be, but we have clues.
i) We already have microchips available as reusable technology now.
s) The world is soon to become a vast concentration camp with most if not all of the inmates numbered. Check out Australia.
CONCLUSION and Summary
t) The apostle John saw a roiling sea.
u) Out of the turmoil, societies and society as a whole will unravel. {Green world economy}
v) There is going to rise another greater than Caesar, who will be the devil’s messiah.
i) Matthew 4:8-10- the great temptation - 10 Then Jesus said to him, [b]“Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”
ii) He will be appointed and anointed by Satan, who will give him great powers and authority.
iii) He will want to cause the world to worship the devil.
iv) He will want to deify himself.
v) He will have a sinister minister of propaganda. Who is this?
w) A word of caution - don’t think that this could only happen at some distant future.
x) Do you know Jesus personally? If not, you can pray to Him today and ask Him to come into your life. So call upon Jesus today. Repent (turn) from your sins, and turn to Jesus. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins, and acknowledge Jesus as Lord of your life.
i) Romans 3:23 - all have sinned and come short of the glory of God- repent!
ii) Romans 10:9-10 - confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart
iii) Romans 10:13- Whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved
iv) Acts 16:31 - Believe and be saved you and your whole household
This sermon was revamped and highly modified from a message by the same name by Adrian Rogers. He taught me in the study of this chapter. What a godly pastor e was.
1) introduction
a) Remember only God can prophesy.
b) Isaiah 46:9-10 says,
i) Remember the former things of old,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like Me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things that are not yet done,
Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
And I will do all My pleasure,’
c) The Bible is the one book that allows us to look into the future.
d) Scriptures tell of an individual, malevolent dictator who is yet to come.
e) This enemy has many aliases.
f) Though this enemy has many aliases, he has but one heart and one mind.
g) In today’s Scripture passage, he is called the beast.
h) Today’s message will focus on five specific things as we study about this beast.
2) First, the beasT engenders and creates social agitation (revelation 13:1)
a) Revelation 13:1 Then [a]I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having [b]seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name
i) The beast comes up out of the sea.
ii) This is society in agitation and in distress.
b) The Bible teaches that the wicked people of this world are like the troubled sea.
i) Isaiah 57:20-21
(1) But the wicked are like the troubled sea,
When it cannot rest,
Whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
(2) 21 “There is no peace,”
Says my God, “for the wicked.”
c) Revelation 17:15
i) There is a seething sea of distress and agitation that is going to deliver to this world a beast.
ii) Out of this seething sea that the beast is going to come.
iii) Perilous times will produce the beast.
iv) Historian Arnold Toynbee said that when the world has distress, economic problems and technology, that we are then ripe to produce a new Caesar (referring to the antichrist).
3) Second, the beast has satanic attributes (revelation 13:1-2)
a) Revelation 13:2 - 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.
b) The devil is the father of the beast.
c) Revelation 12:3
i) The devil is described in this passage.
(1) The beast in Revelation 13 is described the same way.
d) The devil spawns this beast of a man.
i) 2 Thessalonians 2:9
e) Jesus, who is God in flesh, could say, “He that hath seen Me hath seen My Father.” (John 14:9)
i) The beast, who will be Satan in the flesh, will be able to say, “He that hath seen me hath seen my father.”
f) The beast will be a composite of all of the dictators and the great regimes of the past.
i) Revelation 13:2
(1) The lion represents the ungodly rulers of Babylon.
(2) The bear represents the ancient empire of Medio-Persia.
(3) The leopard represents the Greece under Alexander the Great.
ii) He will inherit all the beastly characteristics of these former kingdoms.
g) He will be a beastly creature, and the world will receive him
i) John 5:43 -43 I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive.
ii) People will reject the Lamb; and they will embrace the beast
4) Third, the beast has a disguised seductive appeal (revelation 13:3-4) 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”
h) You might think that if he is a beast, everyone would be afraid of him.
i) When the Bible speaks of his beastly characteristics, it is referring to his nature, not his appearance
j) This man will be very appealing in the eyes of the world. He will be followed with admiration.
i) Don’t think of him as hideous.
(1) He will be handsome, charming, clever and very intelligent. He will be a global charmer.
ii) One of the reasons for his popularity will be his resuscitation.
(1) Somehow, he will be wounded and will appear to come back from the dead.
k) The whole world will marvel after this man who disguises himself as a man of peace.
5) Fourth, the beast is driven by sinister ambitions (revelation 13:4-10) 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to [c]continue for forty-two months. 6 Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. 7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every [d]tribe, tongue, and nation. 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 10 He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the [e]patience and the faith of the saints.
l) Jesus came “to seek and to save that which is lost.” Luke 19:10
m) What are the ambitions of the beast?
i) To deify Satan.
(1) Revelation 13:4 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”
(2) Satan has always had the burning ambition to be worshipped.
ii) To defy the Savior.
(1) Revelation 13:5-6 5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to [c]continue for forty-two months. 6 Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven.
(2) Satan cannot touch the saints in Heaven, so he is reduced to name calling.
(3) He will belch forth blasphemies with burning eloquence to turn people away from God, and they will believe his lies.
iii) To destroy the saints.
(1) Revelation 13:7 7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them.
(2) The beast will want every true believer in Jesus Christ destroyed.
(3) The tribulation saints (who will be on Earth after the church is raptured out) will face the guillotine, firing squads, gas chambers, concentration camps, torture and terror
iv) To dominate society.
(1) Revelation 13:7- And authority was given him over every [d]tribe, tongue, and nation.
(2) He will unify the people of this world.
(3) It will be a regime {like the Nazi’s of WWII}of war and intimidation
v) To delude sinners.
(1) He wants to keep them condemned and doomed.
(2) Revelation 13:8-10
(3) He is the devil’s messiah.
6) Fifth, the beast has a supporting agent who is his mouthpiece (revelation 13:11-18)
n) The beast will have a sinister minister of propaganda who will present him {the 1st Beast} to the whole world.
i) Revelation 13:11 11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon
(1) “Two horns like a lamb” shows us that he imitates Jesus, but he speaks as a dragon.
ii) He will look like a lamb, but he will speak like a dragon.
o) This is THE unholy trinity.
i) The devil always mimics God. The holy Trinity consists of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The unholy trinity consists of the dragon, the beast and the false prophet.
p) The false prophet will be to the beast what the Holy Spirit is to Jesus Christ.
q) In order to cause the world to worship the beast, this minister of propaganda will have three major weapons in his arsenal.
i) The weapon of fire
(1) Revelation 13:13 13 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.
ii) The image weapon, what is that?
(1) Revelation 13:14-15 14 And he deceives [f]those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. 15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.
(2) This is an image that can speak.
iii) The mark weapon, what is that?
(1) Revelation 13:16-18 - 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has [g]the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.
(2) If you are not sealed by the Spirit {Eph. 1:13-14), then you will be branded by the beast.
(3) Everybody will be forced to take a mark in order to do commerce {buy and sell to earn a living and have possessions – food, clothing.}
(4) This mark, 666, is the number of a man.
r) We may not be exactly certain exactly what the fire, the image and the mark will be, but we have clues.
i) We already have microchips available as reusable technology now.
s) The world is soon to become a vast concentration camp with most if not all of the inmates numbered. Check out Australia.
CONCLUSION and Summary
t) The apostle John saw a roiling sea.
u) Out of the turmoil, societies and society as a whole will unravel. {Green world economy}
v) There is going to rise another greater than Caesar, who will be the devil’s messiah.
i) Matthew 4:8-10- the great temptation - 10 Then Jesus said to him, [b]“Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”
ii) He will be appointed and anointed by Satan, who will give him great powers and authority.
iii) He will want to cause the world to worship the devil.
iv) He will want to deify himself.
v) He will have a sinister minister of propaganda. Who is this?
w) A word of caution - don’t think that this could only happen at some distant future.
x) Do you know Jesus personally? If not, you can pray to Him today and ask Him to come into your life. So call upon Jesus today. Repent (turn) from your sins, and turn to Jesus. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins, and acknowledge Jesus as Lord of your life.
i) Romans 3:23 - all have sinned and come short of the glory of God- repent!
ii) Romans 10:9-10 - confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart
iii) Romans 10:13- Whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved
iv) Acts 16:31 - Believe and be saved you and your whole household
This sermon was revamped and highly modified from a message by the same name by Adrian Rogers. He taught me in the study of this chapter. What a godly pastor e was.
Sept 18 Sermon
Today is the day is the day which the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Thank you, Lord for this day and your Word. Allow us today to be honest before Your truth and see how our walk with You is progressing. May Your Holy Spirit reveal all to each of us in Jesus name Amen.
Walking with Jesus is not easy as many of us have found over the years of being His child. There are multiple excuses for our failings but in most cases the answer is quite simple. We, yes, we who have been saved – washed in the blood of the Lamb, who have repented and asked God for forgiveness have walked or strayed apart from His truth and committed, yes wittingly and wantonly, committed sin. The attitude of our hearts have shifted from doing His will, His way to doing what we wanted in our way and in our time. It is hurtful to admit this to others but in most cases the truth is evident based upon our resulting behavior. This agrees with what Jesus says in Matthew – You shall know them by their fruits. Did you know our God who is very concerned about how His people who are called by His name behave? Yes, His name is righteous so He will not bless your life if you live counter to His will and His ways. He will expose and move your sinful behavior into the light so it may be seen by all. Ask Moses about going into the promised land. Ask David about the prophet Nathan’s declaration to the whole assembly – “Ecce homo.” You are the Man who sinned against God by killing Uriah the Hittite and taking Bathsheba as your wife. Or Sampson, or many others, including Peter and others in the New Testament. To get a biblical sense of this let’s look at an example this using King Asa in the OT book of 2nd Chronicles. Let me summarize what happens in Chapter 14, as we meet Asa becoming King. In verse 2 it says, Asa did what is right in the eyes of the Lord for He restored the rightful places of worship and honor to the Lord. 4 He commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandment. 5 He also removed the [b]high places and the incense altars from all the cities of Judah. 6 And he built fortified cities in Judah, for the land had rest; he had no war in those years, because the Lord had given him rest. Because of the Lords favor Asa was able to build a several fortified cities in Judah. So they built and prospered because of God’s favor and God gave the King 580,000 mighty men in his army of that day.
Then, God challenges them in the rest of Chapter 14 with an army of 1 million, plus 300 chariots (tanks of the day) to see Asa’s response. So Asa cries out to God and God delivers Him from this huge Army and gives Him plunder, lands and great success. With this background let’s read closely what Chapter 15 verses 1 and following says,
15 Now the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded. 2 And he went out [a]to meet Asa, and said to him: “Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. 3 For a long time Israel has been without the true God, without a teaching priest, and without law; 4 but when in their trouble they turned to the Lord God of Israel, and sought Him, He was found by them. 5 And in those times, there was no peace to the one who went out, nor to the one who came in, but great turmoil was on all the inhabitants of the lands. 6 So nation was [b]destroyed by nation, and city by city, for God troubled them with every adversity. 7 But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!” Notice - God troubled them.
I. Asa walked with the Lord at the beginning but return to what the prophet said in verse 2 - The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. This is almost like the music they used to play during horror movies when you knew the person going into the room was going to encounter the monster and be chewed up, bitten, munched or somehow destroyed. These words were a foretelling of what was going to happen to Asa. As long as his heart was tender and sensitive to God and not self-centered then God was with Him. But when His heart departed then God departed – If you seek Him He will be found by you. This is what we need to be doing today as we follow God in this nightmare on Main Street in the USA. We need to be honoring and seeking God by how we live and what we say and do.
II. Highlighting, again, two portions of scripture which we read verse 2 - The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. And verse 7 - 7 But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!” When Asa initially heard this word it says He took heart. In other words he became committed to do God’s will. Reading further into Chapter 15 you find he did good things. He had a desire to please God and to put things right which had been falling away in earlier days. He cleansed and purified the land removing idols and restored true worship in the land. Other tribes saw God was with him and joined in the work so Judah grew in strength and power. He declared a great revival in the third month of his 15th year with great sacrificing and it says in verse 12, 12 Then they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; 13 and whoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel was to be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. 14 Then they took an oath before the Lord with a loud voice, with shouting and trumpets and rams’ horns. 15 And all Judah rejoiced at the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and sought Him with all their soul; and He was found by them, and the Lord gave them rest all around.
As the King and the nation of Judah chose to seek the Lord and worship Him God blessed His people so there was no war or problems for the next 20 years. Guess what happened in that 20 years? The nation and the King fell away from God. You can read all about it in Chapter 16. What happens is this, Israel decides to attack Judah and instead of Asa calling upon God, He goes and makes an offering of gold and silver to the King of Syria to form an alliance to protect Judah. OOPS! Then God’s prophet comes to tell the King, you done wrong for you rejected God’s help. Instead of repenting the King throws God’s prophet in jail and punishes him. And this was in the 35th year of Asa’s reign as King. God then proceeded to send Him disease in his feet. For the next 4 years Asa refused to call on God for help but only sought the help of physicians to cure His disease. Do you believe there was a heart change in Asa over the 20 years of peace which God gave Him? Somehow during this time pride, self-interest or whatever shifted the King’s heart from God and He rejected God, so God brought disaster to His people. “ when your heart turns away.”(Deut 30:17).
III. Let’s apply this activity to our world today. I believe we know what has happened since 1963 with prayer, bible reading and study in our schools, courthouses, and the public square. What I believe we have missed is what was supposed to be happening in the homes of America. We were supposed to raising our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. But with the sexual revolution we became enamored with ourselves and our sex habits. Of course the natural outgrowth of sex are babies and of course they are a terrible inconvenience so we needed to do something about them – like choice which is murder. Less Fathers at home with free sex around the corner so fewer young men who have a Father’s discipline in the home. Meanwhile you have the regressives screwing with our education systems. They are teaching teachers and faculty that America is bad, evil, and corrupt which is exactly what is in their hearts. This is now in universities and all our schools and in the Teacher’s Unions in America.
So what are we to do. We must first work out our own salvation with fear and trembling; understanding it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. God says draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. Didn’t we just read this about Asa. Didn’t the prophet tell Him -The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. So the moral of the story is in the midst of our biggest problem we are to live for God. Our job is to be the best example of Christs’ love on earth so that others will see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven. Doesn’t God’s Word tell us this? The why aren’t we listening as believers.
I hate to tell you this but guess what your political affiliation and endorsing a particular political party will not save this nation. Oh don’t get me wrong voting for Christian and God-fearing candidates is absolutely correct for getting us on the right track but that is one of many things we should do.
Let’s look back at the prosperous and blessed portion of Asa’s reign as king and see what He did and what God did
1. Asa had the people of Judah (people of God) focus on the things of God. Worship was to be about God and His rule and reign and nothing else no distractions with pagan gods or foreign sexual worship. We need to relearn to fear the Lord
2. He chose to cleanse and purify his people to honor their relationship with God. Personal holiness is essential and is a trademark of discipleship – where are you?
3. To know God, there was an emphasis on training, bible sturdy and learning about God both in schools and in the home. Our greatest impact is in our homes and this is foundational to any culture. This is why regressive teachers and schools want parents removed from teaching and raising your children. Studying and applying the Bible in our families, our extended families and in our public interfaces is important.
4. The people took their covenant relationship with God to heart and desired this to be their first priority in living. They swore an oath and made this a promise in living.
So the King and the people had good intentions and as long as the pressure of foreign invasions and persecution was on all went well. The people stood close to God and obeyed His direction, keeping their promises and paying attention to God. But after just 20 years of God’s provision and protection – the king and the nation departed from God and decided they knew a better way.
America since 1945 has enjoyed a period of prosperity, power and blessing that has never been seen in this world ever. America became a superpower. We had unrivaled success in medicine, physics, space, finance, agriculture and our children were the brightest and best educated in the world. But in 1963 we declared through the priesthood of the Supreme Court (yes, the wear priestly vestments), we don’t need you God because we can do all you do - better and without the stink of Christianity. The collective conscience of the church and the nation had turned away. We need to repent and return- 2 Chron. 7:14 is absolutely relevant. If My people who are called by name will humble themselves.
Humble themselves by recognizing their evil self-centered condition before God and pray. Seek God according to what we learned, not half-heartedly but with all your heart and soul and mind and strength. Then God will move. The evidence is overwhelming and God’s word is true He and His word never change for it is the Truth. The people of God need to ask God to do what He has done for 6000 years, guide and direct His people.
Can I have a witness to His truth and our obedience =AMEN
Today is the day is the day which the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Thank you, Lord for this day and your Word. Allow us today to be honest before Your truth and see how our walk with You is progressing. May Your Holy Spirit reveal all to each of us in Jesus name Amen.
Walking with Jesus is not easy as many of us have found over the years of being His child. There are multiple excuses for our failings but in most cases the answer is quite simple. We, yes, we who have been saved – washed in the blood of the Lamb, who have repented and asked God for forgiveness have walked or strayed apart from His truth and committed, yes wittingly and wantonly, committed sin. The attitude of our hearts have shifted from doing His will, His way to doing what we wanted in our way and in our time. It is hurtful to admit this to others but in most cases the truth is evident based upon our resulting behavior. This agrees with what Jesus says in Matthew – You shall know them by their fruits. Did you know our God who is very concerned about how His people who are called by His name behave? Yes, His name is righteous so He will not bless your life if you live counter to His will and His ways. He will expose and move your sinful behavior into the light so it may be seen by all. Ask Moses about going into the promised land. Ask David about the prophet Nathan’s declaration to the whole assembly – “Ecce homo.” You are the Man who sinned against God by killing Uriah the Hittite and taking Bathsheba as your wife. Or Sampson, or many others, including Peter and others in the New Testament. To get a biblical sense of this let’s look at an example this using King Asa in the OT book of 2nd Chronicles. Let me summarize what happens in Chapter 14, as we meet Asa becoming King. In verse 2 it says, Asa did what is right in the eyes of the Lord for He restored the rightful places of worship and honor to the Lord. 4 He commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandment. 5 He also removed the [b]high places and the incense altars from all the cities of Judah. 6 And he built fortified cities in Judah, for the land had rest; he had no war in those years, because the Lord had given him rest. Because of the Lords favor Asa was able to build a several fortified cities in Judah. So they built and prospered because of God’s favor and God gave the King 580,000 mighty men in his army of that day.
Then, God challenges them in the rest of Chapter 14 with an army of 1 million, plus 300 chariots (tanks of the day) to see Asa’s response. So Asa cries out to God and God delivers Him from this huge Army and gives Him plunder, lands and great success. With this background let’s read closely what Chapter 15 verses 1 and following says,
15 Now the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded. 2 And he went out [a]to meet Asa, and said to him: “Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. 3 For a long time Israel has been without the true God, without a teaching priest, and without law; 4 but when in their trouble they turned to the Lord God of Israel, and sought Him, He was found by them. 5 And in those times, there was no peace to the one who went out, nor to the one who came in, but great turmoil was on all the inhabitants of the lands. 6 So nation was [b]destroyed by nation, and city by city, for God troubled them with every adversity. 7 But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!” Notice - God troubled them.
I. Asa walked with the Lord at the beginning but return to what the prophet said in verse 2 - The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. This is almost like the music they used to play during horror movies when you knew the person going into the room was going to encounter the monster and be chewed up, bitten, munched or somehow destroyed. These words were a foretelling of what was going to happen to Asa. As long as his heart was tender and sensitive to God and not self-centered then God was with Him. But when His heart departed then God departed – If you seek Him He will be found by you. This is what we need to be doing today as we follow God in this nightmare on Main Street in the USA. We need to be honoring and seeking God by how we live and what we say and do.
II. Highlighting, again, two portions of scripture which we read verse 2 - The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. And verse 7 - 7 But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!” When Asa initially heard this word it says He took heart. In other words he became committed to do God’s will. Reading further into Chapter 15 you find he did good things. He had a desire to please God and to put things right which had been falling away in earlier days. He cleansed and purified the land removing idols and restored true worship in the land. Other tribes saw God was with him and joined in the work so Judah grew in strength and power. He declared a great revival in the third month of his 15th year with great sacrificing and it says in verse 12, 12 Then they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; 13 and whoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel was to be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. 14 Then they took an oath before the Lord with a loud voice, with shouting and trumpets and rams’ horns. 15 And all Judah rejoiced at the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and sought Him with all their soul; and He was found by them, and the Lord gave them rest all around.
As the King and the nation of Judah chose to seek the Lord and worship Him God blessed His people so there was no war or problems for the next 20 years. Guess what happened in that 20 years? The nation and the King fell away from God. You can read all about it in Chapter 16. What happens is this, Israel decides to attack Judah and instead of Asa calling upon God, He goes and makes an offering of gold and silver to the King of Syria to form an alliance to protect Judah. OOPS! Then God’s prophet comes to tell the King, you done wrong for you rejected God’s help. Instead of repenting the King throws God’s prophet in jail and punishes him. And this was in the 35th year of Asa’s reign as King. God then proceeded to send Him disease in his feet. For the next 4 years Asa refused to call on God for help but only sought the help of physicians to cure His disease. Do you believe there was a heart change in Asa over the 20 years of peace which God gave Him? Somehow during this time pride, self-interest or whatever shifted the King’s heart from God and He rejected God, so God brought disaster to His people. “ when your heart turns away.”(Deut 30:17).
III. Let’s apply this activity to our world today. I believe we know what has happened since 1963 with prayer, bible reading and study in our schools, courthouses, and the public square. What I believe we have missed is what was supposed to be happening in the homes of America. We were supposed to raising our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. But with the sexual revolution we became enamored with ourselves and our sex habits. Of course the natural outgrowth of sex are babies and of course they are a terrible inconvenience so we needed to do something about them – like choice which is murder. Less Fathers at home with free sex around the corner so fewer young men who have a Father’s discipline in the home. Meanwhile you have the regressives screwing with our education systems. They are teaching teachers and faculty that America is bad, evil, and corrupt which is exactly what is in their hearts. This is now in universities and all our schools and in the Teacher’s Unions in America.
So what are we to do. We must first work out our own salvation with fear and trembling; understanding it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. God says draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. Didn’t we just read this about Asa. Didn’t the prophet tell Him -The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. So the moral of the story is in the midst of our biggest problem we are to live for God. Our job is to be the best example of Christs’ love on earth so that others will see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven. Doesn’t God’s Word tell us this? The why aren’t we listening as believers.
I hate to tell you this but guess what your political affiliation and endorsing a particular political party will not save this nation. Oh don’t get me wrong voting for Christian and God-fearing candidates is absolutely correct for getting us on the right track but that is one of many things we should do.
Let’s look back at the prosperous and blessed portion of Asa’s reign as king and see what He did and what God did
1. Asa had the people of Judah (people of God) focus on the things of God. Worship was to be about God and His rule and reign and nothing else no distractions with pagan gods or foreign sexual worship. We need to relearn to fear the Lord
2. He chose to cleanse and purify his people to honor their relationship with God. Personal holiness is essential and is a trademark of discipleship – where are you?
3. To know God, there was an emphasis on training, bible sturdy and learning about God both in schools and in the home. Our greatest impact is in our homes and this is foundational to any culture. This is why regressive teachers and schools want parents removed from teaching and raising your children. Studying and applying the Bible in our families, our extended families and in our public interfaces is important.
4. The people took their covenant relationship with God to heart and desired this to be their first priority in living. They swore an oath and made this a promise in living.
So the King and the people had good intentions and as long as the pressure of foreign invasions and persecution was on all went well. The people stood close to God and obeyed His direction, keeping their promises and paying attention to God. But after just 20 years of God’s provision and protection – the king and the nation departed from God and decided they knew a better way.
America since 1945 has enjoyed a period of prosperity, power and blessing that has never been seen in this world ever. America became a superpower. We had unrivaled success in medicine, physics, space, finance, agriculture and our children were the brightest and best educated in the world. But in 1963 we declared through the priesthood of the Supreme Court (yes, the wear priestly vestments), we don’t need you God because we can do all you do - better and without the stink of Christianity. The collective conscience of the church and the nation had turned away. We need to repent and return- 2 Chron. 7:14 is absolutely relevant. If My people who are called by name will humble themselves.
Humble themselves by recognizing their evil self-centered condition before God and pray. Seek God according to what we learned, not half-heartedly but with all your heart and soul and mind and strength. Then God will move. The evidence is overwhelming and God’s word is true He and His word never change for it is the Truth. The people of God need to ask God to do what He has done for 6000 years, guide and direct His people.
Can I have a witness to His truth and our obedience =AMEN
Sept 11 Sermon
John 3 19-21, Jesus says, 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
9/11 was and is a defining moment in the life of this nation. It was and is a historic day with regards to America and our covenant with God. If you believe prophetic leader Jonathan Cahn, it represents in His book The Harbinger. The twin towers represent and are a parallel to the gates of Jerusalem. When the towers fell in Jerusalem it represents God’s cancellation of the covenant with Israel because of their departure and rejection of God. So God allows foreign nations to dominate His people as He no longer protects them and allows them to be disciplined. This is truly a very catastrophic day in the life of America and many are blind to what God is doing.
In spite of all the pain and suffering and clarion call sounded that day, it has faded into memory and is almost forgotten. How can we forget the sacrifice of untold thousands that day? How is it that only the survivors recall the horror and pain inflicted upon our people? To everyone else it is business as usual. Neither the President, Congress or our cherished leaders bother to do anything. Afghanistan proves we have not learned this lesson. The Taliban now have more fire power and greater reach than ever to inflict pain on us because in our desire to just get out we forgot the purpose for being there was to prevent 9/11 from happening again. Guess what? What is coming may be far worse than the twin towers. So sin continues to dominate in America because of our rejection of God in schools, in our corporate board rooms, in our legislature and in our media. Filth and lies dominate all we encounter. So how are we to live in this mess? What are we supposed to do?
Well let’s look at the testimony of the greatest witness we have recorded in God’s Word. Jesus calls this man greatest and least in the kingdom of heaven but that is a discussion for another day. The witness is John the Baptist and here in John Chapter 3 John is talking to his disciples about Jesus – let’s tune in and hear what He says. Verse 22 begins, 22 After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized. 24 For John had not yet been thrown into prison.
25 Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!”
27 John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease. 31 He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. 33 He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. 34 For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. 35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. 36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
Pray with me please – God unleash your Holy Spirit within us so that we may know the truth. And in knowing the truth of Jesus you make cause us to allow you to work in our hearts and minds so your will may be done – AMEN So let’s begin by examining the situation and allow God to teach us about Heavenly Stewardship and what that means in our time and day.
Verses 25 and 26 state - 25 Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!”
So the issue or dispute among John’s disciples and the Jews probably had to do with the purification rites of those performing the baptisms. But the underlying issue had to do with Jesus baptizing more people than John. Was there some angst between the disciples of Jesus and those of John? Could there be some, but who knows? John was baptizing first and now why was everyone flocking to Jesus? Competition in ministry -do you suppose it doesn’t happen even today? Do you have any idea why those fantastic super revivals of the historic past eventually failed? They failed for simple reasons. In every case, individual pride, arrogance and sin entered the camp and the Holy Spirit departed. Personal sin and lack of faith cancels the activity of God in the lives of individuals and especially in revival activities. It is the same thing and it is called - sin.
But John now begins instructing his disciples in the truth of the activity of God. He begins to instruct them in how God is working and continues to work even unto today.
Verses 27 – 29 27 John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.
If verse 27 is not a memory verse for you it should be for it is God’s truth 27 John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. Your assignments and ministry is not something you do by your choosing. This is where many go wrong on assessing spiritual gifts. Your gifts for ministry and your assignments don’t originate in your heart, they come by special assignment from above - A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. God gives the assignments you don’t and He enables you to do them. John reinforces this by using a personal example in verse 28, 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. John is stating here that not only is he not the Christ but John has the honor of being the “friend” of the bridegroom. John rejoices greatly because of the ministry which has been given him from above. A ministry given to John of preparing the way and leading with a baptism to repentance; Jesus having a ministry of sanctification and salvation, much greater than his ministry. John is please to hear the voice of the bridegroom and see Him at work. John understands his role and responsibility to Jesus. His stewardship is to be obedient to the calling for which God called him specifically. He then releases His life to how God chooses to use his life. Verse 30 testifies to the accuracy of his discussion - . 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
If you and I are to be the witnesses God wants is this not true? Many times we have expressions which imply the same thing as what John says here. How about the phrase - I have to get out of the way and let God lead? Doesn’t that convey the same or a similar thought? Or perhaps the statement – I needed to learn how to do this God’s way? I believe they all mean the same thing. So a man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. Then what must you and I do for God to have free reign in our lives to use us as He will? I believe the song says I surrender all. All to thee my blessed savior I surrender all. Surrender is key but there is more. The more is instant obedience to His call. No dickering, no pleading, no I know better it requires a heart pledged for obedience. {This is where I fail most times}So surrender leads to immediate trust and obeying for us to be adequate spiritual stewards.
The statement - A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven, reflects the spiritual and absolute sovereignty of our God. Everything comes from His hand. You as a steward are to share what comes from His hand to your hand with others. This is the concept of Heavenly stewardship which we are to obey in our lives.
Verses 31-34 build from the key verse that A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. Read with me verses 31-34: . 31 He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. 33 He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. 34 For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.
John now witnesses to the greater ministry of Jesus versus his ministry of repentance. Verses -31 He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. Here is what John believes about Jesus and it is almost unbelievable in its clarity. Where did John the Baptist get this knowledge about Jesus? It had to be from the Holy Spirit speaking to His heart, how else could it be?
Jesus is of heaven, John is of the earth and speaks of the earth. Jesus is from heaven and is above all. Not only is He above all but He is a true witness for He speaks of what He has seen and heard in heaven.
Now John reflects on belief and specifically faith in Jesus Christ. He says, 33 He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. 34 For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.
He who received Jesus testimony has certified that it is God and only God, and He is the one true God and there is no other. Now notice the next sentence – For He whom God has sent, Jesus speaks the words of God. Now remember the key verse for John has already said – for a man can receive nothing unless it has been given to Him from heaven. So where is the source of Jesus skill, power and life – it is from heaven. The remainder of verse 34 agrees for it says, He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. So the source of both John’s, Jesus and if you think about your ministry is by and from the Holy Spirit of God. And God does not give just a little bit of Himself in the Holy Spirit for He gives the Spirit fully to all who God calls to speak the words of God. Amazing facets of God’s love for you and I is He gives us His Spirit in full.
Conclusion -35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. 36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
Now why is Jesus ministry abounding if it comes from above? 35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. It is not that the Father doesn’t love us and freely gives us all things, but the Father loves His Son and all things are in Him and through Him. John the Baptist sees and knows this in His spirit about Jesus ministry being above His. His was a ministry of repentance, Jesus ministry is greater.
36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” How so, read verse 36. Jesus is the one who takes away the sin of the world. No one else can satisfy the wrath of God by providing forgiveness for sin. If you believe is Jesus, you will have everlasting life. If you don’t believe is Jesus you will not have eternal life in heaven for the wrath or anger of God for not receiving His Son rests upon you. You have no faith in Jesus. He who does not believe is Jesus is condemned already.
Read- John 3, 19-21, Jesus says, 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
Let your light so shine before men that they may glorify you Father in heaven. This is spiritual stewardship and remember your ministry is given to you - A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven, reflects the spiritual and absolute sovereignty of our God. So seek God and His ministry for you and share with others.
Seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven and His righteousness and all these things will be given unto you. Amen.
John 3 19-21, Jesus says, 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
9/11 was and is a defining moment in the life of this nation. It was and is a historic day with regards to America and our covenant with God. If you believe prophetic leader Jonathan Cahn, it represents in His book The Harbinger. The twin towers represent and are a parallel to the gates of Jerusalem. When the towers fell in Jerusalem it represents God’s cancellation of the covenant with Israel because of their departure and rejection of God. So God allows foreign nations to dominate His people as He no longer protects them and allows them to be disciplined. This is truly a very catastrophic day in the life of America and many are blind to what God is doing.
In spite of all the pain and suffering and clarion call sounded that day, it has faded into memory and is almost forgotten. How can we forget the sacrifice of untold thousands that day? How is it that only the survivors recall the horror and pain inflicted upon our people? To everyone else it is business as usual. Neither the President, Congress or our cherished leaders bother to do anything. Afghanistan proves we have not learned this lesson. The Taliban now have more fire power and greater reach than ever to inflict pain on us because in our desire to just get out we forgot the purpose for being there was to prevent 9/11 from happening again. Guess what? What is coming may be far worse than the twin towers. So sin continues to dominate in America because of our rejection of God in schools, in our corporate board rooms, in our legislature and in our media. Filth and lies dominate all we encounter. So how are we to live in this mess? What are we supposed to do?
Well let’s look at the testimony of the greatest witness we have recorded in God’s Word. Jesus calls this man greatest and least in the kingdom of heaven but that is a discussion for another day. The witness is John the Baptist and here in John Chapter 3 John is talking to his disciples about Jesus – let’s tune in and hear what He says. Verse 22 begins, 22 After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized. 24 For John had not yet been thrown into prison.
25 Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!”
27 John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease. 31 He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. 33 He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. 34 For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. 35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. 36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
Pray with me please – God unleash your Holy Spirit within us so that we may know the truth. And in knowing the truth of Jesus you make cause us to allow you to work in our hearts and minds so your will may be done – AMEN So let’s begin by examining the situation and allow God to teach us about Heavenly Stewardship and what that means in our time and day.
Verses 25 and 26 state - 25 Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!”
So the issue or dispute among John’s disciples and the Jews probably had to do with the purification rites of those performing the baptisms. But the underlying issue had to do with Jesus baptizing more people than John. Was there some angst between the disciples of Jesus and those of John? Could there be some, but who knows? John was baptizing first and now why was everyone flocking to Jesus? Competition in ministry -do you suppose it doesn’t happen even today? Do you have any idea why those fantastic super revivals of the historic past eventually failed? They failed for simple reasons. In every case, individual pride, arrogance and sin entered the camp and the Holy Spirit departed. Personal sin and lack of faith cancels the activity of God in the lives of individuals and especially in revival activities. It is the same thing and it is called - sin.
But John now begins instructing his disciples in the truth of the activity of God. He begins to instruct them in how God is working and continues to work even unto today.
Verses 27 – 29 27 John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.
If verse 27 is not a memory verse for you it should be for it is God’s truth 27 John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. Your assignments and ministry is not something you do by your choosing. This is where many go wrong on assessing spiritual gifts. Your gifts for ministry and your assignments don’t originate in your heart, they come by special assignment from above - A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. God gives the assignments you don’t and He enables you to do them. John reinforces this by using a personal example in verse 28, 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. John is stating here that not only is he not the Christ but John has the honor of being the “friend” of the bridegroom. John rejoices greatly because of the ministry which has been given him from above. A ministry given to John of preparing the way and leading with a baptism to repentance; Jesus having a ministry of sanctification and salvation, much greater than his ministry. John is please to hear the voice of the bridegroom and see Him at work. John understands his role and responsibility to Jesus. His stewardship is to be obedient to the calling for which God called him specifically. He then releases His life to how God chooses to use his life. Verse 30 testifies to the accuracy of his discussion - . 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
If you and I are to be the witnesses God wants is this not true? Many times we have expressions which imply the same thing as what John says here. How about the phrase - I have to get out of the way and let God lead? Doesn’t that convey the same or a similar thought? Or perhaps the statement – I needed to learn how to do this God’s way? I believe they all mean the same thing. So a man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. Then what must you and I do for God to have free reign in our lives to use us as He will? I believe the song says I surrender all. All to thee my blessed savior I surrender all. Surrender is key but there is more. The more is instant obedience to His call. No dickering, no pleading, no I know better it requires a heart pledged for obedience. {This is where I fail most times}So surrender leads to immediate trust and obeying for us to be adequate spiritual stewards.
The statement - A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven, reflects the spiritual and absolute sovereignty of our God. Everything comes from His hand. You as a steward are to share what comes from His hand to your hand with others. This is the concept of Heavenly stewardship which we are to obey in our lives.
Verses 31-34 build from the key verse that A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. Read with me verses 31-34: . 31 He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. 33 He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. 34 For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.
John now witnesses to the greater ministry of Jesus versus his ministry of repentance. Verses -31 He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. Here is what John believes about Jesus and it is almost unbelievable in its clarity. Where did John the Baptist get this knowledge about Jesus? It had to be from the Holy Spirit speaking to His heart, how else could it be?
Jesus is of heaven, John is of the earth and speaks of the earth. Jesus is from heaven and is above all. Not only is He above all but He is a true witness for He speaks of what He has seen and heard in heaven.
Now John reflects on belief and specifically faith in Jesus Christ. He says, 33 He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. 34 For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.
He who received Jesus testimony has certified that it is God and only God, and He is the one true God and there is no other. Now notice the next sentence – For He whom God has sent, Jesus speaks the words of God. Now remember the key verse for John has already said – for a man can receive nothing unless it has been given to Him from heaven. So where is the source of Jesus skill, power and life – it is from heaven. The remainder of verse 34 agrees for it says, He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. So the source of both John’s, Jesus and if you think about your ministry is by and from the Holy Spirit of God. And God does not give just a little bit of Himself in the Holy Spirit for He gives the Spirit fully to all who God calls to speak the words of God. Amazing facets of God’s love for you and I is He gives us His Spirit in full.
Conclusion -35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. 36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
Now why is Jesus ministry abounding if it comes from above? 35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. It is not that the Father doesn’t love us and freely gives us all things, but the Father loves His Son and all things are in Him and through Him. John the Baptist sees and knows this in His spirit about Jesus ministry being above His. His was a ministry of repentance, Jesus ministry is greater.
36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” How so, read verse 36. Jesus is the one who takes away the sin of the world. No one else can satisfy the wrath of God by providing forgiveness for sin. If you believe is Jesus, you will have everlasting life. If you don’t believe is Jesus you will not have eternal life in heaven for the wrath or anger of God for not receiving His Son rests upon you. You have no faith in Jesus. He who does not believe is Jesus is condemned already.
Read- John 3, 19-21, Jesus says, 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
Let your light so shine before men that they may glorify you Father in heaven. This is spiritual stewardship and remember your ministry is given to you - A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven, reflects the spiritual and absolute sovereignty of our God. So seek God and His ministry for you and share with others.
Seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven and His righteousness and all these things will be given unto you. Amen.
Sept 5 Sermon
I want you to know the love of God is unfathomable. I am not sure we will ever get our hearts, minds and souls around the full extent of God’s love. We are going to explore a new dimension for me concerning God’s love today. Something which has overwhelmed me in its breadth, scope and dimensionality. The more I grasp the Love of God, the more it seems to unfold. In our day and time in this ungodly world we dwell in, remember this is not our home, if you are a believer in Christ. This is where God has placed us for a time to testing, training and maturation for as it says elsewhere in our text – we are being conformed to the image of His Son – Jesus Christ. But in our day having a solid understanding of what God has granted us will give us a firm, unmovable foundation by which we can outreach to this lost and dying world.
Ok then, if we are honest, the sin that so easily surrounds us can overwhelm us, and cause us to focus on the threat of what evil could do; more than on what God has already done for us as believers in Jesus Christ. We can begin listening to the whispers of the great deceiver and liar from the beginning – Satan. Listening to his whispers creates fear, uncertainty and shuts our mouths for we become fearful about sharing Christ or biblical truths. We begin asking ourselves what could happen? Listening to his lies can also cause us to not shout – “not true” when others are saying Christians are bigoted, hateful and non-inclusive, when we tells others about their sin. Or when we have the audacity to tell others they won’t go to heaven because there is only one way to heaven and they can’t get there with their many ways to heaven lie. Or when they try to convince you about multiple sexes instead of male and female. How about global warming, creation, or choice, which is really choosing death? How about the wonders of giving others what you have earned or any philosophy which does not agree with the Word of God.{The Bible)?
So this may be new to you as well so listen up to this truth which we are going to examine in Romans, Chapter 8 beginning in verse 31, 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Before we begin to review this text for God’s word to us today, let’s pray- Oh Father thank you for your Word, for your Son and for your love. Illuminate our hearts with your truth so we may stand in it today and forevermore. Amen
I want to link verses 33, 35 and 39 for our consideration this morning. There is so much more here but we need to concentrate of the main thing which is love of God.
Let’s do the easier verses first verses 35 and 39. Both of these verses are similar but not quite the same. Verse 35 poses the questions of who shall separate us from the Love of God in Christ. Whereas verse 39 proposes a real and dynamic answer – nothing - nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So according to this text which is quite certain in its tone from our Brother Paul- there is nothing which is able to separate us from the Love of
God in Christ Jesus our Lord – nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God.
I want to repeat that there is nothing which can separate you from the love of God. Now your sin can remove you from the presence of God and from your hearing His voice so that you no longer hear. Then your heart turns away so that you go worship and serve other gods, but that does not mean you are lost forever. Remember in the Bible the parable of the shepherd and the lost sheep. How the shepherd left the 90 and 9 and went and found the lost sheep. Or the parable of the prodigal son and his brother and how he restored the lost son? He ran to him and put the shoes on his feet, the ring on his finger and the new clothes, with a homecoming feast.
Now let’s look at the root of how love happens verse 33 – it is God who justifies. What does this mean? It means God is the one who makes an eternal decision and justifies an individual by applying the blood of Christ upon their life. This is done only by God and by His righteous and sovereign will, but how exactly? Go to verses 28 and 30 – look at verse 28. There is says - 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
This verse tells us God is working everything out according to the council of His will, but specifically to the called. Who are the called? Those who are walking accord to His purpose. This is a very specific calling of those who are His. But there is much more – verse 30 says, 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
This verse is so theologically deep we can all get lost in it. Let’s just concentrate on three words called, justified and glorified. It is God who has to call us out of sin. There is no other way. The Bible says all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. For this to be true there is no way you a sinner born in sin can come away from sin without someone and only one someone Jesus Christ calling you out of your sin. This is done by the Holy Spirit illuminating your heart to the despicable nature of your personal sin and broken relationship to God. The calling then is only done by God and His perfect will.
If you then receive Christ and this is true only in the Lord Jesus Christ, for He is the only true sacrifice for sin, God the Father forgives you. He justifies you in His Son by applying the shed blood of Calvary to your sin. This is justification by faith alone, in Christ alone, by grace alone. You are His child and He makes you His own.
Now read with me the entire verse as we get to the final part of understanding verse 30. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
Ok if God looked down time and chose you and I by His sovereign will – those who He predetermined; then He called them, for you and I had to choose life in Christ. These who chose Christ He justified – meaning He forgave their sin and covered them with Christ’s blood….then it says these He also glorified.
Glorification is something which will happen to the beloved sometime in the future. But in God’s economy since He lives both in the past, present and future- glorification has already happened. Let’s make this simpler- God sees you not as you are but what you will be in eternity. He sees that in you before you were born; before you were saved and before you might die. He knows you as glorified, living with Him in eternity. What a thought- God knows you as you are but sees and knows you in Eternity future. Can you even put your head around this idea? One more thought, if God puts Himself in you by His Spirit He will never leave you or forsake you -Eternally? Why not? So we can sin all we want – As Paul says God forbid. If we realize the absolute depth of His love, why would we want to disobey? AMEN
I want you to know the love of God is unfathomable. I am not sure we will ever get our hearts, minds and souls around the full extent of God’s love. We are going to explore a new dimension for me concerning God’s love today. Something which has overwhelmed me in its breadth, scope and dimensionality. The more I grasp the Love of God, the more it seems to unfold. In our day and time in this ungodly world we dwell in, remember this is not our home, if you are a believer in Christ. This is where God has placed us for a time to testing, training and maturation for as it says elsewhere in our text – we are being conformed to the image of His Son – Jesus Christ. But in our day having a solid understanding of what God has granted us will give us a firm, unmovable foundation by which we can outreach to this lost and dying world.
Ok then, if we are honest, the sin that so easily surrounds us can overwhelm us, and cause us to focus on the threat of what evil could do; more than on what God has already done for us as believers in Jesus Christ. We can begin listening to the whispers of the great deceiver and liar from the beginning – Satan. Listening to his whispers creates fear, uncertainty and shuts our mouths for we become fearful about sharing Christ or biblical truths. We begin asking ourselves what could happen? Listening to his lies can also cause us to not shout – “not true” when others are saying Christians are bigoted, hateful and non-inclusive, when we tells others about their sin. Or when we have the audacity to tell others they won’t go to heaven because there is only one way to heaven and they can’t get there with their many ways to heaven lie. Or when they try to convince you about multiple sexes instead of male and female. How about global warming, creation, or choice, which is really choosing death? How about the wonders of giving others what you have earned or any philosophy which does not agree with the Word of God.{The Bible)?
So this may be new to you as well so listen up to this truth which we are going to examine in Romans, Chapter 8 beginning in verse 31, 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Before we begin to review this text for God’s word to us today, let’s pray- Oh Father thank you for your Word, for your Son and for your love. Illuminate our hearts with your truth so we may stand in it today and forevermore. Amen
I want to link verses 33, 35 and 39 for our consideration this morning. There is so much more here but we need to concentrate of the main thing which is love of God.
Let’s do the easier verses first verses 35 and 39. Both of these verses are similar but not quite the same. Verse 35 poses the questions of who shall separate us from the Love of God in Christ. Whereas verse 39 proposes a real and dynamic answer – nothing - nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So according to this text which is quite certain in its tone from our Brother Paul- there is nothing which is able to separate us from the Love of
God in Christ Jesus our Lord – nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God.
I want to repeat that there is nothing which can separate you from the love of God. Now your sin can remove you from the presence of God and from your hearing His voice so that you no longer hear. Then your heart turns away so that you go worship and serve other gods, but that does not mean you are lost forever. Remember in the Bible the parable of the shepherd and the lost sheep. How the shepherd left the 90 and 9 and went and found the lost sheep. Or the parable of the prodigal son and his brother and how he restored the lost son? He ran to him and put the shoes on his feet, the ring on his finger and the new clothes, with a homecoming feast.
Now let’s look at the root of how love happens verse 33 – it is God who justifies. What does this mean? It means God is the one who makes an eternal decision and justifies an individual by applying the blood of Christ upon their life. This is done only by God and by His righteous and sovereign will, but how exactly? Go to verses 28 and 30 – look at verse 28. There is says - 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
This verse tells us God is working everything out according to the council of His will, but specifically to the called. Who are the called? Those who are walking accord to His purpose. This is a very specific calling of those who are His. But there is much more – verse 30 says, 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
This verse is so theologically deep we can all get lost in it. Let’s just concentrate on three words called, justified and glorified. It is God who has to call us out of sin. There is no other way. The Bible says all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. For this to be true there is no way you a sinner born in sin can come away from sin without someone and only one someone Jesus Christ calling you out of your sin. This is done by the Holy Spirit illuminating your heart to the despicable nature of your personal sin and broken relationship to God. The calling then is only done by God and His perfect will.
If you then receive Christ and this is true only in the Lord Jesus Christ, for He is the only true sacrifice for sin, God the Father forgives you. He justifies you in His Son by applying the shed blood of Calvary to your sin. This is justification by faith alone, in Christ alone, by grace alone. You are His child and He makes you His own.
Now read with me the entire verse as we get to the final part of understanding verse 30. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
Ok if God looked down time and chose you and I by His sovereign will – those who He predetermined; then He called them, for you and I had to choose life in Christ. These who chose Christ He justified – meaning He forgave their sin and covered them with Christ’s blood….then it says these He also glorified.
Glorification is something which will happen to the beloved sometime in the future. But in God’s economy since He lives both in the past, present and future- glorification has already happened. Let’s make this simpler- God sees you not as you are but what you will be in eternity. He sees that in you before you were born; before you were saved and before you might die. He knows you as glorified, living with Him in eternity. What a thought- God knows you as you are but sees and knows you in Eternity future. Can you even put your head around this idea? One more thought, if God puts Himself in you by His Spirit He will never leave you or forsake you -Eternally? Why not? So we can sin all we want – As Paul says God forbid. If we realize the absolute depth of His love, why would we want to disobey? AMEN
August 28 Sermon
One of the most astounding and disheartening things that has happened in our great nation is that lies are made almost by everyone who is supposed to uphold the law and the constitution. This extends from the President to his Administrative support staff, to Senate and House leaders from both parties. There is actually no difference in many cases between RINO reprobate republicans and liberal democrats. This lying goes to all levels of state and local leaders and is highly focused in regressive progressives. Another disheartening and evil thing is the labeling of opposition party members and those who question election results, or question school board practices and current administration policies as the enemy, and as radical extremists because they don’t accept the ruling party’s line.
So lying, dishonesty and relabeling have become part and parcel of our current dilemma. Relabeling is part of the restructuring of our national heritage. It redefines essential truths. This behavior points to two things. First, there is no honor or personal integrity in our leaders, nor is there a fear of the living God. If people were, they would not be behaving the way they are doing. This is a moral problem because everyone is doing whatever they want both morally, socially and politically. The only demonstrated standard is whatever an individual wants to do. So the current AG has no desire to keep Him sworn oath to defend the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. So we release convicted felons (rapes, murders and for theft) next day after minimum time in jail right back into society. We don’t close the border and we don’t prosecute or check for radicals or prior convicted felons illegally crossing into America. We let the Mexican cartels dictate how much fentanyl, or heroin we allow into our states. After all 108,000 ODs is just population control for undesirables- right?
Passing multi-billion legislative bills which send money outside the country to fund foreign wars or line politicians pockets is not a problem for regressives. This produces inflation and soon you will be benefitted with higher taxes in addition to less money in your pocket. Now you may hate the last president, as Christian you may need to check your pedigree. Hating should not be in your vocabulary as a believer. He did great things for America and truth was a by-product. Anyhow lying is prevalent in all the messaging you are receiving on the various television channels across America today. This trifecta of politicians, managed media and internet activities encourages, abets and supports the false narrative. Joseph Goebbels statement holds true here – “if you tell a lie often enough people will begin to call it the truth.”
The opposite of lying is truth telling. Since God’s word is the truth, what does the word of God say about lying? Let’s check beginning in the book of Proverbs- Chapter 6
I. Lying: Proverbs 6:16-19 - 16 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.
Go back further into the book of Proverbs, to Chapter 12, verse 22 - 22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.
It seems God has some hard thoughts about lying. Now you say How can God hate? – well trying to describe God strongly disliking something doesn’t have quite have the same emphasis as does – God hates lying. God mentions lying more times in the book of Proverbs. Do you supposed God might have something against those who lie and speak evil of others? Chapter 12, verse 22 is highly descriptive and right to the point-22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.
Here God makes a clear distinction between those who speak lies and those who speak lies- Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.
This tell us how God relates to this sin- it is an abomination to Himself, His purposes and His ways. But those who deal truthfully are His delight. This is a wonderful response from God.
If you are still not sure how God relates to Sin and lying then check this out. Think about what you may have already heard but not thought through. How did God deal with Adam and Even when they had sinned and lied about their sin? He kicked them out of the garden, made childbirth a strain and gave them work to just eat through their sweat. How did God deal with the first King of Israel when he sinned and lied about His Sin? God allowed Saul to fall deeper into sin eventually seeking the dead which is forbidden by God. God allowed Saul to be killed and dismembered by the ??? How about even David, who lost His new baby and enmity and strife never passed from David’s family.
God hates sin and despises it. God will one day destroy Satan for he has been a liar and a destroyer from the beginning. His destination is certain in the lake of Fire. How do you believe God is going to treat all those who today are speaking lies knowingly into the country which under COVID cost a million plus lives? Or teach that God is evil and evil is good, therefore hate God. When Judgement comes it will come swiftly and it will come with weeping and gnashing of teeth. If you are wise you will never wish to be anywhere around this
II. The Truth - In the new testament we have some additional instruction under the tutelage of the Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit writing by John in 1st John Chapter 1. We will be instructed in both truth and in lying and the specific contrast which happens between the two extremes. 1st John 1:verses 6-10
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.
Here is the direct contrast between believers and non-believers. If you are of God’s kingdom and walk according to the darkness of this world then the truth is not in us. Duh! How can someone approve abortion and enable the increased opportunity for more abortions including 28 days after birth call themselves a Christian and take communion? It is not possible to be a believer and do this. Choice is not choice it is a redefinition of the word _ Murder. If you kill your baby that is your choice if the baby is living in your body. You agreed to allow the seeds to be planted but now you reject your choice. What choice does the child have? Basically the child has no choice but to die terribly- this is walking in darkness and not in the light and is an abject lie. We are not practicing the truth.
Ok stop. Let’s reset the stage. There are three levels of truth in our society today.
a. There is the definition for truth in the dictionary : the property (as of a statement) of being in accord with fact or reality, the body of real things, events, and facts
b. There is the modern understanding of truth progressively- a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true, not necessarily proven. And sincerity in action, character, and utterance (i.e. popular belief)
c. Last spiritual truth – as in John:14:6 - Jesus said, I am the Way the Truth and Life, no man cometh to the Father but by Me. Our spiritual truth is a person and that person is God
John 8: 32 says, - 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
So when we are talking about truth we are not talking about truth as the world sees it but as God sees His truth and what we know and understand about the ways of God. His truth is not variable it is the same now and always. And knowing the truth is not limiting but sets us free. Free first from the laws of sin and death and free from the desire or need to lie. Jesus allows us to be free in the truth of His love and who He is.
So here we are surrounded by lying, mistruths, deceptions for all spheres of influence all of which are leading to death and future destruction both for this people, for freedom, for our democracy and for liberty. Without a moral compass as we are living today in society where we are actually doomed to failure. Failure not just from our self-imploding but from our individual and collective sin which modern men and women no longer believe is true. After all, if we just educate people and have more government control, everything will get better is the regressive supposition and ultimate solution. So shut up and go away you, you infidels and ignorant peasants. You know nothing!
Since there is no fear of God in the churches, or in the schools or in the legislatures - why can’t we practice homosexuality, abortion- call it baby murder, and whatever perversions we want in the church? Our sin before God and in denying Him will cause us to cease to be. In our pride and arrogance we believe we can ignore God. This is true even of churches, denominations and states who are turning and have turned away from God. Maybe you didn’t know but God’s word condemns us and we cannot escape the judgement of God.
If we look at the record of scripture and how God treated Israel when they departed from Him, why do American churches think they will be treated differently? Is God’s arm shortened that He cannot execute His will? I believe Isaiah 55 says that God’s word when it is sent forth will never fail but will accomplish that for which it was sent. Since God never changes why do we think that we can hide or run from God and do what we want with no consequences.
God is using the present difficulties in this country for people to actually decide what is actually important. Is God who He says He is and if He is does He really want us to be righteous, holy and honorable before men? So that other in this nation can see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven Isn’t this what He told us to do?
Step 1 Gain a moral compass – all must have Jesus as the center of their faith – John tells us Apart for Me {Jesus} you can do nothing. Ask Christ to be your Lord and Savior.
Step 2. Repentance is the next step - turn to Jesus and acknowledge your sin. He will save you – when now. Step 3 pray and obey – 2 Chronicles 7:14 – Humble yourself before an almighty God and Pray, and
Step 3- seek His face with all your heart and soul and strength. Then you will be able to turn from you wicked ways and then He will begin to move.
Step 4. With your whole being commit to hearing the voice of God. We must all learn to hear His voice. My sheep hear my voice and I know them is Jesus statement.
May we truly commit to knowing Him and His will today. AMEN
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”
– Thomas Jefferson
One of the most astounding and disheartening things that has happened in our great nation is that lies are made almost by everyone who is supposed to uphold the law and the constitution. This extends from the President to his Administrative support staff, to Senate and House leaders from both parties. There is actually no difference in many cases between RINO reprobate republicans and liberal democrats. This lying goes to all levels of state and local leaders and is highly focused in regressive progressives. Another disheartening and evil thing is the labeling of opposition party members and those who question election results, or question school board practices and current administration policies as the enemy, and as radical extremists because they don’t accept the ruling party’s line.
So lying, dishonesty and relabeling have become part and parcel of our current dilemma. Relabeling is part of the restructuring of our national heritage. It redefines essential truths. This behavior points to two things. First, there is no honor or personal integrity in our leaders, nor is there a fear of the living God. If people were, they would not be behaving the way they are doing. This is a moral problem because everyone is doing whatever they want both morally, socially and politically. The only demonstrated standard is whatever an individual wants to do. So the current AG has no desire to keep Him sworn oath to defend the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. So we release convicted felons (rapes, murders and for theft) next day after minimum time in jail right back into society. We don’t close the border and we don’t prosecute or check for radicals or prior convicted felons illegally crossing into America. We let the Mexican cartels dictate how much fentanyl, or heroin we allow into our states. After all 108,000 ODs is just population control for undesirables- right?
Passing multi-billion legislative bills which send money outside the country to fund foreign wars or line politicians pockets is not a problem for regressives. This produces inflation and soon you will be benefitted with higher taxes in addition to less money in your pocket. Now you may hate the last president, as Christian you may need to check your pedigree. Hating should not be in your vocabulary as a believer. He did great things for America and truth was a by-product. Anyhow lying is prevalent in all the messaging you are receiving on the various television channels across America today. This trifecta of politicians, managed media and internet activities encourages, abets and supports the false narrative. Joseph Goebbels statement holds true here – “if you tell a lie often enough people will begin to call it the truth.”
The opposite of lying is truth telling. Since God’s word is the truth, what does the word of God say about lying? Let’s check beginning in the book of Proverbs- Chapter 6
I. Lying: Proverbs 6:16-19 - 16 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.
Go back further into the book of Proverbs, to Chapter 12, verse 22 - 22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.
It seems God has some hard thoughts about lying. Now you say How can God hate? – well trying to describe God strongly disliking something doesn’t have quite have the same emphasis as does – God hates lying. God mentions lying more times in the book of Proverbs. Do you supposed God might have something against those who lie and speak evil of others? Chapter 12, verse 22 is highly descriptive and right to the point-22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.
Here God makes a clear distinction between those who speak lies and those who speak lies- Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.
This tell us how God relates to this sin- it is an abomination to Himself, His purposes and His ways. But those who deal truthfully are His delight. This is a wonderful response from God.
If you are still not sure how God relates to Sin and lying then check this out. Think about what you may have already heard but not thought through. How did God deal with Adam and Even when they had sinned and lied about their sin? He kicked them out of the garden, made childbirth a strain and gave them work to just eat through their sweat. How did God deal with the first King of Israel when he sinned and lied about His Sin? God allowed Saul to fall deeper into sin eventually seeking the dead which is forbidden by God. God allowed Saul to be killed and dismembered by the ??? How about even David, who lost His new baby and enmity and strife never passed from David’s family.
God hates sin and despises it. God will one day destroy Satan for he has been a liar and a destroyer from the beginning. His destination is certain in the lake of Fire. How do you believe God is going to treat all those who today are speaking lies knowingly into the country which under COVID cost a million plus lives? Or teach that God is evil and evil is good, therefore hate God. When Judgement comes it will come swiftly and it will come with weeping and gnashing of teeth. If you are wise you will never wish to be anywhere around this
II. The Truth - In the new testament we have some additional instruction under the tutelage of the Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit writing by John in 1st John Chapter 1. We will be instructed in both truth and in lying and the specific contrast which happens between the two extremes. 1st John 1:verses 6-10
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.
Here is the direct contrast between believers and non-believers. If you are of God’s kingdom and walk according to the darkness of this world then the truth is not in us. Duh! How can someone approve abortion and enable the increased opportunity for more abortions including 28 days after birth call themselves a Christian and take communion? It is not possible to be a believer and do this. Choice is not choice it is a redefinition of the word _ Murder. If you kill your baby that is your choice if the baby is living in your body. You agreed to allow the seeds to be planted but now you reject your choice. What choice does the child have? Basically the child has no choice but to die terribly- this is walking in darkness and not in the light and is an abject lie. We are not practicing the truth.
Ok stop. Let’s reset the stage. There are three levels of truth in our society today.
a. There is the definition for truth in the dictionary : the property (as of a statement) of being in accord with fact or reality, the body of real things, events, and facts
b. There is the modern understanding of truth progressively- a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true, not necessarily proven. And sincerity in action, character, and utterance (i.e. popular belief)
c. Last spiritual truth – as in John:14:6 - Jesus said, I am the Way the Truth and Life, no man cometh to the Father but by Me. Our spiritual truth is a person and that person is God
John 8: 32 says, - 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
So when we are talking about truth we are not talking about truth as the world sees it but as God sees His truth and what we know and understand about the ways of God. His truth is not variable it is the same now and always. And knowing the truth is not limiting but sets us free. Free first from the laws of sin and death and free from the desire or need to lie. Jesus allows us to be free in the truth of His love and who He is.
So here we are surrounded by lying, mistruths, deceptions for all spheres of influence all of which are leading to death and future destruction both for this people, for freedom, for our democracy and for liberty. Without a moral compass as we are living today in society where we are actually doomed to failure. Failure not just from our self-imploding but from our individual and collective sin which modern men and women no longer believe is true. After all, if we just educate people and have more government control, everything will get better is the regressive supposition and ultimate solution. So shut up and go away you, you infidels and ignorant peasants. You know nothing!
Since there is no fear of God in the churches, or in the schools or in the legislatures - why can’t we practice homosexuality, abortion- call it baby murder, and whatever perversions we want in the church? Our sin before God and in denying Him will cause us to cease to be. In our pride and arrogance we believe we can ignore God. This is true even of churches, denominations and states who are turning and have turned away from God. Maybe you didn’t know but God’s word condemns us and we cannot escape the judgement of God.
If we look at the record of scripture and how God treated Israel when they departed from Him, why do American churches think they will be treated differently? Is God’s arm shortened that He cannot execute His will? I believe Isaiah 55 says that God’s word when it is sent forth will never fail but will accomplish that for which it was sent. Since God never changes why do we think that we can hide or run from God and do what we want with no consequences.
God is using the present difficulties in this country for people to actually decide what is actually important. Is God who He says He is and if He is does He really want us to be righteous, holy and honorable before men? So that other in this nation can see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven Isn’t this what He told us to do?
Step 1 Gain a moral compass – all must have Jesus as the center of their faith – John tells us Apart for Me {Jesus} you can do nothing. Ask Christ to be your Lord and Savior.
Step 2. Repentance is the next step - turn to Jesus and acknowledge your sin. He will save you – when now. Step 3 pray and obey – 2 Chronicles 7:14 – Humble yourself before an almighty God and Pray, and
Step 3- seek His face with all your heart and soul and strength. Then you will be able to turn from you wicked ways and then He will begin to move.
Step 4. With your whole being commit to hearing the voice of God. We must all learn to hear His voice. My sheep hear my voice and I know them is Jesus statement.
May we truly commit to knowing Him and His will today. AMEN
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”
– Thomas Jefferson
Aug 21 Sermon
The following commands are Jesus’commands to all believers -11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one [b]jot or one [c]tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Shine and Share for Jesus is the commandments we have from Him as Lord and Savior, Master of all the earth. And while many don’t believe this today -He is coming again. In the letter to the Philippians, Paul tells us the word of God- Philippians 2:10 -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,
All people those who believe and those who are unbelievers will bow to Jesus and acknowledge that He is Lord. And believe me it is coming to a theater near you soon. Those who complain and say I never heard about Him will be very disappointed as they enter the lake of fire for eternal punishment.
So Believers according to this text are to shine for Jesus according to these verses. But these verses aren’t the only ones for there are a few other scripture which we should review. Check out Matt 13:40-43. It says, 40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
In that day the righteous shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. So we are to begin shining forth now according to the Sermon on the Mount in Matt. 5 and then we will shine for eternity for God in Heaven. So shining for God is mandated by the Word of God
Now also according to the scriptures we are to reflect the Glory of God which shines upon us -In Isaiah 60 there is an amazing text –
1Arise, shine;
For your light has come!
And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
And deep darkness the people;
But the Lord will arise over you,
And His glory will be seen upon you.
3 The Gentiles shall come to your light,
And kings to the brightness of your rising.
Originally, this blessing was promised to the Jews but upon your becoming a child of the King, you have been ingrafted into the Kingdom of Heaven and so this promise belongs to you as well. Note what the blessing says:
But the Lord will arise over you,
And His glory will be seen upon you.
3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, So other gentiles will come to the light of Christ which resides upon and in you by the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ and He is the light of the World. So shine forth for Jesus as He lives in and through your life
There might be a question in your heart concerning exactly how does this happen -We have an answer provided to us in the text of 2 Corinthians Chapter 4, verse 6. It says there,
For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. In order to shine forth the light of Christ, you and I needed a heart change, and only God is capable of changing the Human heart. This happens when you ask Jesus Christ to become the Lord of your life. Only as a transformed sinner can you live a transformed life. We are powerless without the change wrought by God’s transforming power in the Holy Spirit. Knowing we are sinners God comes to us if we call out to Him when we finally realize how desperately we need a savior.
Now to share is the second part. What exactly are we to share? I believe that is evident. When we are saved we have new life within us. A new heart, a new destination for eternity, no enmity with God for we have received His Son who is His promised messiah. Why wouldn’t you want to share the love of God which has given you all this. We had a young waitress receive Jesus Christ yesterday morning and when we told Her that Jesus loved her and that we loved her she broke out in tears. You see the joy of the Lord is overwhelming if you simply consider it.
So now if you search on the word share in your bible you will be greatly disappointed, for it is never used in the context of a command to go and tell or to share your faith. Searching on Go and tell yields some results but noting commanding us to go and share our faith. Using the word “go’ not beneficial because it is a root for approximately 7800 words. But God does yield on highly productive verse issues as part of Jesus final commands to His disciples and those with them Matthew 28:18-20 says, 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go [a]therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [b]Amen. According to Jesus final command to His children. He says, Go ye therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. This is very direct. So to share means to go to others and relate to them what joy, peace and love you have received from God on high. How else can we share the gospel other than telling others about what you already know.
There is a poignant example of the this in the book of Mark, Chapter 5. The demoniac who was so thoroughly possessed by demons wants to accompany Jesus when He is departing by boat. The demoniac wants to go and get in the boat. He is in love with the Son of God who set him free. Here is what Jesus said,
18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. 19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.”20 And he departed and began to proclaim in [e]Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.
Jesus said Go home and tell them what great things God has done for you and how He had compassion on you. What a testimony and what did the recovered demoniac do – He want to all ten cities on that side of the Jordan and told everyone what Jesus had done for Him.
Question – is the miracle of your salvation still fresh in your heart that you want others to know the Gift of God you have received? If so then share and share specifically what the Lord’s love
The following commands are Jesus’commands to all believers -11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one [b]jot or one [c]tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Shine and Share for Jesus is the commandments we have from Him as Lord and Savior, Master of all the earth. And while many don’t believe this today -He is coming again. In the letter to the Philippians, Paul tells us the word of God- Philippians 2:10 -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,
All people those who believe and those who are unbelievers will bow to Jesus and acknowledge that He is Lord. And believe me it is coming to a theater near you soon. Those who complain and say I never heard about Him will be very disappointed as they enter the lake of fire for eternal punishment.
So Believers according to this text are to shine for Jesus according to these verses. But these verses aren’t the only ones for there are a few other scripture which we should review. Check out Matt 13:40-43. It says, 40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
In that day the righteous shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. So we are to begin shining forth now according to the Sermon on the Mount in Matt. 5 and then we will shine for eternity for God in Heaven. So shining for God is mandated by the Word of God
Now also according to the scriptures we are to reflect the Glory of God which shines upon us -In Isaiah 60 there is an amazing text –
1Arise, shine;
For your light has come!
And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
And deep darkness the people;
But the Lord will arise over you,
And His glory will be seen upon you.
3 The Gentiles shall come to your light,
And kings to the brightness of your rising.
Originally, this blessing was promised to the Jews but upon your becoming a child of the King, you have been ingrafted into the Kingdom of Heaven and so this promise belongs to you as well. Note what the blessing says:
But the Lord will arise over you,
And His glory will be seen upon you.
3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, So other gentiles will come to the light of Christ which resides upon and in you by the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ and He is the light of the World. So shine forth for Jesus as He lives in and through your life
There might be a question in your heart concerning exactly how does this happen -We have an answer provided to us in the text of 2 Corinthians Chapter 4, verse 6. It says there,
For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. In order to shine forth the light of Christ, you and I needed a heart change, and only God is capable of changing the Human heart. This happens when you ask Jesus Christ to become the Lord of your life. Only as a transformed sinner can you live a transformed life. We are powerless without the change wrought by God’s transforming power in the Holy Spirit. Knowing we are sinners God comes to us if we call out to Him when we finally realize how desperately we need a savior.
Now to share is the second part. What exactly are we to share? I believe that is evident. When we are saved we have new life within us. A new heart, a new destination for eternity, no enmity with God for we have received His Son who is His promised messiah. Why wouldn’t you want to share the love of God which has given you all this. We had a young waitress receive Jesus Christ yesterday morning and when we told Her that Jesus loved her and that we loved her she broke out in tears. You see the joy of the Lord is overwhelming if you simply consider it.
So now if you search on the word share in your bible you will be greatly disappointed, for it is never used in the context of a command to go and tell or to share your faith. Searching on Go and tell yields some results but noting commanding us to go and share our faith. Using the word “go’ not beneficial because it is a root for approximately 7800 words. But God does yield on highly productive verse issues as part of Jesus final commands to His disciples and those with them Matthew 28:18-20 says, 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go [a]therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [b]Amen. According to Jesus final command to His children. He says, Go ye therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. This is very direct. So to share means to go to others and relate to them what joy, peace and love you have received from God on high. How else can we share the gospel other than telling others about what you already know.
There is a poignant example of the this in the book of Mark, Chapter 5. The demoniac who was so thoroughly possessed by demons wants to accompany Jesus when He is departing by boat. The demoniac wants to go and get in the boat. He is in love with the Son of God who set him free. Here is what Jesus said,
18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. 19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.”20 And he departed and began to proclaim in [e]Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.
Jesus said Go home and tell them what great things God has done for you and how He had compassion on you. What a testimony and what did the recovered demoniac do – He want to all ten cities on that side of the Jordan and told everyone what Jesus had done for Him.
Question – is the miracle of your salvation still fresh in your heart that you want others to know the Gift of God you have received? If so then share and share specifically what the Lord’s love
Aug 14 Sermon
If there ever was a more appropriate description for what is happening in America today, I don’t know what if would be, other than the verses we are about to read from Isaiah, Chapter 5, beginning with verse 20
20 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!
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!
22 Woe to men mighty at drinking wine,
Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink,23 Who justify the wicked for a bribe,
And take away justice from the righteous man!
24 Therefore, as the [l]fire devours the stubble,
And the flame consumes the chaff,
So their root will be as rottenness,
And their blossom will ascend like dust;
Because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
25 Therefore the anger of the Lord is aroused against His people; He has stretched out His hand against them, And stricken them, And the hills trembled.
Their carcasses were as refuse in the midst of the streets.
For all this His anger is not turned away,
But His hand is stretched out still.
BEHOLD the Word of the Lord - may your people gain wisdom and get understanding. And may the fear of the Lord be the beginning of a greater wisdom for us. AMEN.
Isaiah was a prophet who served Judah for over 60 years. As a prophet He was not well liked. Consider why - read the first 39 chapters of this book. They are a condemnation of the sin, backsliding and rebellion of the nation of Israel. There is no weakness or vacillation in the words of this prophet for when Isaiah speaks, He speaks as the oracle of God, which He is by divine appointment. In chapter 5 he is condemning the people of God for failing to walk as God had commanded them to walk. All the commandments for how to treat one another, how to love one another and how to care for one another were being not just ignored but the opposite was happening. So instead of people being told the truth everyone was lying to their brother, perhaps you can relate. Please note this is a message to the chose people of God, not those outside the holy nation but to those inside. Perchance should we be listening.
Another point of prophecy is to motivate the people to do something. What something might that be? Well for starters you might consider repentance would be the first step. Repentance to whom? To God and returning to His holy standards from your wicked ways. So repent and return are crucial to the life God wants from His people. What happens when His people humble themselves and return, then they are renewed in the power of God and rejoice that God still loves them despite their failures. This only happens when we have faith in God and His salvation in Jesus Christ.
I. Verse 20 - 20 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!
Everything here is reversed. I say yes, you say no. {I think there is a Beatles song which you could quote.} So when God says it is good, you call - evil. God says male and female, you say multiple genders. God says One race the human race you say many races. You change the meaning of words to mean the opposite of what God’s original meaning is. You call what is evil gay, or choice versus murder, or open borders versus security, or impoverishing people as good inflation.
The teachers unions and the Universities say teaching your children CRT, sexual - gender equality and other non- academic subjects is the modern enlightened and progressive way; but, God says, Raise up a child in the way He should go when he is young and he will not depart from it.
There is no truth in the History books which have been rewritten to disparage American exceptionalism. What you are experiencing is a radical transformation of Judeo-Christian values for the regressive refuse and filth of modern utopian liberalism. It is also the Marxist-communist dialecticism transformed for American consumption. These leftist are deconstructing America, substituting Godly moral values and truth with lies.
There is nothing sweet and light about what is being forced down your throats. It is pure darkness, evil and bitter gall of hatred for American values and culture which are godly. It is in our schools, in our government and in our media and God’s word condemns it even if society say it is great stuff.
II. Verse 21 is bad news for our leadership in schools, universities, for woke cities and states in America and for the US government – 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight! 22 Woe to men mighty at drinking wine, Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink,23 Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away justice from the righteous man!
These are amazing words. I’ll bet the Scribes and Pharisees in Jesus day thought when they had killed Him thought they had dodged a bullet. Remember Jesus said, Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees several times is His condemnation of their failing to teach the truth to the nation of Israel. With Jesus dead all that nonsense goes away right? Well in 70 ad if they had not yet died and already been judged by God, then when the Romans destroyed by siege Jerusalem – judgement arrived. It coming again near you!
Men and women from the lowest to the highest reaches of our leadership and government, our media moguls who direct the “news,” the woke corporations who fund this liberal insanity are doing exactly what we just read. Woke according to them means wise in their own eyes. “We are in the know and you are not.” They pollute our minds and mix their drinks foisting their intoxicating lies across America as truth. They have made a two-tiered justice system; amnesty and looking the other way for those in the political know and severe and brutal punishment for those who go against the “approved narrative.” Where is justice for Benghazi, for a destroyed server full of critical national security data, for falsified data, for a laptop which just keeps on giving us insight into a corrupt individual and his family? How can congressmen and senator continue to have no courage to tell the truth, but lie about legislation because they “know” what you need?
What is the net result of all this lying, not allowing the truth to be told, slanderous treatment of people and locking good people up for no reason? The answer according to our scripture is this 23 Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away justice from the righteous man! Removing justice for all.
Men and women in leadership are selling their own souls for a bribe. They are losing their own souls for money. Our People have sold out to the highest bidder and are not keeping the oath of office to protect and defend the constitution and the people of the United State, all for a bribe. The end result is they are taking away justice from the righteous men and women across America
So what does all this mean if we keep going this way and don’t repent?
III. Verse 24 24 Therefore, as the [l]fire devours the stubble, And the flame consumes the chaff,
So their root will be as rottenness,
And their blossom will ascend like dust;
Because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
25 Therefore the anger of the Lord is aroused against His people; He has stretched out His hand against them, And stricken them, And the hills trembled.
Their carcasses were as refuse in the midst of the streets.
According to this verse what is coming is not good. Why has all this happened is contained in these verses. And if you believe your reasoning is greater than God’s and you know better and this just can’t be true, I repeat here is the answer Because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
25 Therefore the anger of the Lord is aroused against His people;
The people of God are allowing this and are involved with these activities. Just look at all the crack ups in our “Christian denominations – Methodists, Presbyterians Lutherans -have all succumbed to liberal theology – sorry women pastors are not allowed - it is prohibited; allowing unrepentant homosexuals in our churches, seminaries and leadership positions. Not standing against the tide of wokism and popular approved lifestyles. Baptists and others engaged in approving race and race theory as part of reaching others, when by nature it does the very opposite. Many churches agree that a woman has the right to choose to have an abortion, after all it’s her body. Who speaks out and defends the child and these are churches and denominations killing the unborn – calling themselves enlightened.
Why has this happened in America? Because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
This is a hard truth, we are no longer living in a Christian culture where men and women are honoring the Word of God and despised Him. Yes that is correct we have turned away from God and denied the truth of His teachings, Hos commands and His ways to do our “woke” thing. We no longer fear God or His judgements we are enlightened 21st century, educated adults and we reject God. When God’s people rejected Him and we began this back in the 1960s no need for prayer or bible study in the schools we began the total denial of God in our society. We despised the Holy One of Israel
As a result of this denial understand what God says -25 Therefore the anger of the Lord is aroused against His people; He has stretched out His hand against them, And stricken them, And the hills trembled.
Their carcasses were as refuse in the midst of the streets. For all this His anger is not turned away,
But His hand is stretched out still.
There is a direct correlation between what is happening and our obedience and honor to God. It is pretty straight forward according to God’s word. He hates disobedience and will not tolerate this behavior so He has a solution. He has turned His hand against us and stricken us. His hand is against all unrighteousness especially when the believers don’t live according to His word.
Jesus wraps this up in the New Testament in John 3:19-21 - 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
Despite God’s provision and God’s love for us – men and women love the darkness. Darkness is another word for evil. Men loved darkness/evil more than the light which is God’s truth. Those who have sold themselves over to evil or darkness do not want to come to the light lest their deeds be exposed. Only God changes a heart, these will come to light and seek repentance, renewal and if they are believers to return to God. Oh may we the people of God heed His warnings, for the time is exceedingly short and there is only one way to return. We are to humble ourselves and pray, seek God and then turn from our wicked ways – this is true repentance. Then and only then will God hear from heaven and forgive our sin and heal our land. Amen - may God do so in us beginning this day now and forever more.
There is hope, read - Psalm 37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. Turn to Him today. AMEN
If there ever was a more appropriate description for what is happening in America today, I don’t know what if would be, other than the verses we are about to read from Isaiah, Chapter 5, beginning with verse 20
20 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!
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!
22 Woe to men mighty at drinking wine,
Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink,23 Who justify the wicked for a bribe,
And take away justice from the righteous man!
24 Therefore, as the [l]fire devours the stubble,
And the flame consumes the chaff,
So their root will be as rottenness,
And their blossom will ascend like dust;
Because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
25 Therefore the anger of the Lord is aroused against His people; He has stretched out His hand against them, And stricken them, And the hills trembled.
Their carcasses were as refuse in the midst of the streets.
For all this His anger is not turned away,
But His hand is stretched out still.
BEHOLD the Word of the Lord - may your people gain wisdom and get understanding. And may the fear of the Lord be the beginning of a greater wisdom for us. AMEN.
Isaiah was a prophet who served Judah for over 60 years. As a prophet He was not well liked. Consider why - read the first 39 chapters of this book. They are a condemnation of the sin, backsliding and rebellion of the nation of Israel. There is no weakness or vacillation in the words of this prophet for when Isaiah speaks, He speaks as the oracle of God, which He is by divine appointment. In chapter 5 he is condemning the people of God for failing to walk as God had commanded them to walk. All the commandments for how to treat one another, how to love one another and how to care for one another were being not just ignored but the opposite was happening. So instead of people being told the truth everyone was lying to their brother, perhaps you can relate. Please note this is a message to the chose people of God, not those outside the holy nation but to those inside. Perchance should we be listening.
Another point of prophecy is to motivate the people to do something. What something might that be? Well for starters you might consider repentance would be the first step. Repentance to whom? To God and returning to His holy standards from your wicked ways. So repent and return are crucial to the life God wants from His people. What happens when His people humble themselves and return, then they are renewed in the power of God and rejoice that God still loves them despite their failures. This only happens when we have faith in God and His salvation in Jesus Christ.
I. Verse 20 - 20 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!
Everything here is reversed. I say yes, you say no. {I think there is a Beatles song which you could quote.} So when God says it is good, you call - evil. God says male and female, you say multiple genders. God says One race the human race you say many races. You change the meaning of words to mean the opposite of what God’s original meaning is. You call what is evil gay, or choice versus murder, or open borders versus security, or impoverishing people as good inflation.
The teachers unions and the Universities say teaching your children CRT, sexual - gender equality and other non- academic subjects is the modern enlightened and progressive way; but, God says, Raise up a child in the way He should go when he is young and he will not depart from it.
There is no truth in the History books which have been rewritten to disparage American exceptionalism. What you are experiencing is a radical transformation of Judeo-Christian values for the regressive refuse and filth of modern utopian liberalism. It is also the Marxist-communist dialecticism transformed for American consumption. These leftist are deconstructing America, substituting Godly moral values and truth with lies.
There is nothing sweet and light about what is being forced down your throats. It is pure darkness, evil and bitter gall of hatred for American values and culture which are godly. It is in our schools, in our government and in our media and God’s word condemns it even if society say it is great stuff.
II. Verse 21 is bad news for our leadership in schools, universities, for woke cities and states in America and for the US government – 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight! 22 Woe to men mighty at drinking wine, Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink,23 Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away justice from the righteous man!
These are amazing words. I’ll bet the Scribes and Pharisees in Jesus day thought when they had killed Him thought they had dodged a bullet. Remember Jesus said, Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees several times is His condemnation of their failing to teach the truth to the nation of Israel. With Jesus dead all that nonsense goes away right? Well in 70 ad if they had not yet died and already been judged by God, then when the Romans destroyed by siege Jerusalem – judgement arrived. It coming again near you!
Men and women from the lowest to the highest reaches of our leadership and government, our media moguls who direct the “news,” the woke corporations who fund this liberal insanity are doing exactly what we just read. Woke according to them means wise in their own eyes. “We are in the know and you are not.” They pollute our minds and mix their drinks foisting their intoxicating lies across America as truth. They have made a two-tiered justice system; amnesty and looking the other way for those in the political know and severe and brutal punishment for those who go against the “approved narrative.” Where is justice for Benghazi, for a destroyed server full of critical national security data, for falsified data, for a laptop which just keeps on giving us insight into a corrupt individual and his family? How can congressmen and senator continue to have no courage to tell the truth, but lie about legislation because they “know” what you need?
What is the net result of all this lying, not allowing the truth to be told, slanderous treatment of people and locking good people up for no reason? The answer according to our scripture is this 23 Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away justice from the righteous man! Removing justice for all.
Men and women in leadership are selling their own souls for a bribe. They are losing their own souls for money. Our People have sold out to the highest bidder and are not keeping the oath of office to protect and defend the constitution and the people of the United State, all for a bribe. The end result is they are taking away justice from the righteous men and women across America
So what does all this mean if we keep going this way and don’t repent?
III. Verse 24 24 Therefore, as the [l]fire devours the stubble, And the flame consumes the chaff,
So their root will be as rottenness,
And their blossom will ascend like dust;
Because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
25 Therefore the anger of the Lord is aroused against His people; He has stretched out His hand against them, And stricken them, And the hills trembled.
Their carcasses were as refuse in the midst of the streets.
According to this verse what is coming is not good. Why has all this happened is contained in these verses. And if you believe your reasoning is greater than God’s and you know better and this just can’t be true, I repeat here is the answer Because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
25 Therefore the anger of the Lord is aroused against His people;
The people of God are allowing this and are involved with these activities. Just look at all the crack ups in our “Christian denominations – Methodists, Presbyterians Lutherans -have all succumbed to liberal theology – sorry women pastors are not allowed - it is prohibited; allowing unrepentant homosexuals in our churches, seminaries and leadership positions. Not standing against the tide of wokism and popular approved lifestyles. Baptists and others engaged in approving race and race theory as part of reaching others, when by nature it does the very opposite. Many churches agree that a woman has the right to choose to have an abortion, after all it’s her body. Who speaks out and defends the child and these are churches and denominations killing the unborn – calling themselves enlightened.
Why has this happened in America? Because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
This is a hard truth, we are no longer living in a Christian culture where men and women are honoring the Word of God and despised Him. Yes that is correct we have turned away from God and denied the truth of His teachings, Hos commands and His ways to do our “woke” thing. We no longer fear God or His judgements we are enlightened 21st century, educated adults and we reject God. When God’s people rejected Him and we began this back in the 1960s no need for prayer or bible study in the schools we began the total denial of God in our society. We despised the Holy One of Israel
As a result of this denial understand what God says -25 Therefore the anger of the Lord is aroused against His people; He has stretched out His hand against them, And stricken them, And the hills trembled.
Their carcasses were as refuse in the midst of the streets. For all this His anger is not turned away,
But His hand is stretched out still.
There is a direct correlation between what is happening and our obedience and honor to God. It is pretty straight forward according to God’s word. He hates disobedience and will not tolerate this behavior so He has a solution. He has turned His hand against us and stricken us. His hand is against all unrighteousness especially when the believers don’t live according to His word.
Jesus wraps this up in the New Testament in John 3:19-21 - 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
Despite God’s provision and God’s love for us – men and women love the darkness. Darkness is another word for evil. Men loved darkness/evil more than the light which is God’s truth. Those who have sold themselves over to evil or darkness do not want to come to the light lest their deeds be exposed. Only God changes a heart, these will come to light and seek repentance, renewal and if they are believers to return to God. Oh may we the people of God heed His warnings, for the time is exceedingly short and there is only one way to return. We are to humble ourselves and pray, seek God and then turn from our wicked ways – this is true repentance. Then and only then will God hear from heaven and forgive our sin and heal our land. Amen - may God do so in us beginning this day now and forever more.
There is hope, read - Psalm 37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. Turn to Him today. AMEN
Aug 7 Sermon
John 1:1-4, 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 The same was in the beginning with God.3 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John1:14-17, 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Grace and Truth came to us through Jesus Christ. Let’s define grace and truth for our understanding and use – Many say grace is the unmerited favor granted to us by God, some use the acrostic - God’s riches at Christ’s expense to define the concept of grace. Grace is unique here for Jesus death burial and resurrection – basically His sacrifice is applied to you in you and over you, when you receive Him as Savior. It is the unmerited favor granted to us by God through His Son’s sacrifice. Wow what a concept.
The concept of defining the idea of Truth on the other hand has been debated for centuries. Jesus even had a discussion with His Roman captor – Pontius Pilate over what is truth. But for us there is only one definition for the word and the idea of truth and that is Jesus Christ. In John 14:6 Jesus said, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man cometh to the Father but by Me. Truth is not a concept, Truth is a person – the Lord Jesus- who actually is the Truth. Extending the idea just a bit further we come to realize that God is Truth and in Him is no shadow of turning or darkness. So verse 17 is a very profound verse for it states this truth that - .17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
When Jesus arrived on planet earth grace and truth came together in one package – verse 14 provides a clear summary, 14 And the Word {Logos or God} was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. This is the same Logos and the Word who was God as referenced in the first few verses which we just read.
When Jesus came, John and the disciples, and many in the nation of Israel, as well as, the Gentiles beheld the glory of God, full of grace and truth in the Son. Amazing stuff isn’t it. So John the Revelator is a firsthand witness to the grace and truth embodied in Jesus Christ
So what does grace and truth do for the ones who have trusted in Christ Jesus? From the Word of God we learned we have inside of us. This disease is call sin. We come into this world pre-dispositioned to rebel and disobey, against God’s loving instructions and commands. He only wants what is best for us but we are rebellious by birth through sin and believe we know best. Because Jesus is grace we don’t receive Justice which would lead to our punishment and eventual death for this is God’s law. We receive more than mercy or forgiveness, for we receive God’s wonderous gift of grace – unmerited favor. Undeserved forgiveness from God because we come to His Son and His Son by grace which is beyond mercy and grants us entry into His fellowship and His Kingdom.{ He forgives all your sin and gives you a new life in Christ, a new nature and a new heart. He transforms this weak and evil creature into His child. He does so until we return to Him.}
Hold on now - we are not done in parsing this scripture which we have been working through. Look at the beginning of verse 17. There is even more than plain forgiveness. There is new life in Christ. It says for the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Why mention the word law here versus grace and truth coming by Jesus Christ? To gain this understanding and perspective we need to go back into the word of God. Let’s begin by looking at Romans Chapter 6 verses 1-5
6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Paul is challenging us and the Roman believers to understand that granting of grace to us does not mean we now have license to freely sin. On the contrary, if we have died to sin and were baptized into the death of Christ; and then raised in glorious newness of life by the Father, why would we want to walk in that manner. 1 John 3:1 tells us, Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God. As a child of the King with a new heart and a new life why should I choose to sin freely and not strive to do good?
Salvation once it occurs puts us on the narrow path which leads to life. But we can stray either to excessive side seeking rule-based living like the Pharisees did and who missed knowing Jesus because He didn’t keep their rules. They lived for keeping a set of rules to earn salvations benefits. Or we have the freedom to do whatever I want which is license. We assume, when we do this, that the Father is the great sugar daddy in the sky, who will ultimately forgive anything I do – which is blasphemy and denies the nature of God.
We are to choose denial and obedience for it is better than sacrifice. We are deny ourselves and take up our cross daily and follow Him, wherever He leads.
There is a great deal more but one final point as we try to grasp the wonder of the grace God has extended to us instead of judgement, destruction or eternal death.
Ephesians 2:8 to 10 keeps this theme of grace - 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Now for a moment maybe you thought you had something to do with your salvation and you coming to Christ so He could extend grace. Yes there is no denying you have done those actions but look to end of verse 10 - which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Think about this verse. If God knew beforehand that there were His workmanship by His acts of grace and we were to walk in them; then He knew beforehand we come to Jesus Christ prior to any decision we made as to how salvation happened and grace was applied to your life. Wow you have just encountered the omnipotence and omniscience {all knowing}power of God. Who also preserves and protects men t and orchestrates the events of Men for God’s best interest’s. Yet He still chose you know how flawed each of us were.
Do you marvel at this thing called grace? Do you have any idea of what it really means about God’s relationship with you? He has been reaching out to you since before you were born and has a place for you in Heaven, before you even had the opportunity to say yes to grace. We serve and awesome God, don’t we?
Today how are you walking? Are you walking in God’s grace or are you exercising license or living an extremist rule-oriented Christianity? Yes, the law was important to bring you to a knowledge of sin so you know you needed a savior. Salvation and walking in grace means living differently according to the grace of God which is His gift of life to you. Spend it wisely according to the wisdom of God.
Amen
John 1:1-4, 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 The same was in the beginning with God.3 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John1:14-17, 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Grace and Truth came to us through Jesus Christ. Let’s define grace and truth for our understanding and use – Many say grace is the unmerited favor granted to us by God, some use the acrostic - God’s riches at Christ’s expense to define the concept of grace. Grace is unique here for Jesus death burial and resurrection – basically His sacrifice is applied to you in you and over you, when you receive Him as Savior. It is the unmerited favor granted to us by God through His Son’s sacrifice. Wow what a concept.
The concept of defining the idea of Truth on the other hand has been debated for centuries. Jesus even had a discussion with His Roman captor – Pontius Pilate over what is truth. But for us there is only one definition for the word and the idea of truth and that is Jesus Christ. In John 14:6 Jesus said, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man cometh to the Father but by Me. Truth is not a concept, Truth is a person – the Lord Jesus- who actually is the Truth. Extending the idea just a bit further we come to realize that God is Truth and in Him is no shadow of turning or darkness. So verse 17 is a very profound verse for it states this truth that - .17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
When Jesus arrived on planet earth grace and truth came together in one package – verse 14 provides a clear summary, 14 And the Word {Logos or God} was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. This is the same Logos and the Word who was God as referenced in the first few verses which we just read.
When Jesus came, John and the disciples, and many in the nation of Israel, as well as, the Gentiles beheld the glory of God, full of grace and truth in the Son. Amazing stuff isn’t it. So John the Revelator is a firsthand witness to the grace and truth embodied in Jesus Christ
So what does grace and truth do for the ones who have trusted in Christ Jesus? From the Word of God we learned we have inside of us. This disease is call sin. We come into this world pre-dispositioned to rebel and disobey, against God’s loving instructions and commands. He only wants what is best for us but we are rebellious by birth through sin and believe we know best. Because Jesus is grace we don’t receive Justice which would lead to our punishment and eventual death for this is God’s law. We receive more than mercy or forgiveness, for we receive God’s wonderous gift of grace – unmerited favor. Undeserved forgiveness from God because we come to His Son and His Son by grace which is beyond mercy and grants us entry into His fellowship and His Kingdom.{ He forgives all your sin and gives you a new life in Christ, a new nature and a new heart. He transforms this weak and evil creature into His child. He does so until we return to Him.}
Hold on now - we are not done in parsing this scripture which we have been working through. Look at the beginning of verse 17. There is even more than plain forgiveness. There is new life in Christ. It says for the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Why mention the word law here versus grace and truth coming by Jesus Christ? To gain this understanding and perspective we need to go back into the word of God. Let’s begin by looking at Romans Chapter 6 verses 1-5
6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Paul is challenging us and the Roman believers to understand that granting of grace to us does not mean we now have license to freely sin. On the contrary, if we have died to sin and were baptized into the death of Christ; and then raised in glorious newness of life by the Father, why would we want to walk in that manner. 1 John 3:1 tells us, Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God. As a child of the King with a new heart and a new life why should I choose to sin freely and not strive to do good?
Salvation once it occurs puts us on the narrow path which leads to life. But we can stray either to excessive side seeking rule-based living like the Pharisees did and who missed knowing Jesus because He didn’t keep their rules. They lived for keeping a set of rules to earn salvations benefits. Or we have the freedom to do whatever I want which is license. We assume, when we do this, that the Father is the great sugar daddy in the sky, who will ultimately forgive anything I do – which is blasphemy and denies the nature of God.
We are to choose denial and obedience for it is better than sacrifice. We are deny ourselves and take up our cross daily and follow Him, wherever He leads.
There is a great deal more but one final point as we try to grasp the wonder of the grace God has extended to us instead of judgement, destruction or eternal death.
Ephesians 2:8 to 10 keeps this theme of grace - 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Now for a moment maybe you thought you had something to do with your salvation and you coming to Christ so He could extend grace. Yes there is no denying you have done those actions but look to end of verse 10 - which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Think about this verse. If God knew beforehand that there were His workmanship by His acts of grace and we were to walk in them; then He knew beforehand we come to Jesus Christ prior to any decision we made as to how salvation happened and grace was applied to your life. Wow you have just encountered the omnipotence and omniscience {all knowing}power of God. Who also preserves and protects men t and orchestrates the events of Men for God’s best interest’s. Yet He still chose you know how flawed each of us were.
Do you marvel at this thing called grace? Do you have any idea of what it really means about God’s relationship with you? He has been reaching out to you since before you were born and has a place for you in Heaven, before you even had the opportunity to say yes to grace. We serve and awesome God, don’t we?
Today how are you walking? Are you walking in God’s grace or are you exercising license or living an extremist rule-oriented Christianity? Yes, the law was important to bring you to a knowledge of sin so you know you needed a savior. Salvation and walking in grace means living differently according to the grace of God which is His gift of life to you. Spend it wisely according to the wisdom of God.
Amen
July 31 Sermon
We hear the words spoken very often these days about finding peace and safety, but as hard as we look there seems to be less peace anywhere. And safety, there appears to be no safe place. Everything has turned around. People keep looking in all the wrong places and there is a distinct absence of peace or safety anywhere.
Now I will make a statement with which you might take offense and here it is. There is no place you can go to find absolute peace or absolute safety in this world. Nowhere is there a place, time or circumstance which guarantees absolute peace and perfect safety. Life is not made that way. I always thought of the old swimming hole as a safe place, but many have died there from drowning and hitting things under the water. We make cars to be safe but people are killed daily on the highways.
And peace, well how do you find peace? Some people look for peace in a bottle and some with drugs. We have all kinds of medications for people seeking peace but not finding it easily. Plus we have all sorts of shootings, wars and killings all over the place so there is no guarantee of peace or safety anywhere or at any time. Peace must be found in the heart of man and it is hard to settle, according to the bible the heart is deceitfully evil and wicked above all things. So if there is no peace in the human heart how can we expect to find peace between men and women on earth? It can possibly be found but it is rare and it never be permanent, only temporary.
The Bible and its Author – the Lord God, teaches us a different story. It says we can have peace and safety from the coming storms but it is not as the world gives us peace and safety. Let’s take a few moments and examine what The Bible says in the words of scripture and then apply it to our lives.
Turn to 1st Thessalonians, Chapter 5 and read with me. Remember this is the Apostle Paul writing a letter to the church at Thessalonica, who were having some troubles as they navigated persecution and tough times- Reading now beginning at verse 1-
5 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then 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. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be [a]sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
11 Therefore [b]comfort each other and [c]edify one another, just as you also are doing.
Various Exhortations
12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and [d]admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we [e]exhort you, brethren, warn those who are [f]unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
16 Rejoice evermore, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
Phew, sounds like a big task to live the way the Lord wants us to live doesn’t it? And truthfully it is difficult to live this way by ourselves, to live the way the Lord wants us to live with each other in these days when there is very little peace and safety.
Let’s begin at the beginning walking through the verses so we know what is happening-
5 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then 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. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day{Believers}. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be [a]sober.
Part I. Here Paul is telling the church to be prepared for the return of the Lord. As sure as Jesus came the first time He is coming again. If we have learned anything about God it is that He is the faithful covenant Keeper. He makes and keeps covenants with His people even when they are faithless and break the covenant. How will His coming be – imminently as a thief in the night, when you are least expecting it. All sorts of folks will be talking about find peace and safety but there will be no peace and safety – Gee sounds like us today! Notice God’s word says destruction will come suddenly- and they will not escape. Now this important so don’t miss it- who is the they who won’t escape? The answer is those who have not asked Jesus Christ to be the Lord of their lives.
We can see this by looking at the next verses 4-6
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day{Believers}. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be [a]sober.
What God is telling us is as a believer in Christ and having learned about the future coming of Jesus; when there is no peace and safety, but when many are claiming peace and safety, He will come when least expected. You know that could be this very day for there is nothing prophetically which requires fulfilling for Him to come back right now in the twinkling of an eye or as a thief in the night!
So Paul is saying don’t be unprepared. As a child of Christ who is a child of the light don’t be overcome or confused by the darkness in our day for you belong to Christ. So how are we to be prepared? Go to verses 7-8 . 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. Paul tells us to be awake, be sober, not sleeping, putting on faith and love as a breastplate. There is only one way to do that and that is to be reading the Bible – God’s word and allowing the teacher – the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth for He promises to do so. He is also the paraclete, the One who walks beside you to find and know the love of God. His love far exceeds the love of man and can heal all wounds of the heart and soul. This is something only God can do and no man, drug therapy or prescription can produce.
So what type of behavior comes with those who don’t care about tomorrow? Those who are lazy and those who just want to party all night. They are the ones who don’t care and the ones who spend all their time doing just what they want.
There was mention about something like these types of people when God had Noah build the Arc. It says they were eating, drinking and marrying and giving in marriage until the rains came, ignoring the witness of Noah and they perished in the flood.
Now in verse 8 there is this statement about the hope of salvation as a helmet. Hope is a precious thing for often when there is nothing else left standing in a person’s life – there may still be hope which comes only from God. This is the hope of faith in Jesus Christ and His imminent returning. Salvation in a person’s life creates and bears fruit in the heart and mind of a saved person- new life, new heart new spirit.
Part II. Now go to verses 9 to 11 - 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
11 Therefore [b]comfort each other and [c]edify one another, just as you also are doing.
This statement we just read is the gospel – the good news that God in Christ brings to all men who will receive the truth. To those who will call upon the savior for they recognize they are sinners and that they need a savior. It is these who are the “whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Every believer who has reached for God by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit has come the same way, none of us has been excluded. God is not willing for any to perish but some will because they will reject His call of love, so they will experience the wrath of God in torment for eternity in Hell. Yes that is a real place despite what the world tells you.
The ultimate promise of salvation is they who believe will spend eternity in heaven with God. What a promise don’t miss it.
So we are to comfort ourselves and edify – meaning educate ourselves so that we are not unaware of His promises. We will find Peace and safety only in the eternal promises of God, not in the fulfilment promised in this world or in things. A relationship with Christ is the only true peace and contentment. Jesus says, 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. {Jn. 14.27)
The remainder of our text has various to dos and don’ts – a whole listing as a matter of fact.
Part III , Verses 12 -15 deal with the church and how we are to get along - read - 12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and [d]admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we [e]exhort you, brethren, warn those who are [f]unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
We are to honor one another – esteem others more highly than yourselves, be ye kind one to another. Providing words of warning and admonition to those who are stumbling and falling away from God. Pursue the goodness of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Verses 16- to 20 are personal for each of us - 16 Rejoice evermore, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
These verses to be fulfilled in your life and mine require us to surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit for we will never attain them without His working the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. They are unattainable rejoice evermore, in everything give thanks, don’t quench the Spirit- every time you get angry apart from righteous anger your quench God’s activity in you. He doesn’t depart He goes quiet. God has to help us do these things and without or apart from Him according to Jesus -you can do nothing.(Jn.15.5)
But the promise of these words is powerful. If you allow God to invest in your life and surrender look what He can enable you to be like in the future – totally different
I would challenge each of you to reflect on how this cultural craziness in America appears to be changing for the worse more and more quickly? But you can be different in Christ this very day. You can ask Him into your life- will you?
Ask Him today and He will show you the Way!
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more.
AMEN
We hear the words spoken very often these days about finding peace and safety, but as hard as we look there seems to be less peace anywhere. And safety, there appears to be no safe place. Everything has turned around. People keep looking in all the wrong places and there is a distinct absence of peace or safety anywhere.
Now I will make a statement with which you might take offense and here it is. There is no place you can go to find absolute peace or absolute safety in this world. Nowhere is there a place, time or circumstance which guarantees absolute peace and perfect safety. Life is not made that way. I always thought of the old swimming hole as a safe place, but many have died there from drowning and hitting things under the water. We make cars to be safe but people are killed daily on the highways.
And peace, well how do you find peace? Some people look for peace in a bottle and some with drugs. We have all kinds of medications for people seeking peace but not finding it easily. Plus we have all sorts of shootings, wars and killings all over the place so there is no guarantee of peace or safety anywhere or at any time. Peace must be found in the heart of man and it is hard to settle, according to the bible the heart is deceitfully evil and wicked above all things. So if there is no peace in the human heart how can we expect to find peace between men and women on earth? It can possibly be found but it is rare and it never be permanent, only temporary.
The Bible and its Author – the Lord God, teaches us a different story. It says we can have peace and safety from the coming storms but it is not as the world gives us peace and safety. Let’s take a few moments and examine what The Bible says in the words of scripture and then apply it to our lives.
Turn to 1st Thessalonians, Chapter 5 and read with me. Remember this is the Apostle Paul writing a letter to the church at Thessalonica, who were having some troubles as they navigated persecution and tough times- Reading now beginning at verse 1-
5 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then 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. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be [a]sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
11 Therefore [b]comfort each other and [c]edify one another, just as you also are doing.
Various Exhortations
12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and [d]admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we [e]exhort you, brethren, warn those who are [f]unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
16 Rejoice evermore, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
Phew, sounds like a big task to live the way the Lord wants us to live doesn’t it? And truthfully it is difficult to live this way by ourselves, to live the way the Lord wants us to live with each other in these days when there is very little peace and safety.
Let’s begin at the beginning walking through the verses so we know what is happening-
5 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then 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. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day{Believers}. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be [a]sober.
Part I. Here Paul is telling the church to be prepared for the return of the Lord. As sure as Jesus came the first time He is coming again. If we have learned anything about God it is that He is the faithful covenant Keeper. He makes and keeps covenants with His people even when they are faithless and break the covenant. How will His coming be – imminently as a thief in the night, when you are least expecting it. All sorts of folks will be talking about find peace and safety but there will be no peace and safety – Gee sounds like us today! Notice God’s word says destruction will come suddenly- and they will not escape. Now this important so don’t miss it- who is the they who won’t escape? The answer is those who have not asked Jesus Christ to be the Lord of their lives.
We can see this by looking at the next verses 4-6
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day{Believers}. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be [a]sober.
What God is telling us is as a believer in Christ and having learned about the future coming of Jesus; when there is no peace and safety, but when many are claiming peace and safety, He will come when least expected. You know that could be this very day for there is nothing prophetically which requires fulfilling for Him to come back right now in the twinkling of an eye or as a thief in the night!
So Paul is saying don’t be unprepared. As a child of Christ who is a child of the light don’t be overcome or confused by the darkness in our day for you belong to Christ. So how are we to be prepared? Go to verses 7-8 . 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. Paul tells us to be awake, be sober, not sleeping, putting on faith and love as a breastplate. There is only one way to do that and that is to be reading the Bible – God’s word and allowing the teacher – the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth for He promises to do so. He is also the paraclete, the One who walks beside you to find and know the love of God. His love far exceeds the love of man and can heal all wounds of the heart and soul. This is something only God can do and no man, drug therapy or prescription can produce.
So what type of behavior comes with those who don’t care about tomorrow? Those who are lazy and those who just want to party all night. They are the ones who don’t care and the ones who spend all their time doing just what they want.
There was mention about something like these types of people when God had Noah build the Arc. It says they were eating, drinking and marrying and giving in marriage until the rains came, ignoring the witness of Noah and they perished in the flood.
Now in verse 8 there is this statement about the hope of salvation as a helmet. Hope is a precious thing for often when there is nothing else left standing in a person’s life – there may still be hope which comes only from God. This is the hope of faith in Jesus Christ and His imminent returning. Salvation in a person’s life creates and bears fruit in the heart and mind of a saved person- new life, new heart new spirit.
Part II. Now go to verses 9 to 11 - 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
11 Therefore [b]comfort each other and [c]edify one another, just as you also are doing.
This statement we just read is the gospel – the good news that God in Christ brings to all men who will receive the truth. To those who will call upon the savior for they recognize they are sinners and that they need a savior. It is these who are the “whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Every believer who has reached for God by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit has come the same way, none of us has been excluded. God is not willing for any to perish but some will because they will reject His call of love, so they will experience the wrath of God in torment for eternity in Hell. Yes that is a real place despite what the world tells you.
The ultimate promise of salvation is they who believe will spend eternity in heaven with God. What a promise don’t miss it.
So we are to comfort ourselves and edify – meaning educate ourselves so that we are not unaware of His promises. We will find Peace and safety only in the eternal promises of God, not in the fulfilment promised in this world or in things. A relationship with Christ is the only true peace and contentment. Jesus says, 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. {Jn. 14.27)
The remainder of our text has various to dos and don’ts – a whole listing as a matter of fact.
Part III , Verses 12 -15 deal with the church and how we are to get along - read - 12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and [d]admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we [e]exhort you, brethren, warn those who are [f]unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
We are to honor one another – esteem others more highly than yourselves, be ye kind one to another. Providing words of warning and admonition to those who are stumbling and falling away from God. Pursue the goodness of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Verses 16- to 20 are personal for each of us - 16 Rejoice evermore, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
These verses to be fulfilled in your life and mine require us to surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit for we will never attain them without His working the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. They are unattainable rejoice evermore, in everything give thanks, don’t quench the Spirit- every time you get angry apart from righteous anger your quench God’s activity in you. He doesn’t depart He goes quiet. God has to help us do these things and without or apart from Him according to Jesus -you can do nothing.(Jn.15.5)
But the promise of these words is powerful. If you allow God to invest in your life and surrender look what He can enable you to be like in the future – totally different
I would challenge each of you to reflect on how this cultural craziness in America appears to be changing for the worse more and more quickly? But you can be different in Christ this very day. You can ask Him into your life- will you?
Ask Him today and He will show you the Way!
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more.
AMEN
July 10 Sermon
Isaiah 5:20
20 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!
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!
22 Woe to men mighty at drinking wine,
Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink,
23 Who justify the wicked for a bribe,
And take away justice from the righteous man!
There are only two types of people in this world living among us today in this increasingly evil and deluded society called America. There are the saved of God and there are the unsaved. The destination for each has been determined by the Living God who rules all dominions from heaven according to His Judgement and His authority as creator, redeemer and sovereign God Almighty.
This is true no matter how man or Satan tries to manipulate or spin the truth. God has set this as immutable {unchangeable}no matter what tune is being sung in this world.
These are hard facts and words and our eternal destiny is set by your decision to receive Jesus Christ or to reject Him. For in Christ and having received Him, your destination has been changed to heaven. Unrepentant and unregenerate people who reject Jesus Christ are Hell bent for eternal damnation. These are simple facts not by my thinking but according to the Word of God.
Now there exists a subset of people who are in the class of the unsaved who are living among the saved and living as if they are saved. They are in scriptural terms the tares living among the wheat. Or it could be said the fruitless living among the fruitful. One another expression used in scripture is the goats living among the sheep.
Anyhow there are those who worship with us in our houses of worship who are not saved, but are imitating the saved and deluding themselves that they are going to heaven because they participate in church activities and give to the Lord regularly.
So what separates the believer and the unbeliever? This is the key question? I believe scripture can help answer this issue. So let us got to the gospel of Matthew. Chapter 7 and verses 13-27. Let us read the words of Jesus, 13 “Enter by the narrow 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. {two paths}
You Will Know Them by Their Fruits {prophets}
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.
I Never Knew You _ Judgement of God
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, ‘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!’{the big truth of God}
Build on the Rock
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” {Only two types}
May God add His blessing to the reading of His Word and our understanding of how it applies to our lives today. May the Holy Spirit move is us as the words of Christ touch our hearts- AMEN
There is some terrible truths in this word given to us today. First there is no middle ground either you are on the narrow path or you are on the wide path leading to destruction. Verses 13-14 - 13 “Enter by the narrow 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. {There are only two paths and there are only two gates. The narrow gate door is Jesus Christ. He tells us this in John Chapter 10- 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. Jesus is the door and He is the gate keeper. He tells Nicodemus who comes to Him by night that He must be reborn from above otherwise He cannot enter the Kingdom of heaven.
In contrast there are many gates or paths leading to destruction and death eternally, but the missing item is this a relationship with Jesus Christ apart from Him there is no future hope.
Verses 15-20 discuss - who are you listening to true prophets or liars and deceiver? – read 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.
So we are not talking here today about those who are foretelling the future but those who are mis-teaching or leading false teachings out of the word of God and deceiving many. Now if you have the Holy Spirit living in you because you have confessed with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believed that He is the Son of God and called upon Him to be saved. Then God’s Holy Spirit now resides in you. You should not be deceived by any of this type of activity- as it says in verses 16 and 20 you will “know” them by their fruits. The Spirt of Truth – the Holy Spirit will lead you in the way everlasting.
Now there are those not walking In the Spirit who may also be deceived so beware, be on guard for your heart.
But if Christ is not in your heart then there is the absolute possibility that you may be deceived and the bad fruit vendors may lead you falsely to destruction. We have absolute proof of this today as we look at various ministries on TV. We have evangelists and ministries that cater to multiple sexes outside of what is prescribed in God’s word. Or we are seeing ministers/churches starting to discriminate on the basis of race and race equality teachings; applying Critical Race Theory as a teaching of God, which is a lie leading to destruction. We also have prosperity gospel teachers who are saying the reason you are not wealthy and prospering is you just don’t have enough faith to believe. And we have whole denominations who do not believe that Jesus is God; and who have added additional requirements for getting to heaven by substituting good works rather than by grace are you saved through faith.
Now comes the real kicker, read verses 21 – 25:
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, ‘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!’{the big truth of God}
We will need to spend some time on these verses the truth of God. Many of us read it but we do not dig into its truths for it seems so obvious and we just continue on to the next paragraph and give it little consideration, This is true especially if you don’t have the fear of the Lord in your heart. This is a discriminating passage of who will actually enter the Kingdom of Heaven. This verse should cause you to be very concerned.
Remember the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Where do you want to be at the time of your judgement? Remember this key verse from Paul the Apostle. He said, “ to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Everyone who dies or is raptured faces the Lord immediately and to stand before His holiness we have no excuse, for we will know in that moment our sinfulness and His absolute holiness. Our sins will be as scarlet – red letters before God. We are either forgiven by Jesus as His child or we will be condemned without forgiveness- for not having received Jesus. Jesus says, 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.
Now this is the question before you it is not so much about whether you know God but does God know you?
Eternal Life is not based upon whether you know Christ, but upon whether He knows and recognizes you. If He has a relationship with you , then He would have taken up residence in your life and you would be filled with the Holy Spirit. Your life and times would then reflect His life and Holiness within you. When He speaks you would know and respond immediately to His will. Obedience not activity is the sign of this relationship. Is your name in the lamb’s book of life?
So where are you today? Are you into activities or are you into the relationship with Christ? What is the outcome of not having this relationship? – verse 23- 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!
Maybe you have done all sorts of things for the Lord- wonders unimaginable, prophesied in His name, cast out demons, but Jesus doesn’t know you by name? What a terrible fate.
1. So we have those who have a personal relationship with Jesus and are the saved and this is confirmed by the presence of the Holy Spirit within us.These are the ones who build their houses, and their lives on the rock according to verse 24
2. Next We have the lost who have chosen not to accept God and His free gift of salvation and who build their lives on the sand verse 26 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:
The end of that person is death and eternal destruction.
In this grouping of folks going toward the wide gate and destruction is the group of deceived persons who believe they are going to heaven because of many different internal head strong personal justifications. But none of them stand before the Word of God. There is only one way to heaven but it is the good news which God wants all to find- Act 4:12 - 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.
So perhaps God has spoken to you today and convicted you heart. Is it still desperately wicked and God knows it? If you stood right this moment in the presence of Jesus where would you be?
God sent His Son so you would not miss heaven- think about these things.
This is the time of last chances and we only have a few days, Hours maybe, until He calls us home. This is the message simply, Jesus saves and what He saves, He saves to the uttermost and creates new life within us. Is He living in you this day? Don’t miss heaven because of a stubborn heart and deluded mind. Only trust Him now, He will save you, He will save you, He will save you now. AMEN
Ask Him today and He will show you the Way!
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more information.
Isaiah 5:20
20 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!
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!
22 Woe to men mighty at drinking wine,
Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink,
23 Who justify the wicked for a bribe,
And take away justice from the righteous man!
There are only two types of people in this world living among us today in this increasingly evil and deluded society called America. There are the saved of God and there are the unsaved. The destination for each has been determined by the Living God who rules all dominions from heaven according to His Judgement and His authority as creator, redeemer and sovereign God Almighty.
This is true no matter how man or Satan tries to manipulate or spin the truth. God has set this as immutable {unchangeable}no matter what tune is being sung in this world.
These are hard facts and words and our eternal destiny is set by your decision to receive Jesus Christ or to reject Him. For in Christ and having received Him, your destination has been changed to heaven. Unrepentant and unregenerate people who reject Jesus Christ are Hell bent for eternal damnation. These are simple facts not by my thinking but according to the Word of God.
Now there exists a subset of people who are in the class of the unsaved who are living among the saved and living as if they are saved. They are in scriptural terms the tares living among the wheat. Or it could be said the fruitless living among the fruitful. One another expression used in scripture is the goats living among the sheep.
Anyhow there are those who worship with us in our houses of worship who are not saved, but are imitating the saved and deluding themselves that they are going to heaven because they participate in church activities and give to the Lord regularly.
So what separates the believer and the unbeliever? This is the key question? I believe scripture can help answer this issue. So let us got to the gospel of Matthew. Chapter 7 and verses 13-27. Let us read the words of Jesus, 13 “Enter by the narrow 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. {two paths}
You Will Know Them by Their Fruits {prophets}
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.
I Never Knew You _ Judgement of God
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, ‘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!’{the big truth of God}
Build on the Rock
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” {Only two types}
May God add His blessing to the reading of His Word and our understanding of how it applies to our lives today. May the Holy Spirit move is us as the words of Christ touch our hearts- AMEN
There is some terrible truths in this word given to us today. First there is no middle ground either you are on the narrow path or you are on the wide path leading to destruction. Verses 13-14 - 13 “Enter by the narrow 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. {There are only two paths and there are only two gates. The narrow gate door is Jesus Christ. He tells us this in John Chapter 10- 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. Jesus is the door and He is the gate keeper. He tells Nicodemus who comes to Him by night that He must be reborn from above otherwise He cannot enter the Kingdom of heaven.
In contrast there are many gates or paths leading to destruction and death eternally, but the missing item is this a relationship with Jesus Christ apart from Him there is no future hope.
Verses 15-20 discuss - who are you listening to true prophets or liars and deceiver? – read 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.
So we are not talking here today about those who are foretelling the future but those who are mis-teaching or leading false teachings out of the word of God and deceiving many. Now if you have the Holy Spirit living in you because you have confessed with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believed that He is the Son of God and called upon Him to be saved. Then God’s Holy Spirit now resides in you. You should not be deceived by any of this type of activity- as it says in verses 16 and 20 you will “know” them by their fruits. The Spirt of Truth – the Holy Spirit will lead you in the way everlasting.
Now there are those not walking In the Spirit who may also be deceived so beware, be on guard for your heart.
But if Christ is not in your heart then there is the absolute possibility that you may be deceived and the bad fruit vendors may lead you falsely to destruction. We have absolute proof of this today as we look at various ministries on TV. We have evangelists and ministries that cater to multiple sexes outside of what is prescribed in God’s word. Or we are seeing ministers/churches starting to discriminate on the basis of race and race equality teachings; applying Critical Race Theory as a teaching of God, which is a lie leading to destruction. We also have prosperity gospel teachers who are saying the reason you are not wealthy and prospering is you just don’t have enough faith to believe. And we have whole denominations who do not believe that Jesus is God; and who have added additional requirements for getting to heaven by substituting good works rather than by grace are you saved through faith.
Now comes the real kicker, read verses 21 – 25:
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, ‘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!’{the big truth of God}
We will need to spend some time on these verses the truth of God. Many of us read it but we do not dig into its truths for it seems so obvious and we just continue on to the next paragraph and give it little consideration, This is true especially if you don’t have the fear of the Lord in your heart. This is a discriminating passage of who will actually enter the Kingdom of Heaven. This verse should cause you to be very concerned.
Remember the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Where do you want to be at the time of your judgement? Remember this key verse from Paul the Apostle. He said, “ to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Everyone who dies or is raptured faces the Lord immediately and to stand before His holiness we have no excuse, for we will know in that moment our sinfulness and His absolute holiness. Our sins will be as scarlet – red letters before God. We are either forgiven by Jesus as His child or we will be condemned without forgiveness- for not having received Jesus. Jesus says, 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.
Now this is the question before you it is not so much about whether you know God but does God know you?
Eternal Life is not based upon whether you know Christ, but upon whether He knows and recognizes you. If He has a relationship with you , then He would have taken up residence in your life and you would be filled with the Holy Spirit. Your life and times would then reflect His life and Holiness within you. When He speaks you would know and respond immediately to His will. Obedience not activity is the sign of this relationship. Is your name in the lamb’s book of life?
So where are you today? Are you into activities or are you into the relationship with Christ? What is the outcome of not having this relationship? – verse 23- 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!
Maybe you have done all sorts of things for the Lord- wonders unimaginable, prophesied in His name, cast out demons, but Jesus doesn’t know you by name? What a terrible fate.
1. So we have those who have a personal relationship with Jesus and are the saved and this is confirmed by the presence of the Holy Spirit within us.These are the ones who build their houses, and their lives on the rock according to verse 24
2. Next We have the lost who have chosen not to accept God and His free gift of salvation and who build their lives on the sand verse 26 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:
The end of that person is death and eternal destruction.
In this grouping of folks going toward the wide gate and destruction is the group of deceived persons who believe they are going to heaven because of many different internal head strong personal justifications. But none of them stand before the Word of God. There is only one way to heaven but it is the good news which God wants all to find- Act 4:12 - 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.
So perhaps God has spoken to you today and convicted you heart. Is it still desperately wicked and God knows it? If you stood right this moment in the presence of Jesus where would you be?
God sent His Son so you would not miss heaven- think about these things.
This is the time of last chances and we only have a few days, Hours maybe, until He calls us home. This is the message simply, Jesus saves and what He saves, He saves to the uttermost and creates new life within us. Is He living in you this day? Don’t miss heaven because of a stubborn heart and deluded mind. Only trust Him now, He will save you, He will save you, He will save you now. AMEN
Ask Him today and He will show you the Way!
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more information.
July 3 Sermon
We hear the words spoken very often these days about finding peace and safety, but as hard as we look there seems to be less peace anywhere. And safety, there appears to be no safe place. Everything has turned around. People keep looking in all the wrong places and there is a distinct absence of peace or safety anywhere.
Now I will make a statement with which you might take offense and here it is. There is no place you can go to find absolute peace or absolute safety in this world. Nowhere is there a place, time or circumstance which guarantees absolute peace and perfect safety. Life is not made that way. I always thought of the old swimming hole as a safe place, but many have died there from drowning and hitting things under the water. We make cars to be safe but people are killed daily on the highways.
And peace, well how do you find peace? Some people look for peace in a bottle and some with drugs. We have all kinds of medications for people seeking peace but not finding it easily. Plus we have all sorts of shootings, wars and killings all over the place so there is no guarantee of peace or safety anywhere or at any time. Peace must be found in the heart of man and it is hard to settle, according to the bible the heart is deceitfully evil and wicked above all things. So if there is no peace in the human heart how can we expect to find peace between men and women on earth? It can possibly be found but it is rare and it never be permanent, only temporary.
The Bible and its Author – the Lord God, teaches us a different story. It says we can have peace and safety from the coming storms but it is not as the world gives us peace and safety. Let’s take a few moments and examine what The Bible says in the words of scripture and then apply it to our lives.
Turn to 1st Thessalonians, Chapter 5 and read with me. Remember this is the Apostle Paul writing a letter to the church at Thessalonica, who were having some troubles as they navigated persecution and tough times- Reading now beginning at verse 1-
5 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then 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. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be [a]sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
11 Therefore [b]comfort each other and [c]edify one another, just as you also are doing.
Various Exhortations
12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and [d]admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we [e]exhort you, brethren, warn those who are [f]unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
16 Rejoice evermore, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
Phew, sounds like a big task to live the way the Lord wants us to live doesn’t it? And truthfully it is difficult to live this way by ourselves, to live the way the Lord wants us to live with each other in these days when there is very little peace and safety.
Let’s begin at the beginning walking through the verses so we know what is happening-
5 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then 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. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day{Believers}. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be [a]sober.
Part I. Here Paul is telling the church to be prepared for the return of the Lord. As sure as Jesus came the first time He is coming again. If we have learned anything about God it is that He is the faithful covenant Keeper. He makes and keeps covenants with His people even when they are faithless and break the covenant. How will His coming be – imminently as a thief in the night, when you are least expecting it. All sorts of folks will be talking about find peace and safety but there will be no peace and safety – Gee sounds like us today! Notice God’s word says destruction will come suddenly- and they will not escape. Now this important so don’t miss it- who is the they who won’t escape? The answer is those who have not asked Jesus Christ to be the Lord of their lives.
We can see this by looking at the next verses 4-6
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day{Believers}. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be [a]sober.
What God is telling us is as a believer in Christ and having learned about the future coming of Jesus; when there is no peace and safety, but when many are claiming peace and safety, He will come when least expected. You know that could be this very day for there is nothing prophetically which requires fulfilling for Him to come back right now in the twinkling of an eye or as a thief in the night!
So Paul is saying don’t be unprepared. As a child of Christ who is a child of the light don’t be overcome or confused by the darkness in our day for you belong to Christ. So how are we to be prepared? Go to verses 7-8 . 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. Paul tells us to be awake, be sober, not sleeping, putting on faith and love as a breastplate. There is only one way to do that and that is to be reading the Bible – God’s word and allowing the teacher – the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth for He promises to do so. He is also the paraclete, the One who walks beside you to find and know the love of God. His love far exceeds the love of man and can heal all wounds of the heart and soul. This is something only God can do and no man, drug therapy or prescription can produce.
So what type of behavior comes with those who don’t care about tomorrow? Those who are lazy and those who just want to party all night. They are the ones who don’t care and the ones who spend all their time doing just what they want.
There was mention about something like these types of people when God had Noah build the Arc. It says they were eating, drinking and marrying and giving in marriage until the rains came, ignoring the witness of Noah and they perished in the flood.
Now in verse 8 there is this statement about the hope of salvation as a helmet. Hope is a precious thing for often when there is nothing else left standing in a person’s life – there may still be hope which comes only from God. This is the hope of faith in Jesus Christ and His imminent returning. Salvation in a person’s life creates and bears fruit in the heart and mind of a saved person- new life, new heart new spirit.
Part II. Now go to verses 9 to 11 - 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
11 Therefore [b]comfort each other and [c]edify one another, just as you also are doing.
This statement we just read is the gospel – the good news that God in Christ brings to all men who will receive the truth. To those who will call upon the savior for they recognize they are sinners and that they need a savior. It is these who are the “whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Every believer who has reached for God by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit has come the same way, none of us has been excluded. God is not willing for any to perish but some will because they will reject His call of love, so they will experience the wrath of God in torment for eternity in Hell. Yes that is a real place despite what the world tells you.
The ultimate promise of salvation is they who believe will spend eternity in heaven with God. What a promise don’t miss it.
So we are to comfort ourselves and edify – meaning educate ourselves so that we are not unaware of His promises. We will find Peace and safety only in the eternal promises of God, not in the fulfilment promised in this world or in things. A relationship with Christ is the only true peace and contentment. Jesus says, 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. {Jn. 14.27)
The remainder of our text has various to dos and don’ts – a whole listing as a matter of fact.
Part III , Verses 12 -15 deal with the church and how we are to get along - read - 12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and [d]admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we [e]exhort you, brethren, warn those who are [f]unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
We are to honor one another – esteem others more highly than yourselves, be ye kind one to another. Providing words of warning and admonition to those who are stumbling and falling away from God. Pursue the goodness of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Verses 16- to 20 are personal for each of us - 16 Rejoice evermore, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
These verses to be fulfilled in your life and mine require us to surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit for we will never attain them without His working the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. They are unattainable rejoice evermore, in everything give thanks, don’t quench the Spirit- every time you get angry apart from righteous anger your quench God’s activity in you. He doesn’t depart He goes quiet. God has to help us do these things and without or apart from Him according to Jesus -you can do nothing.(Jn.15.5)
But the promise of these words is powerful. If you allow God to invest in your life and surrender look what He can enable you to be like in the future – totally different
I would challenge each of you to reflect on how this cultural craziness in America appears to be changing for the worse more and more quickly? But you can be different in Christ this very day. You can ask Him into your life- will you?
Ask Him today and He will show you the Way!
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more.
AMEN
We hear the words spoken very often these days about finding peace and safety, but as hard as we look there seems to be less peace anywhere. And safety, there appears to be no safe place. Everything has turned around. People keep looking in all the wrong places and there is a distinct absence of peace or safety anywhere.
Now I will make a statement with which you might take offense and here it is. There is no place you can go to find absolute peace or absolute safety in this world. Nowhere is there a place, time or circumstance which guarantees absolute peace and perfect safety. Life is not made that way. I always thought of the old swimming hole as a safe place, but many have died there from drowning and hitting things under the water. We make cars to be safe but people are killed daily on the highways.
And peace, well how do you find peace? Some people look for peace in a bottle and some with drugs. We have all kinds of medications for people seeking peace but not finding it easily. Plus we have all sorts of shootings, wars and killings all over the place so there is no guarantee of peace or safety anywhere or at any time. Peace must be found in the heart of man and it is hard to settle, according to the bible the heart is deceitfully evil and wicked above all things. So if there is no peace in the human heart how can we expect to find peace between men and women on earth? It can possibly be found but it is rare and it never be permanent, only temporary.
The Bible and its Author – the Lord God, teaches us a different story. It says we can have peace and safety from the coming storms but it is not as the world gives us peace and safety. Let’s take a few moments and examine what The Bible says in the words of scripture and then apply it to our lives.
Turn to 1st Thessalonians, Chapter 5 and read with me. Remember this is the Apostle Paul writing a letter to the church at Thessalonica, who were having some troubles as they navigated persecution and tough times- Reading now beginning at verse 1-
5 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then 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. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be [a]sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
11 Therefore [b]comfort each other and [c]edify one another, just as you also are doing.
Various Exhortations
12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and [d]admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we [e]exhort you, brethren, warn those who are [f]unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
16 Rejoice evermore, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
Phew, sounds like a big task to live the way the Lord wants us to live doesn’t it? And truthfully it is difficult to live this way by ourselves, to live the way the Lord wants us to live with each other in these days when there is very little peace and safety.
Let’s begin at the beginning walking through the verses so we know what is happening-
5 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then 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. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day{Believers}. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be [a]sober.
Part I. Here Paul is telling the church to be prepared for the return of the Lord. As sure as Jesus came the first time He is coming again. If we have learned anything about God it is that He is the faithful covenant Keeper. He makes and keeps covenants with His people even when they are faithless and break the covenant. How will His coming be – imminently as a thief in the night, when you are least expecting it. All sorts of folks will be talking about find peace and safety but there will be no peace and safety – Gee sounds like us today! Notice God’s word says destruction will come suddenly- and they will not escape. Now this important so don’t miss it- who is the they who won’t escape? The answer is those who have not asked Jesus Christ to be the Lord of their lives.
We can see this by looking at the next verses 4-6
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day{Believers}. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be [a]sober.
What God is telling us is as a believer in Christ and having learned about the future coming of Jesus; when there is no peace and safety, but when many are claiming peace and safety, He will come when least expected. You know that could be this very day for there is nothing prophetically which requires fulfilling for Him to come back right now in the twinkling of an eye or as a thief in the night!
So Paul is saying don’t be unprepared. As a child of Christ who is a child of the light don’t be overcome or confused by the darkness in our day for you belong to Christ. So how are we to be prepared? Go to verses 7-8 . 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. Paul tells us to be awake, be sober, not sleeping, putting on faith and love as a breastplate. There is only one way to do that and that is to be reading the Bible – God’s word and allowing the teacher – the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth for He promises to do so. He is also the paraclete, the One who walks beside you to find and know the love of God. His love far exceeds the love of man and can heal all wounds of the heart and soul. This is something only God can do and no man, drug therapy or prescription can produce.
So what type of behavior comes with those who don’t care about tomorrow? Those who are lazy and those who just want to party all night. They are the ones who don’t care and the ones who spend all their time doing just what they want.
There was mention about something like these types of people when God had Noah build the Arc. It says they were eating, drinking and marrying and giving in marriage until the rains came, ignoring the witness of Noah and they perished in the flood.
Now in verse 8 there is this statement about the hope of salvation as a helmet. Hope is a precious thing for often when there is nothing else left standing in a person’s life – there may still be hope which comes only from God. This is the hope of faith in Jesus Christ and His imminent returning. Salvation in a person’s life creates and bears fruit in the heart and mind of a saved person- new life, new heart new spirit.
Part II. Now go to verses 9 to 11 - 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
11 Therefore [b]comfort each other and [c]edify one another, just as you also are doing.
This statement we just read is the gospel – the good news that God in Christ brings to all men who will receive the truth. To those who will call upon the savior for they recognize they are sinners and that they need a savior. It is these who are the “whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Every believer who has reached for God by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit has come the same way, none of us has been excluded. God is not willing for any to perish but some will because they will reject His call of love, so they will experience the wrath of God in torment for eternity in Hell. Yes that is a real place despite what the world tells you.
The ultimate promise of salvation is they who believe will spend eternity in heaven with God. What a promise don’t miss it.
So we are to comfort ourselves and edify – meaning educate ourselves so that we are not unaware of His promises. We will find Peace and safety only in the eternal promises of God, not in the fulfilment promised in this world or in things. A relationship with Christ is the only true peace and contentment. Jesus says, 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. {Jn. 14.27)
The remainder of our text has various to dos and don’ts – a whole listing as a matter of fact.
Part III , Verses 12 -15 deal with the church and how we are to get along - read - 12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and [d]admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we [e]exhort you, brethren, warn those who are [f]unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
We are to honor one another – esteem others more highly than yourselves, be ye kind one to another. Providing words of warning and admonition to those who are stumbling and falling away from God. Pursue the goodness of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Verses 16- to 20 are personal for each of us - 16 Rejoice evermore, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
These verses to be fulfilled in your life and mine require us to surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit for we will never attain them without His working the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. They are unattainable rejoice evermore, in everything give thanks, don’t quench the Spirit- every time you get angry apart from righteous anger your quench God’s activity in you. He doesn’t depart He goes quiet. God has to help us do these things and without or apart from Him according to Jesus -you can do nothing.(Jn.15.5)
But the promise of these words is powerful. If you allow God to invest in your life and surrender look what He can enable you to be like in the future – totally different
I would challenge each of you to reflect on how this cultural craziness in America appears to be changing for the worse more and more quickly? But you can be different in Christ this very day. You can ask Him into your life- will you?
Ask Him today and He will show you the Way!
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more.
AMEN
June 26 Sermon
We live in a world that seems today to be void or without hope. The suicide rate is amazing for kids 24 and under, more people are on drugs and alcohol than ever before. Thousands are dying because of the increases in fentanyl availability and it being mixed with other drugs by unscrupulous drug cartels- overdoses are very common. The economy is bottoming out with everything including gas becoming 20 -30% more expensive and no signs of decreasing. The constant monologue from our leadership is “things have never been so good.” We see decadence in our leadership – everyone doing what is right in their own eyes and there seems to be no one who is looking out for and serving the underdogs- the people. It is a brutal and tough world out there with parents being made public enemies because they are challenging the liberal left on what is being taught in the schools. What is being taught in the schools you cannot imagine. We who are older are wondering why are our kids being dumbed down? Aren’t you teaching, reading, writing and arithmetic? The answer is no – we are teaching social engineering, hate for a racist America for they have rewritten US history and are pressing on genders and sex training. Why are we taking kindergarteners to Transvestites sex shops for “education?” No wonder there is so little hope in the culture and in the world.
But God has given you new hope and new life and He tells us in 1st Peter 3 15: 15 But [a]sanctify [b]the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
Do you hear this – to give a defense of the gospel to everyone who asks you for a reason for that hope that is in you. The hope that is in you is the Lord Jesus Christ and His salvation.
Question is are you prepared in the midst of this extreme lack hope to give a defense or have you become disheartened? Well if you are discouraged and disheartened, guess what, you do not need to be so. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
So what should you be doing? Maybe you should be looking for God’s hope in His word. So I invite you to look into 1st Thessalonian’s Chapter 3, beginning part way through Verse 10, through verse 18.
Before we begin let’s pray – Almighty God we need your hope in our hearts today, we pray you help make our hearts attentive to You and your words now. In Jesus name we pray -Amen.
Reading - But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.
The Comfort of Christ’s Coming
13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen [b]asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who [c]sleep in Jesus.
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are [d]asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. {only the elect may hear}And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Now if you need hope, there is absolute hope in the Word of God. Yes, the author God has spoken through men inspired by the Holy Spirit to bring the truth of His Word to you right now. There is also the fact of assuredness in the Word of God. If you are not sure you should read and meditate on Isaiah 55: 10 and 11. Where it says God’s word always accomplishes that for which it was sent. So if He said it, He will do it.
Let’s walk through our text.
But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.
What kind of increase are you talking about dear Lord? An increase in the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord which comes from His Word. And in prayer where He might have the option of speaking to you as you listen for His voice, so you might know Him better. This knowledge will cause you walk in the paths of the Lord and that you might walk properly towards those who are outside of the faith. And as you walk outside the in the world of no hope, you might have all the tools inclusive of wisdom, knowledge and the presence of the Holy Spirit to confront those without hope. Whoa what a promise- you labor in the Lord to know and understand Him and He armors and enables you to speak in the marketplace, what a good deal that is. He is your life and He will enable you to walk in the evil day is the promise from scripture.
What’s next should really stir up your hope in the Living Savior and Lord. From our text verse 13, 13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen [b]asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who [c]sleep in Jesus.
Now remember what Jesus said in John Chapter 14: 14 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.2 In My Father’s house are many [a]mansions; if it were not so, [b]I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
Verse 3 is related to the promise in out Thessalonians text- Since Jesus is going to prepare a place for you and I, He will come again to snatch you away so that where He is we may be also. Now that is a great and wonderful, hopeful promise of great benefit to you and I. We should want all to know about this promise from Jesus. He is coming imminently to get us in the air to be with Him forever. What a good deal that is- no more of this sinful, hopeless mess where hate, mistrust and death abounds. But to be in heaven with no sin to be with Him in His glory forever; no death, no disease, no aging, but to live in paradise with Him who loves us. That is hope. Now the Thessalonians were all worried about those who had died. For they believed Jesus was coming tomorrow and that is how they were living day by day, expecting Jesus imminent return. Paul was reassuring them the dead, those who sleep, will be in heaven first.
He reinforces this point with the next few verses. Let’s read
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are [d]asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. {only the elect may hear}And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
First Paul emphasizes this is the word of the Lord not his imaginations – very important. Next, If you are actually born again from above and are alive when Jesus comes you will not go first but will go next to live with Jesus, after those who sleep- those who have already died.
For the Lord Himself in the air, with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with a trumpet of God is the one who is calling.
Here is more good news – the church is never mentioned in the book of Revelation after this point. According to these verses we have just read verses 16 and 17 the church, that is you is mentioned as being in heaven during the tribulation. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. {only the elect may hear}And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. I emphasize the very last part again for we shall always be with the Lord wherever He is always.
So the church is delivered from the hour of testing spoken of in Revelation 3:10.
And lastly the church is saved from God’s wrath. To wrap this up let’s look at another 2 verses, these are in Chapter 5.- 1st Thess. 5 9-10. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
This puts a bow on the church not entering the tribulation. Christ’s return for you as a believer should be “imminent,” meaning it can happen at any second. You should be spreading the gospel, the good news daily as you live free for God’s wrath which has been covered by the blood of His Son. This is another reason to celebrate the Lord’s supper, yes?
This is our great Hope- Jesus Christ, even so Lord come quickly. AMEN
We live in a world that seems today to be void or without hope. The suicide rate is amazing for kids 24 and under, more people are on drugs and alcohol than ever before. Thousands are dying because of the increases in fentanyl availability and it being mixed with other drugs by unscrupulous drug cartels- overdoses are very common. The economy is bottoming out with everything including gas becoming 20 -30% more expensive and no signs of decreasing. The constant monologue from our leadership is “things have never been so good.” We see decadence in our leadership – everyone doing what is right in their own eyes and there seems to be no one who is looking out for and serving the underdogs- the people. It is a brutal and tough world out there with parents being made public enemies because they are challenging the liberal left on what is being taught in the schools. What is being taught in the schools you cannot imagine. We who are older are wondering why are our kids being dumbed down? Aren’t you teaching, reading, writing and arithmetic? The answer is no – we are teaching social engineering, hate for a racist America for they have rewritten US history and are pressing on genders and sex training. Why are we taking kindergarteners to Transvestites sex shops for “education?” No wonder there is so little hope in the culture and in the world.
But God has given you new hope and new life and He tells us in 1st Peter 3 15: 15 But [a]sanctify [b]the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
Do you hear this – to give a defense of the gospel to everyone who asks you for a reason for that hope that is in you. The hope that is in you is the Lord Jesus Christ and His salvation.
Question is are you prepared in the midst of this extreme lack hope to give a defense or have you become disheartened? Well if you are discouraged and disheartened, guess what, you do not need to be so. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
So what should you be doing? Maybe you should be looking for God’s hope in His word. So I invite you to look into 1st Thessalonian’s Chapter 3, beginning part way through Verse 10, through verse 18.
Before we begin let’s pray – Almighty God we need your hope in our hearts today, we pray you help make our hearts attentive to You and your words now. In Jesus name we pray -Amen.
Reading - But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.
The Comfort of Christ’s Coming
13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen [b]asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who [c]sleep in Jesus.
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are [d]asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. {only the elect may hear}And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Now if you need hope, there is absolute hope in the Word of God. Yes, the author God has spoken through men inspired by the Holy Spirit to bring the truth of His Word to you right now. There is also the fact of assuredness in the Word of God. If you are not sure you should read and meditate on Isaiah 55: 10 and 11. Where it says God’s word always accomplishes that for which it was sent. So if He said it, He will do it.
Let’s walk through our text.
But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.
What kind of increase are you talking about dear Lord? An increase in the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord which comes from His Word. And in prayer where He might have the option of speaking to you as you listen for His voice, so you might know Him better. This knowledge will cause you walk in the paths of the Lord and that you might walk properly towards those who are outside of the faith. And as you walk outside the in the world of no hope, you might have all the tools inclusive of wisdom, knowledge and the presence of the Holy Spirit to confront those without hope. Whoa what a promise- you labor in the Lord to know and understand Him and He armors and enables you to speak in the marketplace, what a good deal that is. He is your life and He will enable you to walk in the evil day is the promise from scripture.
What’s next should really stir up your hope in the Living Savior and Lord. From our text verse 13, 13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen [b]asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who [c]sleep in Jesus.
Now remember what Jesus said in John Chapter 14: 14 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.2 In My Father’s house are many [a]mansions; if it were not so, [b]I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
Verse 3 is related to the promise in out Thessalonians text- Since Jesus is going to prepare a place for you and I, He will come again to snatch you away so that where He is we may be also. Now that is a great and wonderful, hopeful promise of great benefit to you and I. We should want all to know about this promise from Jesus. He is coming imminently to get us in the air to be with Him forever. What a good deal that is- no more of this sinful, hopeless mess where hate, mistrust and death abounds. But to be in heaven with no sin to be with Him in His glory forever; no death, no disease, no aging, but to live in paradise with Him who loves us. That is hope. Now the Thessalonians were all worried about those who had died. For they believed Jesus was coming tomorrow and that is how they were living day by day, expecting Jesus imminent return. Paul was reassuring them the dead, those who sleep, will be in heaven first.
He reinforces this point with the next few verses. Let’s read
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are [d]asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. {only the elect may hear}And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
First Paul emphasizes this is the word of the Lord not his imaginations – very important. Next, If you are actually born again from above and are alive when Jesus comes you will not go first but will go next to live with Jesus, after those who sleep- those who have already died.
For the Lord Himself in the air, with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with a trumpet of God is the one who is calling.
Here is more good news – the church is never mentioned in the book of Revelation after this point. According to these verses we have just read verses 16 and 17 the church, that is you is mentioned as being in heaven during the tribulation. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. {only the elect may hear}And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. I emphasize the very last part again for we shall always be with the Lord wherever He is always.
So the church is delivered from the hour of testing spoken of in Revelation 3:10.
And lastly the church is saved from God’s wrath. To wrap this up let’s look at another 2 verses, these are in Chapter 5.- 1st Thess. 5 9-10. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
This puts a bow on the church not entering the tribulation. Christ’s return for you as a believer should be “imminent,” meaning it can happen at any second. You should be spreading the gospel, the good news daily as you live free for God’s wrath which has been covered by the blood of His Son. This is another reason to celebrate the Lord’s supper, yes?
This is our great Hope- Jesus Christ, even so Lord come quickly. AMEN
June 19 Sermon
In our world in America we suffer from multiple types of corruption. Corruptions which come both internally in the destruction of morals and to the very fiber of our nation. This corruption is also slaying our individual liberties and rights under the constitution. Corruption also is inflicted upon us externally as the pressures of this world and all evil which comes against truth and righteousness. This is the spiritual warfare we are engaged in today.
Make no mistake this deconstruction of America is all about removing the goodness, mercy and truth upon which God helped found this nation. This is resoundly a spiritual battle for the heart and mind of this nation. This outright rebellion and hate manifested by the most recent Supreme Court sets of decisions is symptomatic of the entire agenda against righteousness and truth.
You are seeing in the rebellion of government the result of internal corruption and degradation of the basic principles of rule by law. The progressive left no longer wants rule by law but rule by mob and violence. We are facing a huge moral dilemma when the leaders of the Executive branch and the Legislative branch threaten to rebel against what is written in the US Constitution and Bill of Rights The Justices ruled to go back to what is stated in the Constitution. The threat we are facing today is equal to or greater I believe than what Jehoshaphat faced thousands of years ago. Regardless we need to remember the Battle is the LORD’S” – we need to learn to put our trust in God’s Hands.
Text: 2 Chronicles 20- Let’s read-
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; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.
5 Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, 6 and said: “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? 7 Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? 8 And they dwell in it, and have built You a sanctuary in it for Your name, saying, 9 ‘If disaster comes upon us—sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine—we will stand before this temple and in Your presence (for Your name is in this temple), and cry out to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save.’ 10 And now, here are the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir—whom You would not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them and did not destroy them— 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.”
13 Now all Judah, with their little ones, their wives, and their children, stood before the Lord.
14 Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. 15 And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the [d]brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.”
18 And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. 19 Then the Levites of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with voices loud and high.
20 So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.” 21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying:
“Praise the Lord,
For His mercy endures forever.”
22 Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.
Introduction: Jehoshaphat was the King. As King and leader everything would fall on his shoulders for the nation and for his people of Judah. When a “great multitude came against Judah to do battle, Jehoshaphat determined to seek God for help. In today’s message we will learn how to put things in God’s hands.
Key Verse:
17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.”
18 And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed before the Lord, worshiping the Lord.
1. First we need to recognize we have a problem or difficulty.
2 Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom,[b] from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi)
Today we are asking our God to expose the sin in our lives and in our nation. If God does so the only response is to repent. Most of the time we refuse to believe that we have any problem, or we do not understand the true nature of our problem which is not political, social or medical but spiritual.
This is the great problem with personal sin we do not wish in many cases to discover or uncover it, Now for the most part the people who come to Church are the people who admit that they have a problem and that they need God’s help, or they would not have come to seeking God’s in His house in the first place. But that is not always true. Sometimes it takes wild horses to force us to recognize we have a problem or that our nation has a problem. But as we look at America and our lives we have a major truth problem.
Second. Recognize and understand that your problem is bigger than you are. {Boy do we know that today}we should be alarmed.
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; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord
Although Jehoshaphat had a standing army and a lot of unique resources, he knew that his army was no match for the oncoming enemy and the army was not the answer. When the enemy comes against you {Satan}, you need to understand you are weak in the flesh but mighty in the Lord. Check out the New Testament -
2 Corinthians 10:4
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.
So like Jehoshaphat we need to admit the frailty of our flesh and our personal resources. We are not sufficient for meeting and overcoming the problems we face, only God is sufficient. This includes all our problems we deal with whether physical, emotional, social, political and spiritual issues. We are not sufficient for resolving these issues. Today the scope of the problems internally and externally can only be solved by our God. He is able and He alone.
Third, Know that God is bigger than your problem. {He is able} Read with me
6 and said: “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? 7 Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever?
Do you not know that Our God is the King of Kings? We need to recognize and proclaim the sovereignty of God over any problem or difficulty which arises including the ones in this Nation and among us as a people. He is sovereign and He alone is God
But we may find ourselves struggling at this point. Sometimes this is where pride and self-reliance get in the way of knowing that God is the only one who can meet our needs. Sometimes we are stubborn at the point of surrender and refuse to yield. This can be true for believers today! Pray for repentance and surrender to the Holy Spirits leading for Christians in America right now
Fourth. Determine to appeal to God for His assistance with your problem on the basis of His love and righteousness for His people.
7 Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? He loves us and sent His Son to die for us.
What is our perspective, are we yielding to the will of God or are we declaring independence from God? If God is not on our side… that is the real problem! If you want God to be in your battles, be humble and seek Him with prayer and fasting. Seek Him where He may be found. God gives grace to the humble.
Jehoshaphat got humble. All Judah prayed and they fasted. A person is not humble until they are willing to be humble and to obey God’s directives.
Fifth. Ask God’s to help solve this problem which was in the life of the people and the nation.
This is the type of problem which we have before us in this hour. We have corruption internal and external to our nation and there is no fear of God. This includes us people. God has answered some of our prayer but we have a national righteousness and corruption problem based upon our sin.
God has made promises to help us and never The results if you have put your problem in God’s hands?
1. You will not be afraid.
2. You can face your enemy.
tomorrow go out against them
A person who continues in sin, is a person who wants to hide in the darkness. Once you have put your problem is God’s hands, you can walk in the light! You have not fear of the darkness.
3. You will experience the presence of the Lord, for the LORD will be with you.
Jesus is the Captain of the Lord of Hosts. He has never lost a battle.
4. You will want to worship and be together with believers
the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD.
5. You will have a song in your heart.
22And when they began to sing and to praise,
When the enemy heard the music and praise of the children of Judah, they realized that they were no longer doing battle with Israel.
Prayer
Lord, Thank you for fighting my battles. I rejoice in the knowledge that eternity will reveal in us your eternal and ultimate victory over sin.
In our world in America we suffer from multiple types of corruption. Corruptions which come both internally in the destruction of morals and to the very fiber of our nation. This corruption is also slaying our individual liberties and rights under the constitution. Corruption also is inflicted upon us externally as the pressures of this world and all evil which comes against truth and righteousness. This is the spiritual warfare we are engaged in today.
Make no mistake this deconstruction of America is all about removing the goodness, mercy and truth upon which God helped found this nation. This is resoundly a spiritual battle for the heart and mind of this nation. This outright rebellion and hate manifested by the most recent Supreme Court sets of decisions is symptomatic of the entire agenda against righteousness and truth.
You are seeing in the rebellion of government the result of internal corruption and degradation of the basic principles of rule by law. The progressive left no longer wants rule by law but rule by mob and violence. We are facing a huge moral dilemma when the leaders of the Executive branch and the Legislative branch threaten to rebel against what is written in the US Constitution and Bill of Rights The Justices ruled to go back to what is stated in the Constitution. The threat we are facing today is equal to or greater I believe than what Jehoshaphat faced thousands of years ago. Regardless we need to remember the Battle is the LORD’S” – we need to learn to put our trust in God’s Hands.
Text: 2 Chronicles 20- Let’s read-
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; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.
5 Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, 6 and said: “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? 7 Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? 8 And they dwell in it, and have built You a sanctuary in it for Your name, saying, 9 ‘If disaster comes upon us—sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine—we will stand before this temple and in Your presence (for Your name is in this temple), and cry out to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save.’ 10 And now, here are the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir—whom You would not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them and did not destroy them— 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.”
13 Now all Judah, with their little ones, their wives, and their children, stood before the Lord.
14 Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. 15 And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the [d]brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.”
18 And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. 19 Then the Levites of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with voices loud and high.
20 So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.” 21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying:
“Praise the Lord,
For His mercy endures forever.”
22 Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.
Introduction: Jehoshaphat was the King. As King and leader everything would fall on his shoulders for the nation and for his people of Judah. When a “great multitude came against Judah to do battle, Jehoshaphat determined to seek God for help. In today’s message we will learn how to put things in God’s hands.
Key Verse:
17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.”
18 And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed before the Lord, worshiping the Lord.
1. First we need to recognize we have a problem or difficulty.
2 Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom,[b] from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi)
Today we are asking our God to expose the sin in our lives and in our nation. If God does so the only response is to repent. Most of the time we refuse to believe that we have any problem, or we do not understand the true nature of our problem which is not political, social or medical but spiritual.
This is the great problem with personal sin we do not wish in many cases to discover or uncover it, Now for the most part the people who come to Church are the people who admit that they have a problem and that they need God’s help, or they would not have come to seeking God’s in His house in the first place. But that is not always true. Sometimes it takes wild horses to force us to recognize we have a problem or that our nation has a problem. But as we look at America and our lives we have a major truth problem.
Second. Recognize and understand that your problem is bigger than you are. {Boy do we know that today}we should be alarmed.
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; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord
Although Jehoshaphat had a standing army and a lot of unique resources, he knew that his army was no match for the oncoming enemy and the army was not the answer. When the enemy comes against you {Satan}, you need to understand you are weak in the flesh but mighty in the Lord. Check out the New Testament -
2 Corinthians 10:4
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.
So like Jehoshaphat we need to admit the frailty of our flesh and our personal resources. We are not sufficient for meeting and overcoming the problems we face, only God is sufficient. This includes all our problems we deal with whether physical, emotional, social, political and spiritual issues. We are not sufficient for resolving these issues. Today the scope of the problems internally and externally can only be solved by our God. He is able and He alone.
Third, Know that God is bigger than your problem. {He is able} Read with me
6 and said: “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? 7 Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever?
Do you not know that Our God is the King of Kings? We need to recognize and proclaim the sovereignty of God over any problem or difficulty which arises including the ones in this Nation and among us as a people. He is sovereign and He alone is God
But we may find ourselves struggling at this point. Sometimes this is where pride and self-reliance get in the way of knowing that God is the only one who can meet our needs. Sometimes we are stubborn at the point of surrender and refuse to yield. This can be true for believers today! Pray for repentance and surrender to the Holy Spirits leading for Christians in America right now
Fourth. Determine to appeal to God for His assistance with your problem on the basis of His love and righteousness for His people.
7 Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? He loves us and sent His Son to die for us.
What is our perspective, are we yielding to the will of God or are we declaring independence from God? If God is not on our side… that is the real problem! If you want God to be in your battles, be humble and seek Him with prayer and fasting. Seek Him where He may be found. God gives grace to the humble.
Jehoshaphat got humble. All Judah prayed and they fasted. A person is not humble until they are willing to be humble and to obey God’s directives.
Fifth. Ask God’s to help solve this problem which was in the life of the people and the nation.
This is the type of problem which we have before us in this hour. We have corruption internal and external to our nation and there is no fear of God. This includes us people. God has answered some of our prayer but we have a national righteousness and corruption problem based upon our sin.
God has made promises to help us and never The results if you have put your problem in God’s hands?
1. You will not be afraid.
2. You can face your enemy.
tomorrow go out against them
A person who continues in sin, is a person who wants to hide in the darkness. Once you have put your problem is God’s hands, you can walk in the light! You have not fear of the darkness.
3. You will experience the presence of the Lord, for the LORD will be with you.
Jesus is the Captain of the Lord of Hosts. He has never lost a battle.
4. You will want to worship and be together with believers
the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD.
5. You will have a song in your heart.
22And when they began to sing and to praise,
When the enemy heard the music and praise of the children of Judah, they realized that they were no longer doing battle with Israel.
Prayer
Lord, Thank you for fighting my battles. I rejoice in the knowledge that eternity will reveal in us your eternal and ultimate victory over sin.
Sermon June 12
Isaiah 5:20
20 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!
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!
22 Woe to men mighty at drinking wine,
Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink,
23 Who justify the wicked for a bribe,
And take away justice from the righteous man!
There are only two types of people in this world living among us today in this increasingly evil and deluded society called America. There are the saved of God and there are the unsaved. The destination for each has been determined by the Living God who rules all dominions from heaven according to His Judgement and His authority as creator, redeemer and sovereign God Almighty.
This is true no matter how man or Satan tries to manipulate or spin the truth. God has set this as immutable {unchangeable}no matter what tune is being sung in this world.
These are hard facts and words and our eternal destiny is set by your decision to receive Jesus Christ or to reject Him. For in Christ and having received Him, your destination has been changed to heaven. Unrepentant and unregenerate people who reject Jesus Christ are Hell bent for eternal damnation. These are simple facts not by my thinking but according to the Word of God.
Now there exists a subset of people who are in the class of the unsaved who are living among the saved and living as if they are saved. They are in scriptural terms the tares living among the wheat. Or it could be said the fruitless living among the fruitful. One another expression used in scripture is the goats living among the sheep.
Anyhow there are those who worship with us in our houses of worship who are not saved, but are imitating the saved and deluding themselves that they are going to heaven because they participate in church activities and give to the Lord regularly.
So what separates the believer and the unbeliever? This is the key question? I believe scripture can help answer this issue. So let us got to the gospel of Matthew. Chapter 7 and verses 13-27. Let us read the words of Jesus, 13 “Enter by the narrow 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. {two paths}
You Will Know Them by Their Fruits {prophets}
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.
I Never Knew You _ Judgement of God
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, ‘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!’{the big truth of God}
Build on the Rock
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” {Only two types}
May God add His blessing to the reading of His Word and our understanding of how it applies to our lives today. May the Holy Spirit move is us as the words of Christ touch our hearts- AMEN
There is some terrible truths in this word given to us today. First there is no middle ground either you are on the narrow path or you are on the wide path leading to destruction. Verses 13-14 - 13 “Enter by the narrow 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. {There are only two paths and there are only two gates. The narrow gate door is Jesus Christ. He tells us this in John Chapter 10- 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. Jesus is the door and He is the gate keeper. He tells Nicodemus who comes to Him by night that He must be reborn from above otherwise He cannot enter the Kingdom of heaven.
In contrast there are many gates or paths leading to destruction and death eternally, but the missing item is this a relationship with Jesus Christ apart from Him there is no future hope.
Verses 15-20 discuss - who are you listening to true prophets or liars and deceiver? – read 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.
So we are not talking here today about those who are foretelling the future but those who are mis-teaching or leading false teachings out of the word of God and deceiving many. Now if you have the Holy Spirit living in you because you have confessed with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believed that He is the Son of God and called upon Him to be saved. Then God’s Holy Spirit now resides in you. You should not be deceived by any of this type of activity- as it says in verses 16 and 20 you will “know” them by their fruits. The Spirt of Truth – the Holy Spirit will lead you in the way everlasting.
Now there are those not walking In the Spirit who may also be deceived so beware, be on guard for your heart.
But if Christ is not in your heart then there is the absolute possibility that you may be deceived and the bad fruit vendors may lead you falsely to destruction. We have absolute proof of this today as we look at various ministries on TV. We have evangelists and ministries that cater to multiple sexes outside of what is prescribed in God’s word. Or we are seeing ministers/churches starting to discriminate on the basis of race and race equality teachings; applying Critical Race Theory as a teaching of God, which is a lie leading to destruction. We also have prosperity gospel teachers who are saying the reason you are not wealthy and prospering is you just don’t have enough faith to believe. And we have whole denominations who do not believe that Jesus is God; and who have added additional requirements for getting to heaven by substituting good works rather than by grace are you saved through faith.
Now comes the real kicker, read verses 21 – 25:
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, ‘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!’{the big truth of God}
We will need to spend some time on these verses the truth of God. Many of us read it but we do not dig into its truths for it seems so obvious and we just continue on to the next paragraph and give it little consideration, This is true especially if you don’t have the fear of the Lord in your heart. This is a discriminating passage of who will actually enter the Kingdom of Heaven. This verse should cause you to be very concerned.
Remember the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Where do you want to be at the time of your judgement? Remember this key verse from Paul the Apostle. He said, “ to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Everyone who dies or is raptured faces the Lord immediately and to stand before His holiness we have no excuse, for we will know in that moment our sinfulness and His absolute holiness. Our sins will be as scarlet – red letters before God. We are either forgiven by Jesus as His child or we will be condemned without forgiveness- for not having received Jesus. Jesus says, 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.
Now this is the question before you it is not so much about whether you know God but does God know you?
Eternal Life is not based upon whether you know Christ, but upon whether He knows and recognizes you. If He has a relationship with you , then He would have taken up residence in your life and you would be filled with the Holy Spirit. Your life and times would then reflect His life and Holiness within you. When He speaks you would know and respond immediately to His will. Obedience not activity is the sign of this relationship. Is your name in the lamb’s book of life?
So where are you today? Are you into activities or are you into the relationship with Christ? What is the outcome of not having this relationship? – verse 23- 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!
Maybe you have done all sorts of things for the Lord- wonders unimaginable, prophesied in His name, cast out demons, but Jesus doesn’t know you by name? What a terrible fate.
1. So we have those who have a personal relationship with Jesus and are the saved and this is confirmed by the presence of the Holy Spirit within us.These are the ones who build their houses, and their lives on the rock according to verse 24
2. Next We have the lost who have chosen not to accept God and His free gift of salvation and who build their lives on the sand verse 26 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:
The end of that person is death and eternal destruction.
In this grouping of folks going toward the wide gate and destruction is the group of deceived persons who believe they are going to heaven because of many different internal head strong personal justifications. But none of them stand before the Word of God. There is only one way to heaven but it is the good news which God wants all to find- Act 4:12 - 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.
So perhaps God has spoken to you today and convicted you heart. Is it still desperately wicked and God knows it? If you stood right this moment in the presence of Jesus where would you be?
God sent His Son so you would not miss heaven- think about these things.
This is the time of last chances and we only have a few days, Hours maybe, until He calls us home. This is the message simply, Jesus saves and what He saves, He saves to the uttermost and creates new life within us. Is He living in you this day? Don’t miss heaven because of a stubborn heart and deluded mind. Only trust Him now, He will save you, He will save you, He will save you now. AMEN
Ask Him today and He will show you the Way!
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more information.
Isaiah 5:20
20 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!
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!
22 Woe to men mighty at drinking wine,
Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink,
23 Who justify the wicked for a bribe,
And take away justice from the righteous man!
There are only two types of people in this world living among us today in this increasingly evil and deluded society called America. There are the saved of God and there are the unsaved. The destination for each has been determined by the Living God who rules all dominions from heaven according to His Judgement and His authority as creator, redeemer and sovereign God Almighty.
This is true no matter how man or Satan tries to manipulate or spin the truth. God has set this as immutable {unchangeable}no matter what tune is being sung in this world.
These are hard facts and words and our eternal destiny is set by your decision to receive Jesus Christ or to reject Him. For in Christ and having received Him, your destination has been changed to heaven. Unrepentant and unregenerate people who reject Jesus Christ are Hell bent for eternal damnation. These are simple facts not by my thinking but according to the Word of God.
Now there exists a subset of people who are in the class of the unsaved who are living among the saved and living as if they are saved. They are in scriptural terms the tares living among the wheat. Or it could be said the fruitless living among the fruitful. One another expression used in scripture is the goats living among the sheep.
Anyhow there are those who worship with us in our houses of worship who are not saved, but are imitating the saved and deluding themselves that they are going to heaven because they participate in church activities and give to the Lord regularly.
So what separates the believer and the unbeliever? This is the key question? I believe scripture can help answer this issue. So let us got to the gospel of Matthew. Chapter 7 and verses 13-27. Let us read the words of Jesus, 13 “Enter by the narrow 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. {two paths}
You Will Know Them by Their Fruits {prophets}
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.
I Never Knew You _ Judgement of God
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, ‘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!’{the big truth of God}
Build on the Rock
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” {Only two types}
May God add His blessing to the reading of His Word and our understanding of how it applies to our lives today. May the Holy Spirit move is us as the words of Christ touch our hearts- AMEN
There is some terrible truths in this word given to us today. First there is no middle ground either you are on the narrow path or you are on the wide path leading to destruction. Verses 13-14 - 13 “Enter by the narrow 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. {There are only two paths and there are only two gates. The narrow gate door is Jesus Christ. He tells us this in John Chapter 10- 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. Jesus is the door and He is the gate keeper. He tells Nicodemus who comes to Him by night that He must be reborn from above otherwise He cannot enter the Kingdom of heaven.
In contrast there are many gates or paths leading to destruction and death eternally, but the missing item is this a relationship with Jesus Christ apart from Him there is no future hope.
Verses 15-20 discuss - who are you listening to true prophets or liars and deceiver? – read 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.
So we are not talking here today about those who are foretelling the future but those who are mis-teaching or leading false teachings out of the word of God and deceiving many. Now if you have the Holy Spirit living in you because you have confessed with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believed that He is the Son of God and called upon Him to be saved. Then God’s Holy Spirit now resides in you. You should not be deceived by any of this type of activity- as it says in verses 16 and 20 you will “know” them by their fruits. The Spirt of Truth – the Holy Spirit will lead you in the way everlasting.
Now there are those not walking In the Spirit who may also be deceived so beware, be on guard for your heart.
But if Christ is not in your heart then there is the absolute possibility that you may be deceived and the bad fruit vendors may lead you falsely to destruction. We have absolute proof of this today as we look at various ministries on TV. We have evangelists and ministries that cater to multiple sexes outside of what is prescribed in God’s word. Or we are seeing ministers/churches starting to discriminate on the basis of race and race equality teachings; applying Critical Race Theory as a teaching of God, which is a lie leading to destruction. We also have prosperity gospel teachers who are saying the reason you are not wealthy and prospering is you just don’t have enough faith to believe. And we have whole denominations who do not believe that Jesus is God; and who have added additional requirements for getting to heaven by substituting good works rather than by grace are you saved through faith.
Now comes the real kicker, read verses 21 – 25:
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, ‘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!’{the big truth of God}
We will need to spend some time on these verses the truth of God. Many of us read it but we do not dig into its truths for it seems so obvious and we just continue on to the next paragraph and give it little consideration, This is true especially if you don’t have the fear of the Lord in your heart. This is a discriminating passage of who will actually enter the Kingdom of Heaven. This verse should cause you to be very concerned.
Remember the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Where do you want to be at the time of your judgement? Remember this key verse from Paul the Apostle. He said, “ to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Everyone who dies or is raptured faces the Lord immediately and to stand before His holiness we have no excuse, for we will know in that moment our sinfulness and His absolute holiness. Our sins will be as scarlet – red letters before God. We are either forgiven by Jesus as His child or we will be condemned without forgiveness- for not having received Jesus. Jesus says, 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.
Now this is the question before you it is not so much about whether you know God but does God know you?
Eternal Life is not based upon whether you know Christ, but upon whether He knows and recognizes you. If He has a relationship with you , then He would have taken up residence in your life and you would be filled with the Holy Spirit. Your life and times would then reflect His life and Holiness within you. When He speaks you would know and respond immediately to His will. Obedience not activity is the sign of this relationship. Is your name in the lamb’s book of life?
So where are you today? Are you into activities or are you into the relationship with Christ? What is the outcome of not having this relationship? – verse 23- 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!
Maybe you have done all sorts of things for the Lord- wonders unimaginable, prophesied in His name, cast out demons, but Jesus doesn’t know you by name? What a terrible fate.
1. So we have those who have a personal relationship with Jesus and are the saved and this is confirmed by the presence of the Holy Spirit within us.These are the ones who build their houses, and their lives on the rock according to verse 24
2. Next We have the lost who have chosen not to accept God and His free gift of salvation and who build their lives on the sand verse 26 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:
The end of that person is death and eternal destruction.
In this grouping of folks going toward the wide gate and destruction is the group of deceived persons who believe they are going to heaven because of many different internal head strong personal justifications. But none of them stand before the Word of God. There is only one way to heaven but it is the good news which God wants all to find- Act 4:12 - 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.
So perhaps God has spoken to you today and convicted you heart. Is it still desperately wicked and God knows it? If you stood right this moment in the presence of Jesus where would you be?
God sent His Son so you would not miss heaven- think about these things.
This is the time of last chances and we only have a few days, Hours maybe, until He calls us home. This is the message simply, Jesus saves and what He saves, He saves to the uttermost and creates new life within us. Is He living in you this day? Don’t miss heaven because of a stubborn heart and deluded mind. Only trust Him now, He will save you, He will save you, He will save you now. AMEN
Ask Him today and He will show you the Way!
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more information.
Sermon June 3
Pray that God will bless the meditation of my heart and reveal to us the truth of His word today. Amen
What is the difference between Memorial Day Weekend in 2022 and Memorial Day weekend 1947 the year I was to be born? The first difference is I was neatly tucked in my mother’s womb. I was safe, protected and growing waiting to be born that cold November eve. There was no abortion. My mother valued my life as her own, I was precious. If I had been alive and aware in 1947 on Memorial Day Weekend to honor the war dead, I could have reflected on several momentous happening which had just occurred. They were: the end of the Great Depression and the ending of the Second World War – one in Europe with Hitler and one with Japan in the Pacific. The land was at peace, prosperous and the people were happy to be home, quiet and rejoicing in how God had finally answered untold numbers of prayers for their peace, safety and the final destruction of the criminals who had brought all these disasters to America and the world.
And one other thing - people loved America. It was the home of the brave, land of the free. We had food, no rationing and joy in living. People went to parades, waved and honored the flag and sang the Star-Spangled Banner, standing with hands on their hearts. They remembered and honored the fallen with love and respect. People also got out of bed on Sunday morning and went to Sunday School and Church to honor God; some even came back for Sunday evening services or vespers/evening prayers. And lastly people were overjoyed to be able to work.
Notice some radical differences between then and now. People are not happy. There is no peace and there is no hope, or little faith or trust in God in this land. People today hate America, American exceptionalism and American ideals and the Constitution. They refuse to honor God, the flag, patriotism or stand for the national anthem. They want to abolish the freedom of worship and assembly, rid you of your right to bear arms and to have a voice in the public square. People don’t bother going to church or worship and don’t bring their children, or raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord. And folks want everything for free – the word – work is foreign to the vocabulary.
As you may have already discerned the major difference– is there is no awareness of God, no fear of God or desire to honor God saturating our families or our culture in 2022 in America today. We are descending to a godless nation and becoming more ungodly daily. Unless God turns our heart back to Himself we are in serious trouble.
We are reminded in 2nd Peter Chapter 3 of what the world says about God, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” This is the general attitude of people today toward God.
We are a nation which since WWII has increasingly turned away from God, but it began significantly when we removed the Bible from being taught in schools in 1963. Then a great downslide began. The Bible and prayer were removed from the public square for we might offend someone who is not of the Christian faith. Next, we took the 10 commandments down from the courthouse and we no longer swear on the Bible to tell the truth, we avow or affirm. Judges now don’t apply the Bible or biblical principles to the interpretation of the law. Most families no longer pray, or have devotions or use the Bible to teach and understand right and wrong. Now liberals among you will rejoice in this established freedom from the restrictive words which limited the free range of human behavior. And they were correct. We by exercising our free choice have removed all restraint and enabled deception in our people and in our land. {This is why we have mass shootings now}And have by definition outright rejected God to our profound and ultimate destruction. Every nation which has rejected God has come to utter destruction, none have survived. Now we don’t want to hear it but it is true. Many will say to me you are just an uneducated Baptist pastor who needs to have a broader world view. They will castigate and will rail against me personally on Tic Toc, Facebook and have mega Tweets against me, I will most likely be de-platformed on the internet, because of my narrow views – so what! I believe in the inerrancy and infallibility of God’s Word.
Every nation which began with a covenant with God and who later abandoned it has been punished by God unless they radically repented and returned to God – “Return to me and I will return to you.” Zechariah 1:3 says the Lord.
Let’s remind ourselves of a couple of facts – the Lord does not change, and a word spoken by the Lord will accomplish that for which it was sent.(Isaiah 55) Its efficacy never ceases. So what God said in the Old Testament doesn’t change in the New Testament {not one jot or one tittle}. So when God issued Deuteronomy 28 and discussed the blessings of obedience in the first 14 verses and the curses of disobedience through verse 59, His word hasn’t changed. Allow me to introduce your heart to verses 14 – 15 of Deut 28 - 14 So you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right or the left, to go after other gods to serve them. God’s word is straight forward most can understand we are not to chase after other Gods, but obey His word. Then comes verse 15 - 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 following 54 verses in that Chapter of Deuteronomy detail the type and level of destruction in every area of life which happens from our turning away from the living God.
We need a tutorial to see what God does - go to 2nd Chronicles, Chapter 34 and walk through several verses:
34 Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. 2 And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. This is Josiah’s epitaph.
3 For in the eighth year {16 yrs. old)of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the [a]high places, the wooden images, the carved images, and the molded images- Judah had separated itself from God and sinned grievously. He went through all Israel and cleansed the land.
Jump to verse 8 In the eighteenth year (26 yrs. old) of his reign, when he had purged the land and the [c]temple, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the Lord his God. The people no longer worshiped God the way they should and other idols has been set up in the temple. Years of disuse, disrepair and neglect had turned the temple to a mess.
So while cleaning out the mess in the temple and going to pay the repairmen they found the original book of the law – the Old Testament books of Moses. Money was given to the high priest Hilkiah and to the repairmen to pay for repairs and replacement of materials. Then they uncovered the Book and gave it to the scribe -Shaphan to deliver to King Josiah.
Go to verse 18 - 18 Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it before the king. 19 Thus it happened, when the king heard the words of the Law, that he tore his clothes.
The King realized that he and his people were under judgement. What do you think he read? I believe it was from Deut 28.
Next Josiah sends some to inquire of the Lord-22 So Hilkiah and those the king had appointed went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of [f]Tokhath, the son of [g]Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe. (She dwelt in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter.) And they spoke to her to that effect.
23 Then she answered them, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘Tell the man who sent you to Me, 24 “Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will bring calamity on this place and on its inhabitants, all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah, 25 because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands. Therefore My wrath will be poured out on this place, and not be quenched.’ ” ’
Tell the man who sent you to Me – I will not restrain in bringing calamity on Judah and its people. I am bringing all the judgements I presented to the people prior to the second time they entered the promise land because of their disobedience and faithlessness before Me. You can read those words I believe which are from Deuteronomy 28 for this was in the law of Moses – first five books in the Bible. Then, God tells us why 25 because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands.
They have rejected Me, the God who has loved them and brought them to Himself, and because of their rebellion they have sinned and turned and worshiped another God. The people of Judah have sinned by what they have done with their hands, their bodies and their minds. Their hearts because of their rejection of God has made them exceedingly sinful and performing terrible abominations with their bodies. Here is what God says, Therefore My wrath will be poured out on this place, and not be quenched.’ ”
’Without God to restrain our hearts, minds and souls we become increasingly evil and devilish. We contrive to move from simply sinning into the most grievous of sins. What sins you say – adultery, fornication, sexual sins with animals, perverted sexual activities such as homosexuality. Another sin occurred from rejecting God is people no longer have a moral compass, so all types of blood sins - murder, sacrifices and abortion happen because we no longer value human life. We are seeing this in the murders in all these cities, in these random shootings and in the slaughter of young children. When God is not present in the lives of people there is only chaos. We didn’t have these things happening when I grew up because people has removed the restraining presence of God in their homes, in the schools and in their culture.
But God wasn’t done because the ruler had drawn near to Him This is the only fix for America today.
Verse 36 26 But as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, in this manner you shall speak to him, ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel: “Concerning the words which you have heard— 27 because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the Lord.
God has a special place for those who reject this lifestyle and turn to Him -27 because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the Lord.
God wants those who hearts are completely His.
If we desire repentance in America and to request a change of direction each must recognize God is sovereign and He will move as He desires. Pray and repent today!
Do you know the voice of Jesus leading you to peace and safety this morning? Is He helping you to watch and pray, or are you listening to Him?
Ask Him today and He will show you the Way!
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more.
AMEN
Pray that God will bless the meditation of my heart and reveal to us the truth of His word today. Amen
What is the difference between Memorial Day Weekend in 2022 and Memorial Day weekend 1947 the year I was to be born? The first difference is I was neatly tucked in my mother’s womb. I was safe, protected and growing waiting to be born that cold November eve. There was no abortion. My mother valued my life as her own, I was precious. If I had been alive and aware in 1947 on Memorial Day Weekend to honor the war dead, I could have reflected on several momentous happening which had just occurred. They were: the end of the Great Depression and the ending of the Second World War – one in Europe with Hitler and one with Japan in the Pacific. The land was at peace, prosperous and the people were happy to be home, quiet and rejoicing in how God had finally answered untold numbers of prayers for their peace, safety and the final destruction of the criminals who had brought all these disasters to America and the world.
And one other thing - people loved America. It was the home of the brave, land of the free. We had food, no rationing and joy in living. People went to parades, waved and honored the flag and sang the Star-Spangled Banner, standing with hands on their hearts. They remembered and honored the fallen with love and respect. People also got out of bed on Sunday morning and went to Sunday School and Church to honor God; some even came back for Sunday evening services or vespers/evening prayers. And lastly people were overjoyed to be able to work.
Notice some radical differences between then and now. People are not happy. There is no peace and there is no hope, or little faith or trust in God in this land. People today hate America, American exceptionalism and American ideals and the Constitution. They refuse to honor God, the flag, patriotism or stand for the national anthem. They want to abolish the freedom of worship and assembly, rid you of your right to bear arms and to have a voice in the public square. People don’t bother going to church or worship and don’t bring their children, or raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord. And folks want everything for free – the word – work is foreign to the vocabulary.
As you may have already discerned the major difference– is there is no awareness of God, no fear of God or desire to honor God saturating our families or our culture in 2022 in America today. We are descending to a godless nation and becoming more ungodly daily. Unless God turns our heart back to Himself we are in serious trouble.
We are reminded in 2nd Peter Chapter 3 of what the world says about God, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” This is the general attitude of people today toward God.
We are a nation which since WWII has increasingly turned away from God, but it began significantly when we removed the Bible from being taught in schools in 1963. Then a great downslide began. The Bible and prayer were removed from the public square for we might offend someone who is not of the Christian faith. Next, we took the 10 commandments down from the courthouse and we no longer swear on the Bible to tell the truth, we avow or affirm. Judges now don’t apply the Bible or biblical principles to the interpretation of the law. Most families no longer pray, or have devotions or use the Bible to teach and understand right and wrong. Now liberals among you will rejoice in this established freedom from the restrictive words which limited the free range of human behavior. And they were correct. We by exercising our free choice have removed all restraint and enabled deception in our people and in our land. {This is why we have mass shootings now}And have by definition outright rejected God to our profound and ultimate destruction. Every nation which has rejected God has come to utter destruction, none have survived. Now we don’t want to hear it but it is true. Many will say to me you are just an uneducated Baptist pastor who needs to have a broader world view. They will castigate and will rail against me personally on Tic Toc, Facebook and have mega Tweets against me, I will most likely be de-platformed on the internet, because of my narrow views – so what! I believe in the inerrancy and infallibility of God’s Word.
Every nation which began with a covenant with God and who later abandoned it has been punished by God unless they radically repented and returned to God – “Return to me and I will return to you.” Zechariah 1:3 says the Lord.
Let’s remind ourselves of a couple of facts – the Lord does not change, and a word spoken by the Lord will accomplish that for which it was sent.(Isaiah 55) Its efficacy never ceases. So what God said in the Old Testament doesn’t change in the New Testament {not one jot or one tittle}. So when God issued Deuteronomy 28 and discussed the blessings of obedience in the first 14 verses and the curses of disobedience through verse 59, His word hasn’t changed. Allow me to introduce your heart to verses 14 – 15 of Deut 28 - 14 So you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right or the left, to go after other gods to serve them. God’s word is straight forward most can understand we are not to chase after other Gods, but obey His word. Then comes verse 15 - 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 following 54 verses in that Chapter of Deuteronomy detail the type and level of destruction in every area of life which happens from our turning away from the living God.
We need a tutorial to see what God does - go to 2nd Chronicles, Chapter 34 and walk through several verses:
34 Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. 2 And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. This is Josiah’s epitaph.
3 For in the eighth year {16 yrs. old)of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the [a]high places, the wooden images, the carved images, and the molded images- Judah had separated itself from God and sinned grievously. He went through all Israel and cleansed the land.
Jump to verse 8 In the eighteenth year (26 yrs. old) of his reign, when he had purged the land and the [c]temple, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the Lord his God. The people no longer worshiped God the way they should and other idols has been set up in the temple. Years of disuse, disrepair and neglect had turned the temple to a mess.
So while cleaning out the mess in the temple and going to pay the repairmen they found the original book of the law – the Old Testament books of Moses. Money was given to the high priest Hilkiah and to the repairmen to pay for repairs and replacement of materials. Then they uncovered the Book and gave it to the scribe -Shaphan to deliver to King Josiah.
Go to verse 18 - 18 Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it before the king. 19 Thus it happened, when the king heard the words of the Law, that he tore his clothes.
The King realized that he and his people were under judgement. What do you think he read? I believe it was from Deut 28.
Next Josiah sends some to inquire of the Lord-22 So Hilkiah and those the king had appointed went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of [f]Tokhath, the son of [g]Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe. (She dwelt in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter.) And they spoke to her to that effect.
23 Then she answered them, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘Tell the man who sent you to Me, 24 “Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will bring calamity on this place and on its inhabitants, all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah, 25 because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands. Therefore My wrath will be poured out on this place, and not be quenched.’ ” ’
Tell the man who sent you to Me – I will not restrain in bringing calamity on Judah and its people. I am bringing all the judgements I presented to the people prior to the second time they entered the promise land because of their disobedience and faithlessness before Me. You can read those words I believe which are from Deuteronomy 28 for this was in the law of Moses – first five books in the Bible. Then, God tells us why 25 because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands.
They have rejected Me, the God who has loved them and brought them to Himself, and because of their rebellion they have sinned and turned and worshiped another God. The people of Judah have sinned by what they have done with their hands, their bodies and their minds. Their hearts because of their rejection of God has made them exceedingly sinful and performing terrible abominations with their bodies. Here is what God says, Therefore My wrath will be poured out on this place, and not be quenched.’ ”
’Without God to restrain our hearts, minds and souls we become increasingly evil and devilish. We contrive to move from simply sinning into the most grievous of sins. What sins you say – adultery, fornication, sexual sins with animals, perverted sexual activities such as homosexuality. Another sin occurred from rejecting God is people no longer have a moral compass, so all types of blood sins - murder, sacrifices and abortion happen because we no longer value human life. We are seeing this in the murders in all these cities, in these random shootings and in the slaughter of young children. When God is not present in the lives of people there is only chaos. We didn’t have these things happening when I grew up because people has removed the restraining presence of God in their homes, in the schools and in their culture.
But God wasn’t done because the ruler had drawn near to Him This is the only fix for America today.
Verse 36 26 But as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, in this manner you shall speak to him, ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel: “Concerning the words which you have heard— 27 because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the Lord.
God has a special place for those who reject this lifestyle and turn to Him -27 because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the Lord.
God wants those who hearts are completely His.
- We need to repent individually and ask God for forgiveness corporately.
- To repent means to humble yourself before God as His word penetrates your heart and mind, pleading for His forgiveness.
If we desire repentance in America and to request a change of direction each must recognize God is sovereign and He will move as He desires. Pray and repent today!
Do you know the voice of Jesus leading you to peace and safety this morning? Is He helping you to watch and pray, or are you listening to Him?
Ask Him today and He will show you the Way!
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more.
AMEN
Sermon May 29
Pray that God will bless the meditation of my heart and reveal to us the truth of His word today. Amen
What is the difference between Memorial Day Weekend in 2022 and Memorial Day weekend 1947 the year I was to be born? The first difference is I was neatly tucked in my mother’s womb. I was safe, protected and growing waiting to be born that cold November eve. There was no abortion. My mother valued my life as her own, I was precious. If I had been alive and aware in 1947 on Memorial Day Weekend to honor the war dead, I could have reflected on several momentous happening which had just occurred. They were: the end of the Great Depression and the ending of the Second World War – one in Europe with Hitler and one with Japan in the Pacific. The land was at peace, prosperous and the people were happy to be home, quiet and rejoicing in how God had finally answered untold numbers of prayers for their peace, safety and the final destruction of the criminals who had brought all these disasters to America and the world.
And one other thing - people loved America. It was the home of the brave, land of the free. We had food, no rationing and joy in living. People went to parades, waved and honored the flag and sang the Star-Spangled Banner, standing with hands on their hearts. They remembered and honored the fallen with love and respect. People also got out of bed on Sunday morning and went to Sunday School and Church to honor God; some even came back for Sunday evening services or vespers/evening prayers. And lastly people were overjoyed to be able to work.
Notice some radical differences between then and now. People are not happy. There is no peace and there is no hope, or little faith or trust in God in this land. People today hate America, American exceptionalism and American ideals and the Constitution. They refuse to honor God, the flag, patriotism or stand for the national anthem. They want to abolish the freedom of worship and assembly, rid you of your right to bear arms and to have a voice in the public square. People don’t bother going to church or worship and don’t bring their children, or raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord. And folks want everything for free – the word – work is foreign to the vocabulary.
As you may have already discerned the major difference– is there is no awareness of God, no fear of God or desire to honor God saturating our families or our culture in 2022 in America today. We are descending to a godless nation and becoming more ungodly daily. Unless God turns our heart back to Himself we are in serious trouble.
We are reminded in 2nd Peter Chapter 3 of what the world says about God, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” This is the general attitude of people today toward God.
We are a nation which since WWII has increasingly turned away from God, but it began significantly when we removed the Bible from being taught in schools in 1963. Then a great downslide began. The Bible and prayer were removed from the public square for we might offend someone who is not of the Christian faith. Next, we took the 10 commandments down from the courthouse and we no longer swear on the Bible to tell the truth, we avow or affirm. Judges now don’t apply the Bible or biblical principles to the interpretation of the law. Most families no longer pray, or have devotions or use the Bible to teach and understand right and wrong. Now liberals among you will rejoice in this established freedom from the restrictive words which limited the free range of human behavior. And they were correct. We by exercising our free choice have removed all restraint and enabled deception in our people and in our land. {This is why we have mass shootings now}And have by definition outright rejected God to our profound and ultimate destruction. Every nation which has rejected God has come to utter destruction, none have survived. Now we don’t want to hear it but it is true. Many will say to me you are just an uneducated Baptist pastor who needs to have a broader world view. They will castigate and will rail against me personally on Tic Toc, Facebook and have mega Tweets against me, I will most likely be de-platformed on the internet, because of my narrow views – so what! I believe in the inerrancy and infallibility of God’s Word.
Every nation which began with a covenant with God and who later abandoned it has been punished by God unless they radically repented and returned to God – “Return to me and I will return to you.” Zechariah 1:3 says the Lord.
Let’s remind ourselves of a couple of facts – the Lord does not change, and a word spoken by the Lord will accomplish that for which it was sent.(Isaiah 55) Its efficacy never ceases. So what God said in the Old Testament doesn’t change in the New Testament {not one jot or one tittle}. So when God issued Deuteronomy 28 and discussed the blessings of obedience in the first 14 verses and the curses of disobedience through verse 59, His word hasn’t changed. Allow me to introduce your heart to verses 14 – 15 of Deut 28 - 14 So you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right or the left, to go after other gods to serve them. God’s word is straight forward most can understand we are not to chase after other Gods, but obey His word. Then comes verse 15 - 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 following 54 verses in that Chapter of Deuteronomy detail the type and level of destruction in every area of life which happens from our turning away from the living God.
We need a tutorial to see what God does - go to 2nd Chronicles, Chapter 34 and walk through several verses:
34 Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. 2 And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. This is Josiah’s epitaph.
3 For in the eighth year {16 yrs. old)of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the [a]high places, the wooden images, the carved images, and the molded images- Judah had separated itself from God and sinned grievously. He went through all Israel and cleansed the land.
Jump to verse 8 In the eighteenth year (26 yrs. old) of his reign, when he had purged the land and the [c]temple, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the Lord his God. The people no longer worshiped God the way they should and other idols has been set up in the temple. Years of disuse, disrepair and neglect had turned the temple to a mess.
So while cleaning out the mess in the temple and going to pay the repairmen they found the original book of the law – the Old Testament books of Moses. Money was given to the high priest Hilkiah and to the repairmen to pay for repairs and replacement of materials. Then they uncovered the Book and gave it to the scribe -Shaphan to deliver to King Josiah.
Go to verse 18 - 18 Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it before the king. 19 Thus it happened, when the king heard the words of the Law, that he tore his clothes.
The King realized that he and his people were under judgement. What do you think he read? I believe it was from Deut 28.
Next Josiah sends some to inquire of the Lord-22 So Hilkiah and those the king had appointed went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of [f]Tokhath, the son of [g]Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe. (She dwelt in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter.) And they spoke to her to that effect.
23 Then she answered them, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘Tell the man who sent you to Me, 24 “Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will bring calamity on this place and on its inhabitants, all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah, 25 because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands. Therefore My wrath will be poured out on this place, and not be quenched.’ ” ’
Tell the man who sent you to Me – I will not restrain in bringing calamity on Judah and its people. I am bringing all the judgements I presented to the people prior to the second time they entered the promise land because of their disobedience and faithlessness before Me. You can read those words I believe which are from Deuteronomy 28 for this was in the law of Moses – first five books in the Bible. Then, God tells us why 25 because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands.
They have rejected Me, the God who has loved them and brought them to Himself, and because of their rebellion they have sinned and turned and worshiped another God. The people of Judah have sinned by what they have done with their hands, their bodies and their minds. Their hearts because of their rejection of God has made them exceedingly sinful and performing terrible abominations with their bodies. Here is what God says, Therefore My wrath will be poured out on this place, and not be quenched.’ ”
’Without God to restrain our hearts, minds and souls we become increasingly evil and devilish. We contrive to move from simply sinning into the most grievous of sins. What sins you say – adultery, fornication, sexual sins with animals, perverted sexual activities such as homosexuality. Another sin occurred from rejecting God is people no longer have a moral compass, so all types of blood sins - murder, sacrifices and abortion happen because we no longer value human life. We are seeing this in the murders in all these cities, in these random shootings and in the slaughter of young children. When God is not present in the lives of people there is only chaos. We didn’t have these things happening when I grew up because people has removed the restraining presence of God in their homes, in the schools and in their culture.
But God wasn’t done because the ruler had drawn near to Him This is the only fix for America today.
Verse 36 26 But as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, in this manner you shall speak to him, ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel: “Concerning the words which you have heard— 27 because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the Lord.
God has a special place for those who reject this lifestyle and turn to Him -27 because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the Lord.
God wants those who hearts are completely His.
If we desire repentance in America and to request a change of direction each must recognize God is sovereign and He will move as He desires. Pray and repent today!
Do you know the voice of Jesus leading you to peace and safety this morning? Is He helping you to watch and pray, or are you listening to Him?
Ask Him today and He will show you the Way!
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more.
AMEN
Pray that God will bless the meditation of my heart and reveal to us the truth of His word today. Amen
What is the difference between Memorial Day Weekend in 2022 and Memorial Day weekend 1947 the year I was to be born? The first difference is I was neatly tucked in my mother’s womb. I was safe, protected and growing waiting to be born that cold November eve. There was no abortion. My mother valued my life as her own, I was precious. If I had been alive and aware in 1947 on Memorial Day Weekend to honor the war dead, I could have reflected on several momentous happening which had just occurred. They were: the end of the Great Depression and the ending of the Second World War – one in Europe with Hitler and one with Japan in the Pacific. The land was at peace, prosperous and the people were happy to be home, quiet and rejoicing in how God had finally answered untold numbers of prayers for their peace, safety and the final destruction of the criminals who had brought all these disasters to America and the world.
And one other thing - people loved America. It was the home of the brave, land of the free. We had food, no rationing and joy in living. People went to parades, waved and honored the flag and sang the Star-Spangled Banner, standing with hands on their hearts. They remembered and honored the fallen with love and respect. People also got out of bed on Sunday morning and went to Sunday School and Church to honor God; some even came back for Sunday evening services or vespers/evening prayers. And lastly people were overjoyed to be able to work.
Notice some radical differences between then and now. People are not happy. There is no peace and there is no hope, or little faith or trust in God in this land. People today hate America, American exceptionalism and American ideals and the Constitution. They refuse to honor God, the flag, patriotism or stand for the national anthem. They want to abolish the freedom of worship and assembly, rid you of your right to bear arms and to have a voice in the public square. People don’t bother going to church or worship and don’t bring their children, or raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord. And folks want everything for free – the word – work is foreign to the vocabulary.
As you may have already discerned the major difference– is there is no awareness of God, no fear of God or desire to honor God saturating our families or our culture in 2022 in America today. We are descending to a godless nation and becoming more ungodly daily. Unless God turns our heart back to Himself we are in serious trouble.
We are reminded in 2nd Peter Chapter 3 of what the world says about God, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” This is the general attitude of people today toward God.
We are a nation which since WWII has increasingly turned away from God, but it began significantly when we removed the Bible from being taught in schools in 1963. Then a great downslide began. The Bible and prayer were removed from the public square for we might offend someone who is not of the Christian faith. Next, we took the 10 commandments down from the courthouse and we no longer swear on the Bible to tell the truth, we avow or affirm. Judges now don’t apply the Bible or biblical principles to the interpretation of the law. Most families no longer pray, or have devotions or use the Bible to teach and understand right and wrong. Now liberals among you will rejoice in this established freedom from the restrictive words which limited the free range of human behavior. And they were correct. We by exercising our free choice have removed all restraint and enabled deception in our people and in our land. {This is why we have mass shootings now}And have by definition outright rejected God to our profound and ultimate destruction. Every nation which has rejected God has come to utter destruction, none have survived. Now we don’t want to hear it but it is true. Many will say to me you are just an uneducated Baptist pastor who needs to have a broader world view. They will castigate and will rail against me personally on Tic Toc, Facebook and have mega Tweets against me, I will most likely be de-platformed on the internet, because of my narrow views – so what! I believe in the inerrancy and infallibility of God’s Word.
Every nation which began with a covenant with God and who later abandoned it has been punished by God unless they radically repented and returned to God – “Return to me and I will return to you.” Zechariah 1:3 says the Lord.
Let’s remind ourselves of a couple of facts – the Lord does not change, and a word spoken by the Lord will accomplish that for which it was sent.(Isaiah 55) Its efficacy never ceases. So what God said in the Old Testament doesn’t change in the New Testament {not one jot or one tittle}. So when God issued Deuteronomy 28 and discussed the blessings of obedience in the first 14 verses and the curses of disobedience through verse 59, His word hasn’t changed. Allow me to introduce your heart to verses 14 – 15 of Deut 28 - 14 So you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right or the left, to go after other gods to serve them. God’s word is straight forward most can understand we are not to chase after other Gods, but obey His word. Then comes verse 15 - 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 following 54 verses in that Chapter of Deuteronomy detail the type and level of destruction in every area of life which happens from our turning away from the living God.
We need a tutorial to see what God does - go to 2nd Chronicles, Chapter 34 and walk through several verses:
34 Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. 2 And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. This is Josiah’s epitaph.
3 For in the eighth year {16 yrs. old)of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the [a]high places, the wooden images, the carved images, and the molded images- Judah had separated itself from God and sinned grievously. He went through all Israel and cleansed the land.
Jump to verse 8 In the eighteenth year (26 yrs. old) of his reign, when he had purged the land and the [c]temple, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the Lord his God. The people no longer worshiped God the way they should and other idols has been set up in the temple. Years of disuse, disrepair and neglect had turned the temple to a mess.
So while cleaning out the mess in the temple and going to pay the repairmen they found the original book of the law – the Old Testament books of Moses. Money was given to the high priest Hilkiah and to the repairmen to pay for repairs and replacement of materials. Then they uncovered the Book and gave it to the scribe -Shaphan to deliver to King Josiah.
Go to verse 18 - 18 Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it before the king. 19 Thus it happened, when the king heard the words of the Law, that he tore his clothes.
The King realized that he and his people were under judgement. What do you think he read? I believe it was from Deut 28.
Next Josiah sends some to inquire of the Lord-22 So Hilkiah and those the king had appointed went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of [f]Tokhath, the son of [g]Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe. (She dwelt in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter.) And they spoke to her to that effect.
23 Then she answered them, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘Tell the man who sent you to Me, 24 “Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will bring calamity on this place and on its inhabitants, all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah, 25 because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands. Therefore My wrath will be poured out on this place, and not be quenched.’ ” ’
Tell the man who sent you to Me – I will not restrain in bringing calamity on Judah and its people. I am bringing all the judgements I presented to the people prior to the second time they entered the promise land because of their disobedience and faithlessness before Me. You can read those words I believe which are from Deuteronomy 28 for this was in the law of Moses – first five books in the Bible. Then, God tells us why 25 because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands.
They have rejected Me, the God who has loved them and brought them to Himself, and because of their rebellion they have sinned and turned and worshiped another God. The people of Judah have sinned by what they have done with their hands, their bodies and their minds. Their hearts because of their rejection of God has made them exceedingly sinful and performing terrible abominations with their bodies. Here is what God says, Therefore My wrath will be poured out on this place, and not be quenched.’ ”
’Without God to restrain our hearts, minds and souls we become increasingly evil and devilish. We contrive to move from simply sinning into the most grievous of sins. What sins you say – adultery, fornication, sexual sins with animals, perverted sexual activities such as homosexuality. Another sin occurred from rejecting God is people no longer have a moral compass, so all types of blood sins - murder, sacrifices and abortion happen because we no longer value human life. We are seeing this in the murders in all these cities, in these random shootings and in the slaughter of young children. When God is not present in the lives of people there is only chaos. We didn’t have these things happening when I grew up because people has removed the restraining presence of God in their homes, in the schools and in their culture.
But God wasn’t done because the ruler had drawn near to Him This is the only fix for America today.
Verse 36 26 But as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, in this manner you shall speak to him, ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel: “Concerning the words which you have heard— 27 because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the Lord.
God has a special place for those who reject this lifestyle and turn to Him -27 because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the Lord.
God wants those who hearts are completely His.
- We need to repent individually and ask God for forgiveness corporately.
- To repent means to humble yourself before God as His word penetrates your heart and mind, pleading for His forgiveness.
If we desire repentance in America and to request a change of direction each must recognize God is sovereign and He will move as He desires. Pray and repent today!
Do you know the voice of Jesus leading you to peace and safety this morning? Is He helping you to watch and pray, or are you listening to Him?
Ask Him today and He will show you the Way!
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more.
AMEN
Sermon May 22
OK, so the Lord saves us and gives us new life when we confess with our mouths the Lord Jesus and believe in our hearts that God has raised him from the dead. We are done then right and we just wait around for His coming correct? Well I believe if you just waiting around you are not complying with scripture. How are you growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord? How are you growing in wisdom and understanding? Are you complying with the great commission is some way?
I mean are you actually telling others about Jesus and what He has done in and for you? Oh, do you mean I am supposed to allow God to use my life and reach others for Him.
You might be saying, Hey none of this was in my original contract with Christ, where did all this extra stuff come from?
Well if you have actually received salvation from Jesus then you would have experienced His personal redeeming love for you. His dying on the cross would not just be an Easter event, but would be personal in, to and for you. You might even have been able to grasp some finite measure of the height, breadth and depth of the love of Jesus for you as very personal!
Maybe you haven’t come to that so your heart is still searching for Christ even today. But there is eternal hope in the Word of God for you today.
But, if you have received Jesus as Lord and Savior you have been commissioned to be on mission with Him today; and with what is going on in this world – we need to go back to the question of what manner of persons ought we to be? And in light of His personal love for me how should I be orienting my life to grow in peace and faith in the midst of this mess here in America today? How should we react?
First as background- Do you think God did not know this day was coming? Do you think it caught Him by surprise? Do you think He was unable to do anything to resolve it and the power of God could not stop it?
Let me assure you, in this world of today, these events and actions are not unexpected, unplanned and without the power of God being evident in what is happening? It may seem so but that is not true. Let us pause here for God is at work and His word proves this.
After Jesus departure and the disciples were leading in spreading the Word, new churches came into being and some of them immediately started to depart from God. Now this is the way of the devil for he continues to ask men and women in their own strength and wisdom – “Hath God said?” Because you best thinking wisdom and understanding is nothing compared to your creator. Your informed choices only cause big problems. Now these informed but uninspired decisions cause divisions when the people interpreting what God or Jesus or someone has taught us from the Word of God by our own understanding without the Holy Spirit leading. So because of these errors division - strife occurred in the 1st century churches. Paul and Peter had to write letters to guide churches back on the correct path for God – remember narrow is the gate that leads to salvation.
So we have references in scripture to a people who were under persecution and hate and suffering from the decisions of men. Peter in his second letter here addresses them in their need.
Now let’s pray – Father, I ask you in the name of Jesus to guide our hearts and minds into the truth of your word. But don’t just grant us deeper understanding but help us God, yes help us walk and be obedient in its completion in us and to others. In Jesus name. Amen
Read with me this text 2nd Peter, Chapter 3 beginning in verse1
3 Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2 that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of [a]us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and [b]perdition of ungodly men.
8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward [c]us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
The Day of the Lord
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be [d]burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 2 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
Be Steadfast
14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with/STOP
NOW don’t panic we are not going to parse ever verse here, but there is a flow of discussion which I want you to see and understand and to know that God has been dealing with the problems we are experiencing here in America for millennia. Yes. Thousands of years are what God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit knows about.
Verses 1-4 set the stage– Peter wants to stir up our pure minds about claims against our faith. So we would remember what the prophets have said many times before.
Then Peter launches into the same drivel you hear today from scoffers, the highly educated and talking heads of today. Don’t we hear this all the time?
“Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” Hey nothing’s changed man! Where is your God today, they ask? In the midst of this moral dilemma of increasing deception, distrust, lies and general acceleration of sin towards our very children you ask and they ask you where is God? As a matter of fact since they believe there is no God there is therefore no retribution or punishment we can do whatever we want. Satan is convincing them that their depravity and sickness is good.
Act 1. Enter verses 5- 7. 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and [b]perdition of ungodly men.
Because of a creator God who separated the waters from the earth, used the waters to purge a sinful earth. In Genesis 6 we find these verses -5 Then [c]the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent[d] of the thoughts of his heart was only evil [e]continually. 6 And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So God destroyed the earth but a remnant. But God is not finished with this world and because you don’t see Him at work you contrive in your hearts to again repeat this gross sinning and God has reserved the earth for a final fire and judgement.
You should know why God tarries – God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. So God is at work even in this mess and His timing is infinite.
Act 2- God is coming soon, despite what you think. How is as a thief in the night. Quickly, quietly and efficiently He is coming soon for believers. And when He comes at last He will fulfill His promise of burning the trash of what has been built and will address the future new earth. In this coming Peter asks - what manner of persons ought you to be ? But he doesn’t stop there. Looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God. Well you can’t hasten the coming kingdom asleep in your recliner, can you? We should be at work because according to this message and the events happening around us the days are short.
Act 3. So how do we hasten the day-
1. We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. You and I are supposed to be forward looking according to the promises of God in His word. There will be His righteousness and purity. Ever heard the phrases standing on the promises. And
2. Be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation. Diligent on the spot ready to be found by Him in peace, without spot or blemish. There is only 1 way to achieve this. It is learning to walk in the Spirit with Jesus Christ, Her us the one who forgives, He is the one who grants peace and not as the world gives peace 1st John 1:7 says this - 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.
So learn to walk in the Spirit which is the same as being “in Christ.”
Persevering and being longsuffering is a trait which according to our text is something to be desired and emulated as it was of Jesus. Most don’t want to suffer. They pray for a free pass to omit the suffering and persecution. According to this who is our guide and example – Jesus?
Now to the Finale.
Being In Christ or walking in the Spirit has one final and absolute benefit – this keeps your heart in line with the heart of God and allows you to hear Him speak. It prevents you from falling into what it says in verse 16 - which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
Some of the Scripture is difficult to discern on your own and without the Holy Spirit you will be included in the untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
This is why there is no fear of God. This is why people demand that there is nothing in the bible preventing homosexuality, or abortion, or cheating, or lying or any kind of marriage between a man and his computer or a dog or a horse of 5 men and 6 /Women. Again, Satan’s pitch - “Hath God said?” If you do not know your scripture deception is coming soon to your doorstep and may already be there.
But Peter was not quite done – One more revelation to be made in the Finale.
You and I are cautioned to not stop but to finish strong – read from verse 17 -beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away. Beware it is easy to fail and then fall away. If it can happen multiple times to the Jews in the OT and to the people of God in the New Testament, why do you think God cautions us about if your heart turns away.
Adam and Eve were clearly unprepared to meet Satan in the garden that day. They had not boned up or talked about God’s commands for their obedience and so failed to folly. It happens in this world every day. Well intentioned people fail in complying with God’s directives and it is called sin. It is a virulent and deadly disease which effects the hearts of man.
So what can we do for today? Be diligent, forward looking for His future coming, learning to live in Christ by studying His promises. Aware of our great potential to slip and not to finish well. These are the days where the sons of Issachar are seeking the righteousness of Christ and His truth. Are you a son/daughter of Issachar?
Ask Him today and He will show you the Way!
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more.
AMEN
OK, so the Lord saves us and gives us new life when we confess with our mouths the Lord Jesus and believe in our hearts that God has raised him from the dead. We are done then right and we just wait around for His coming correct? Well I believe if you just waiting around you are not complying with scripture. How are you growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord? How are you growing in wisdom and understanding? Are you complying with the great commission is some way?
I mean are you actually telling others about Jesus and what He has done in and for you? Oh, do you mean I am supposed to allow God to use my life and reach others for Him.
You might be saying, Hey none of this was in my original contract with Christ, where did all this extra stuff come from?
Well if you have actually received salvation from Jesus then you would have experienced His personal redeeming love for you. His dying on the cross would not just be an Easter event, but would be personal in, to and for you. You might even have been able to grasp some finite measure of the height, breadth and depth of the love of Jesus for you as very personal!
Maybe you haven’t come to that so your heart is still searching for Christ even today. But there is eternal hope in the Word of God for you today.
But, if you have received Jesus as Lord and Savior you have been commissioned to be on mission with Him today; and with what is going on in this world – we need to go back to the question of what manner of persons ought we to be? And in light of His personal love for me how should I be orienting my life to grow in peace and faith in the midst of this mess here in America today? How should we react?
First as background- Do you think God did not know this day was coming? Do you think it caught Him by surprise? Do you think He was unable to do anything to resolve it and the power of God could not stop it?
Let me assure you, in this world of today, these events and actions are not unexpected, unplanned and without the power of God being evident in what is happening? It may seem so but that is not true. Let us pause here for God is at work and His word proves this.
After Jesus departure and the disciples were leading in spreading the Word, new churches came into being and some of them immediately started to depart from God. Now this is the way of the devil for he continues to ask men and women in their own strength and wisdom – “Hath God said?” Because you best thinking wisdom and understanding is nothing compared to your creator. Your informed choices only cause big problems. Now these informed but uninspired decisions cause divisions when the people interpreting what God or Jesus or someone has taught us from the Word of God by our own understanding without the Holy Spirit leading. So because of these errors division - strife occurred in the 1st century churches. Paul and Peter had to write letters to guide churches back on the correct path for God – remember narrow is the gate that leads to salvation.
So we have references in scripture to a people who were under persecution and hate and suffering from the decisions of men. Peter in his second letter here addresses them in their need.
Now let’s pray – Father, I ask you in the name of Jesus to guide our hearts and minds into the truth of your word. But don’t just grant us deeper understanding but help us God, yes help us walk and be obedient in its completion in us and to others. In Jesus name. Amen
Read with me this text 2nd Peter, Chapter 3 beginning in verse1
3 Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2 that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of [a]us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and [b]perdition of ungodly men.
8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward [c]us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
The Day of the Lord
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be [d]burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 2 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
Be Steadfast
14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with/STOP
NOW don’t panic we are not going to parse ever verse here, but there is a flow of discussion which I want you to see and understand and to know that God has been dealing with the problems we are experiencing here in America for millennia. Yes. Thousands of years are what God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit knows about.
Verses 1-4 set the stage– Peter wants to stir up our pure minds about claims against our faith. So we would remember what the prophets have said many times before.
Then Peter launches into the same drivel you hear today from scoffers, the highly educated and talking heads of today. Don’t we hear this all the time?
“Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” Hey nothing’s changed man! Where is your God today, they ask? In the midst of this moral dilemma of increasing deception, distrust, lies and general acceleration of sin towards our very children you ask and they ask you where is God? As a matter of fact since they believe there is no God there is therefore no retribution or punishment we can do whatever we want. Satan is convincing them that their depravity and sickness is good.
Act 1. Enter verses 5- 7. 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and [b]perdition of ungodly men.
Because of a creator God who separated the waters from the earth, used the waters to purge a sinful earth. In Genesis 6 we find these verses -5 Then [c]the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent[d] of the thoughts of his heart was only evil [e]continually. 6 And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So God destroyed the earth but a remnant. But God is not finished with this world and because you don’t see Him at work you contrive in your hearts to again repeat this gross sinning and God has reserved the earth for a final fire and judgement.
You should know why God tarries – God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. So God is at work even in this mess and His timing is infinite.
Act 2- God is coming soon, despite what you think. How is as a thief in the night. Quickly, quietly and efficiently He is coming soon for believers. And when He comes at last He will fulfill His promise of burning the trash of what has been built and will address the future new earth. In this coming Peter asks - what manner of persons ought you to be ? But he doesn’t stop there. Looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God. Well you can’t hasten the coming kingdom asleep in your recliner, can you? We should be at work because according to this message and the events happening around us the days are short.
Act 3. So how do we hasten the day-
1. We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. You and I are supposed to be forward looking according to the promises of God in His word. There will be His righteousness and purity. Ever heard the phrases standing on the promises. And
2. Be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation. Diligent on the spot ready to be found by Him in peace, without spot or blemish. There is only 1 way to achieve this. It is learning to walk in the Spirit with Jesus Christ, Her us the one who forgives, He is the one who grants peace and not as the world gives peace 1st John 1:7 says this - 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.
So learn to walk in the Spirit which is the same as being “in Christ.”
Persevering and being longsuffering is a trait which according to our text is something to be desired and emulated as it was of Jesus. Most don’t want to suffer. They pray for a free pass to omit the suffering and persecution. According to this who is our guide and example – Jesus?
Now to the Finale.
Being In Christ or walking in the Spirit has one final and absolute benefit – this keeps your heart in line with the heart of God and allows you to hear Him speak. It prevents you from falling into what it says in verse 16 - which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
Some of the Scripture is difficult to discern on your own and without the Holy Spirit you will be included in the untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
This is why there is no fear of God. This is why people demand that there is nothing in the bible preventing homosexuality, or abortion, or cheating, or lying or any kind of marriage between a man and his computer or a dog or a horse of 5 men and 6 /Women. Again, Satan’s pitch - “Hath God said?” If you do not know your scripture deception is coming soon to your doorstep and may already be there.
But Peter was not quite done – One more revelation to be made in the Finale.
You and I are cautioned to not stop but to finish strong – read from verse 17 -beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away. Beware it is easy to fail and then fall away. If it can happen multiple times to the Jews in the OT and to the people of God in the New Testament, why do you think God cautions us about if your heart turns away.
Adam and Eve were clearly unprepared to meet Satan in the garden that day. They had not boned up or talked about God’s commands for their obedience and so failed to folly. It happens in this world every day. Well intentioned people fail in complying with God’s directives and it is called sin. It is a virulent and deadly disease which effects the hearts of man.
So what can we do for today? Be diligent, forward looking for His future coming, learning to live in Christ by studying His promises. Aware of our great potential to slip and not to finish well. These are the days where the sons of Issachar are seeking the righteousness of Christ and His truth. Are you a son/daughter of Issachar?
Ask Him today and He will show you the Way!
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more.
AMEN
Sermon May 15
The Prayer in the Garden
36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”
39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”
40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, [h]if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.
44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour [i]is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”
But they all betrayed Him, but John and Peter trailed behind.
Go now to verse 69:
69 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.”
70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.”
71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72 But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!”
73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.”
74 Then he began to [o]curse and [p]swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!”
Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.
Have you ever wept bitterly concerning your spiritual condition, after you failed the Lord? Some can clearly related to Peter and his promise to be faithful, yet in the hour of their testing they have failed miserably. Is this you today? I believe all of us as we will one day stand before Jesus and look into the eyes of His love and confess we too have been down the path. Today might you ask yourself “What is my spiritual condition? Might you ask yourself are you watching and praying, lest you enter into temptation, as these days unfold.
I sometimes find myself adrift, so unaware and not really tuned into God’s agenda. Notice Jesus’ message to Peter who is half asleep - 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Peter who has just promised undying faithfulness falls short and ends up denying Jesus because of his fear of men and what they could do to him, versus the love of the one who was soon to die for him. This is a tough place for our hearts to be in today’s world.
The press of today’s world where the prince of the power of the air controls TV, political parties, the internet and directs the immoral and deceptive lives of many men’s is not a place to be of no opinion.
Check out 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11 - 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,
Note this verse- not only does lawless one {soon to be revealed} come in accordance with the power of Satan to deceive those who perish. Now this is bad enough that people are being deceived with lies and dishonest and turning from the truth of God’s salvation.
A second momentous event is happening here and it is very important. Besides Satan’s tools are bringing strong delusion but now God does something significant. Verse 11 - 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie…
Do you wonder at why there seems to be an acceleration in the coming and continual revelation of new forms of evil? Think about it, how many shot in Chicago last week in 4 days – I believe the number was 74 people including 2 6 yr. old’s and a 9-yr. old. What can people be thinking? Some Teen kills 10 people in a market shoot up and films himself doing it. The Opioid crisis - Mexican drug cartels have taken a blow since public health lockdowns in China have halted the supply of chemicals used to make synthetic opioids. In some cases, the shortage has led to inflated drug prices. The drug crisis has killed over 107K young Americans, so far and is continuing. The hypocrisy over the leaked decision on abortion and the lies made by our government. The issues regarding baby formula, inflation, the open border and so on are just samples of how the Constitution and the rule of law are basically being unenforced by our “elected” politicians and their appointed bureaucrats.
This deception is rampant. If we are believers we need to seriously consider the consequences of verse 11 – God will send them strong delusion. This is happening already in our society. Do you think this is something that is only happening in these last days? Go back to the Old Testament and look at the warnings of the prophets- Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah. They tell the people don’t listen to the King and his advisors, judgement is coming – repent and return that your sins may be washed away. But they don’t. turn away.
Deception has been happening and is happening and we as believers need to be aware of what is happening or as it says {Matt. 24:24} - For false Christ’s and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. That is you and I - the elect of God.
What is says is that God permits deception as His people depart in their hearts initially and gradually begin turning away. Then, they no longer hear, and they go and serve other Gods and actually worship other things - money, sex, power, drugs, and many other religions. The even deny the true God and want to cast Him out. So the deceiver sows deception and then God allows it to flow abundantly. Do you suppose Jesus knew this when He issues His warning to Peter and the other disciples?
Let’s get the context of when this warning by Jesus is given. These words are spoken in the greatest hour of temptation that Jesus is enduring. He has had the upper room meeting instituting the Lord’s Supper in replacement for the Passover. The betrayal of Judas has begun as Satan fills him as he is going out and will soon return to kiss His Lord in a final betrayal act. Satan is tempting Jesus to quit now and not go through all this suffering and Jesus is praying – Not my will be done but Thine.
In this very time Jesus comes lovingly to those three special disciples who He has asked to keep watch with Him to speak a warning vs. 37- 41 - and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Jesus knew what was soon to happen to Peter and He was giving him fair warning to watch and pray. Watch and pray – who was Peter to watch and pray? Jesus that’s who. Jesus by His actions was showing the way to remain steadfast in His devotion and loyalty to God and to Himself. Basically to Peter – pay attention! If you want to remain steadfast in your testimony and devotion to your God, you must watch Me and seek Me in prayer and focus your attention on My will. If you get diverted or you drift away, you will fail despite the fact you have a willing spirit, because your flesh – those human desires, make you weak.
41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
This prescription applies to you and I as well. We can all fail because we are not watching, nor praying and temptation came and we gave in for we were not strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. {Eph 6:10}
This is what we see historically when we read Kings, Chronicles, Judges, Ruth and Deuteronomy and hear God using the prophets to admonish the Jews. The people failed for they lost their focus on God. They were deceived and left God for the immediate pleasures of this earth and to sin against God. But their sin and deception eventually goes further to even deny the existence of God and His rightful place in their lives and the life of the nation. We see this continually in the Old Testament and this is what we see in America today. And in addition to hating and denying God these rebels today want to destroy anyone who wants to shine a light on their sin. Jesus continually reminded His disciples if they hated Me they will hate you.
So we have described the problem, the question is – is there a solution?
Yes there is - 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Watch and pray or you fall into temptation, for the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. These two phrases are key.
Watch and Pray- Jesus told the disciples to follow Me and He would make them fishers of Men. And it says that the disciples dropped what they were doing and followed Him. As you read in the book of Matthew everything Jesus did after calling the disciples to Himself was to have them watch and observer all He was doing. That is why it is important for you to spend time cultivating a deep personal relationship with Jesus. He says {Matt. 11:28-29} 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am [a]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. It is critically important to find rest for your souls in Jesus.
He is the only one who can help you find the rest you need. Not as the world gives, but only as He is able to give will you then find rest. To enter this practice of watching and praying you must learn to use the Word of God.
The Holy Spirit will guide you in the application and awareness of specific verses, phrases and text which you will need for your life event. Since God is omniscient He will help you have a heart prepared for the week to come. He knows the tests, trials and problems which you will face and He will be able to strengthen your heart and mind in Himself to resist or flee the coming temptation.
Next briefly scan Ephesians 6 – the full armor of God. vs. 12-13: 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
So this is a spiritual fight- you need the armor of God. So here it is - having girded your waist with truth,{Jesus and the Word of God are truth} having put on the breastplate of righteousness, {Christ is your only righteousness}15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace {studying the word of God}; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith {hearing God’s word}with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, {Christ’s gift from His life and death}and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance
Do you see the parallels here -41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation?
Lastly with all perseverance, we can easily miss this. Without due diligence it is difficult to keep up to what God wants if you don’t hear His voice. Jesus said My sheep hear My voice and I know them. Do you know the voice of Jesus leading you to peace and safety this morning? Is He helping you to watch and pray, or are you listening to Him.
Ask Him today and He will show you the Way!
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more.
AMEN
The Prayer in the Garden
36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”
39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”
40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, [h]if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.
44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour [i]is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”
But they all betrayed Him, but John and Peter trailed behind.
Go now to verse 69:
69 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.”
70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.”
71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72 But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!”
73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.”
74 Then he began to [o]curse and [p]swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!”
Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.
Have you ever wept bitterly concerning your spiritual condition, after you failed the Lord? Some can clearly related to Peter and his promise to be faithful, yet in the hour of their testing they have failed miserably. Is this you today? I believe all of us as we will one day stand before Jesus and look into the eyes of His love and confess we too have been down the path. Today might you ask yourself “What is my spiritual condition? Might you ask yourself are you watching and praying, lest you enter into temptation, as these days unfold.
I sometimes find myself adrift, so unaware and not really tuned into God’s agenda. Notice Jesus’ message to Peter who is half asleep - 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Peter who has just promised undying faithfulness falls short and ends up denying Jesus because of his fear of men and what they could do to him, versus the love of the one who was soon to die for him. This is a tough place for our hearts to be in today’s world.
The press of today’s world where the prince of the power of the air controls TV, political parties, the internet and directs the immoral and deceptive lives of many men’s is not a place to be of no opinion.
Check out 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11 - 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,
Note this verse- not only does lawless one {soon to be revealed} come in accordance with the power of Satan to deceive those who perish. Now this is bad enough that people are being deceived with lies and dishonest and turning from the truth of God’s salvation.
A second momentous event is happening here and it is very important. Besides Satan’s tools are bringing strong delusion but now God does something significant. Verse 11 - 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie…
Do you wonder at why there seems to be an acceleration in the coming and continual revelation of new forms of evil? Think about it, how many shot in Chicago last week in 4 days – I believe the number was 74 people including 2 6 yr. old’s and a 9-yr. old. What can people be thinking? Some Teen kills 10 people in a market shoot up and films himself doing it. The Opioid crisis - Mexican drug cartels have taken a blow since public health lockdowns in China have halted the supply of chemicals used to make synthetic opioids. In some cases, the shortage has led to inflated drug prices. The drug crisis has killed over 107K young Americans, so far and is continuing. The hypocrisy over the leaked decision on abortion and the lies made by our government. The issues regarding baby formula, inflation, the open border and so on are just samples of how the Constitution and the rule of law are basically being unenforced by our “elected” politicians and their appointed bureaucrats.
This deception is rampant. If we are believers we need to seriously consider the consequences of verse 11 – God will send them strong delusion. This is happening already in our society. Do you think this is something that is only happening in these last days? Go back to the Old Testament and look at the warnings of the prophets- Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah. They tell the people don’t listen to the King and his advisors, judgement is coming – repent and return that your sins may be washed away. But they don’t. turn away.
Deception has been happening and is happening and we as believers need to be aware of what is happening or as it says {Matt. 24:24} - For false Christ’s and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. That is you and I - the elect of God.
What is says is that God permits deception as His people depart in their hearts initially and gradually begin turning away. Then, they no longer hear, and they go and serve other Gods and actually worship other things - money, sex, power, drugs, and many other religions. The even deny the true God and want to cast Him out. So the deceiver sows deception and then God allows it to flow abundantly. Do you suppose Jesus knew this when He issues His warning to Peter and the other disciples?
Let’s get the context of when this warning by Jesus is given. These words are spoken in the greatest hour of temptation that Jesus is enduring. He has had the upper room meeting instituting the Lord’s Supper in replacement for the Passover. The betrayal of Judas has begun as Satan fills him as he is going out and will soon return to kiss His Lord in a final betrayal act. Satan is tempting Jesus to quit now and not go through all this suffering and Jesus is praying – Not my will be done but Thine.
In this very time Jesus comes lovingly to those three special disciples who He has asked to keep watch with Him to speak a warning vs. 37- 41 - and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Jesus knew what was soon to happen to Peter and He was giving him fair warning to watch and pray. Watch and pray – who was Peter to watch and pray? Jesus that’s who. Jesus by His actions was showing the way to remain steadfast in His devotion and loyalty to God and to Himself. Basically to Peter – pay attention! If you want to remain steadfast in your testimony and devotion to your God, you must watch Me and seek Me in prayer and focus your attention on My will. If you get diverted or you drift away, you will fail despite the fact you have a willing spirit, because your flesh – those human desires, make you weak.
41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
This prescription applies to you and I as well. We can all fail because we are not watching, nor praying and temptation came and we gave in for we were not strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. {Eph 6:10}
This is what we see historically when we read Kings, Chronicles, Judges, Ruth and Deuteronomy and hear God using the prophets to admonish the Jews. The people failed for they lost their focus on God. They were deceived and left God for the immediate pleasures of this earth and to sin against God. But their sin and deception eventually goes further to even deny the existence of God and His rightful place in their lives and the life of the nation. We see this continually in the Old Testament and this is what we see in America today. And in addition to hating and denying God these rebels today want to destroy anyone who wants to shine a light on their sin. Jesus continually reminded His disciples if they hated Me they will hate you.
So we have described the problem, the question is – is there a solution?
Yes there is - 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Watch and pray or you fall into temptation, for the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. These two phrases are key.
Watch and Pray- Jesus told the disciples to follow Me and He would make them fishers of Men. And it says that the disciples dropped what they were doing and followed Him. As you read in the book of Matthew everything Jesus did after calling the disciples to Himself was to have them watch and observer all He was doing. That is why it is important for you to spend time cultivating a deep personal relationship with Jesus. He says {Matt. 11:28-29} 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am [a]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. It is critically important to find rest for your souls in Jesus.
He is the only one who can help you find the rest you need. Not as the world gives, but only as He is able to give will you then find rest. To enter this practice of watching and praying you must learn to use the Word of God.
The Holy Spirit will guide you in the application and awareness of specific verses, phrases and text which you will need for your life event. Since God is omniscient He will help you have a heart prepared for the week to come. He knows the tests, trials and problems which you will face and He will be able to strengthen your heart and mind in Himself to resist or flee the coming temptation.
Next briefly scan Ephesians 6 – the full armor of God. vs. 12-13: 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
So this is a spiritual fight- you need the armor of God. So here it is - having girded your waist with truth,{Jesus and the Word of God are truth} having put on the breastplate of righteousness, {Christ is your only righteousness}15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace {studying the word of God}; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith {hearing God’s word}with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, {Christ’s gift from His life and death}and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance
Do you see the parallels here -41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation?
Lastly with all perseverance, we can easily miss this. Without due diligence it is difficult to keep up to what God wants if you don’t hear His voice. Jesus said My sheep hear My voice and I know them. Do you know the voice of Jesus leading you to peace and safety this morning? Is He helping you to watch and pray, or are you listening to Him.
Ask Him today and He will show you the Way!
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more.
AMEN
Sermon May 8
One of the great struggles of the Christian life is remaining constant in our love and relationship with our God. Sometimes we wrestle with the reality of- is there actually a God is heaven who loves and cares for me? In the midst of trials and circumstances when we don’t see a light or find the end of the tunnel of misery, or our prayers are not answered; we might mistakenly be led to think or question does He really love Me, and then by definition does He exist? Or maybe I just lived in fantasy land and wanted God to love me so I made Him up? Many might call this blasphemous for raising this issue, for after all how can you be a believer and not believe in God? I will ask you in return – How can someone who says they are a believer behave in ways as if there is no God? This behavior and activity resulting in unbelief and fear comes from the evil one and results from our delusion and deception. And maybe even depression
This conundrum which must be faced, and thought through to find clarity and understanding.
Let’s go back to basics- As a believer in Jesus Christ - God Is and He, the God who is has revealed Himself in different ways. The way to find God is to use His Word to seek Him and know Him. Many so-called believers drift away because of a failure to know God ‘s truth in His Word; His truth not our feelings and by faith we strive {struggle} to know- the God who Is and that He is a God who can be found.
Sometimes unbelief and doubt are permitted in our lives to test us and to grow our faith. If you doubt this then you haven’t been reading your bibles. Job was tested and did a great job of staying loyal but even this great man of God had struggles with doubt and personal testing. Let’s proceed by allowing the word of God to reveal to us this fact and truth: There is a God of Men and that He loves us and that this God Is and chooses to reveal Himself to men. He reveals Himself so they might have a close personal relationship to know Him, love Him and worship Him. After all, “{So}God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that [h]moves on the earth.” Note this is the actual, factual record about creation, so why would God choose not to want to have fellowship with us?
There is one primary reason for God’s reticence and that is sin. You must remember that above all God is Holy, Righteous and Just, you cannot approach God as is He was someone just like you. He is God and our sin has separated us from Him. God has provided a way to forgive our sin and remove this separation. Let’s wait a moment before addressing this solution for His solution is part of who God Is, so standby.
Going to the end of God’s Book – the Bible, the book of Revelation and note what the verse says. This will is our key verse. John, the apostle who Jesus loved, is the receiver of this testimony from Heaven. Actually this book comes from the Glorified Jesus Himself as the living, breathing Son of God in all His glory. He allowed these words to be spoken to John in the book of Revelation 21:3
And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.
Now if you are here today and you need some encouragement from the God who is, here is some real truth. Break this verse down into its various phrases– the tabernacle of God, is with men. He will dwell with them, they shall be His people, God Himself will be with them and the God who is will be their God. Look at these 4 special features as we discuss this verse-
Feature #I. The tabernacle of God is with men – The Tabernacle - this is God’s home a replica of which was tramped about by the Israelites as they traipsed in the wilderness and into the promised land until the temple was built. Then parts of the elements of the earthly tabernacle transferred into the earthly temples. And if you remember these were replica of the heavenly temple. They were copies and not the originals. This Revelation series tabernacle of God will be the original not a copy. Sanctified and purified men will exist and be present within and by the tabernacle of God. These humans being will have been translated physically and spiritually into the Kingdom or our Lord and God. He is the God who is and only He will be able to do this for only God can sanctify and cleanse us to stand in His presence and not be destroyed. We will exist with the God who is.
Feature #II. He will dwell with them. For God to dwell with man sin will have been eradicated; for sin is what destroyed people and caused our separation from God. Return with me to Genesis – which means birth or creation. God created man and woman to be in the garden with Him and to walk in the cool of the garden to have fellowship with El Shaddai – God Almighty our creator. All was in perfection, beauty and peace and harmony. There was the joy of spending time together in perfection, but this did not last. Man had a flaw not to trust in the One who was their creator. A tempter came into the garden and caused them to doubt the truth of what God had commanded. God had said, “but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Satan questioned this “Hath God said you will surely die?” He created doubt as to the truth of what God had said about the tree and its fruit. So on the basis of their best judgement they ate and their disobedience created a legacy of sin, which Paul tells us – the wages of that sin for all men is death. Because of sin God had to remove Adam and Eve from His presence. Every time sin occurs, it is sin which separates us from God and creates enmity with God because He cannot tolerate sin.
In Revelation we are told that in this new heaven and new earth where God is living and keeping His tabernacle with men there is no sin which separates. All has been redeemed. Can you imagine living a holy pure and sinless life in the presence of God? There is no death, no disease, no aging and all is well with my soul, what a wonderful place which the God who is has prepared for us. So we will dwell with Him.
Feature # III. and they shall be His people. What an amazing statement. If you look through His story of the Bible. Yes, it is His story – Jesus is laced all through each book of the Bible. You see Jesus is God. He is a part of the Godhead who is. We have three in one – God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit these three are together one and they are God. So if we begin in Genesis and we walk through all 39 books of the Old Testament we see the God who is calling a people to be His own. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Joseph up unto Moses, Joshua then in the promised land. Leading then to the Judges, then to Eli and Samuel as Priests, then the Kings – Saul, David and Solomon. Then comes the divided Kingdoms - Judah which seem to split between those Kings that sought-after God and those who did not. And Israel which continually worshiped the Baals. All the way through the prophets – Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jerimiah and all the minor prophets like Joel, Micah and to Malachi, the peoples sin continually ruins their relationship to God and He is a jealous God. He calls and provides spiritual leaders who draw them to God; the people rebel and He punishes them. 163 times in the OT. Then the God who is uses the phrase, ”then you will know I am the Lord.” 67 times in Ezekiel alone he pronounces these words to the people and the leaders. His people don’t seem to be making it happen and don’t respond.
But the God who is was aware and continued His love toward us so while we were yet sinners, Christ was born, suffered and died for us (Rom. 5.8)
And the God who is had a plan – John 3:16 6 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 1:12 says this - 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.
The end result is the God who is enabled a people who were not a people, both Jew and Gentile, to become part of God’s family. How did this happened? When they received Christ the Holy Spirit now took up residence in their hearts and now lives there forever.
Feature # IV. But the God who is was not yet done in establishing and completing His plan - the remainder of our verse in Revelation 21: 3 says this - God Himself will be with them and be their God.
How can this be? Even the people of God, the Jews continually sin and have hard hearts. The prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel recorded a similar promise from God. This while the nation of Israel was again loving sin more that loving God and marching off into rebellion and judgement. Jeremiah records this promise from God, 38 They shall be My people, and I will be their God; 39 then I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them. 40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me.
This promise was fulfilled in the people of God what Jesus died on the cross and the Holy Spirit came. He is working and is alive gloriously in the lives of God’s children after being saved from death to life. The Holy Spirt has been shed abroad in our hearts to give us a new heart and to live no longer to self but to live as servants to God.
Unfortunately the desired completed perfection is not yet perfectly accomplished in our lives as believers still because of sin today. How do we sin – we lack faith and demonstrate unbelief in what God is able to do.
We still have doubting hearts? Isn’t that what we are really talking about today? There is a final step in achieving this end result promised in Revelations 21:3, the reuniting of body and soul in heaven. There is a time coming soon when the God who is will make incorruptible that which is currently corruptible. He will join the souls of those men and women who are in heaven and those who are alive on the earth in a moment in the twinkling of an eye to have been fully translated into the kingdom of our God. When that happens our hearts and bodies will be made radically new so that we can exist in the presence of God. Remember He told the prophet that He would need to hide his body in the cleft of the rock and could only see His back – to see God in our present form is to die.
You will not find the God who is in the newspaper or on the nightly news channels, nor in press releases from your representatives state or local. They are full of deception and delusion Nor will you find Him in novels or periodicals or rock music, cars and drugs, sex or power.
So where can we find the God who is ? If you are a believer - know He lives in you. Know He wants to speak with you. His sheep hear His voice and He knows them. The God who is, is in all of creation- moon and stars . He is speaking in your day for day. He is in everything He created. He is in His Word, He is in prayer. He is in fellowship with believers. He is in Mother Day. if you will simply seek to find and know Him with all your heart.
Addendum
Very much like our nation is doing today. America is winging its way into deep and dark deception. This verse from Thessalonians tells the truth of today. 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,
Deception leads to delusion and we are in that spiral in America today. We have a crisis of truth. The truth is everything that is happening in America is by choice, by plan and by actions of the leaders being counseled by those who are evil. The peril in America is not from foreign entities, or from a failing economy, or because of inflation, it is because we have chosen to worship other gods. We are not more inclusive or understanding of the truth, we are more deceptive, discriminatory and judgmental than ever because we have lost our standard – the Bible and there is no fear, honor or reverence for our God, so our unrighteous deception is causing God to send strong delusion. Our nation is deluded and far from God and sin is rampant.
But God is able in all things He is the God who is forever and ever – Amen!
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more information or hep. He loves you. Seek Him.
One of the great struggles of the Christian life is remaining constant in our love and relationship with our God. Sometimes we wrestle with the reality of- is there actually a God is heaven who loves and cares for me? In the midst of trials and circumstances when we don’t see a light or find the end of the tunnel of misery, or our prayers are not answered; we might mistakenly be led to think or question does He really love Me, and then by definition does He exist? Or maybe I just lived in fantasy land and wanted God to love me so I made Him up? Many might call this blasphemous for raising this issue, for after all how can you be a believer and not believe in God? I will ask you in return – How can someone who says they are a believer behave in ways as if there is no God? This behavior and activity resulting in unbelief and fear comes from the evil one and results from our delusion and deception. And maybe even depression
This conundrum which must be faced, and thought through to find clarity and understanding.
Let’s go back to basics- As a believer in Jesus Christ - God Is and He, the God who is has revealed Himself in different ways. The way to find God is to use His Word to seek Him and know Him. Many so-called believers drift away because of a failure to know God ‘s truth in His Word; His truth not our feelings and by faith we strive {struggle} to know- the God who Is and that He is a God who can be found.
Sometimes unbelief and doubt are permitted in our lives to test us and to grow our faith. If you doubt this then you haven’t been reading your bibles. Job was tested and did a great job of staying loyal but even this great man of God had struggles with doubt and personal testing. Let’s proceed by allowing the word of God to reveal to us this fact and truth: There is a God of Men and that He loves us and that this God Is and chooses to reveal Himself to men. He reveals Himself so they might have a close personal relationship to know Him, love Him and worship Him. After all, “{So}God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that [h]moves on the earth.” Note this is the actual, factual record about creation, so why would God choose not to want to have fellowship with us?
There is one primary reason for God’s reticence and that is sin. You must remember that above all God is Holy, Righteous and Just, you cannot approach God as is He was someone just like you. He is God and our sin has separated us from Him. God has provided a way to forgive our sin and remove this separation. Let’s wait a moment before addressing this solution for His solution is part of who God Is, so standby.
Going to the end of God’s Book – the Bible, the book of Revelation and note what the verse says. This will is our key verse. John, the apostle who Jesus loved, is the receiver of this testimony from Heaven. Actually this book comes from the Glorified Jesus Himself as the living, breathing Son of God in all His glory. He allowed these words to be spoken to John in the book of Revelation 21:3
And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.
Now if you are here today and you need some encouragement from the God who is, here is some real truth. Break this verse down into its various phrases– the tabernacle of God, is with men. He will dwell with them, they shall be His people, God Himself will be with them and the God who is will be their God. Look at these 4 special features as we discuss this verse-
Feature #I. The tabernacle of God is with men – The Tabernacle - this is God’s home a replica of which was tramped about by the Israelites as they traipsed in the wilderness and into the promised land until the temple was built. Then parts of the elements of the earthly tabernacle transferred into the earthly temples. And if you remember these were replica of the heavenly temple. They were copies and not the originals. This Revelation series tabernacle of God will be the original not a copy. Sanctified and purified men will exist and be present within and by the tabernacle of God. These humans being will have been translated physically and spiritually into the Kingdom or our Lord and God. He is the God who is and only He will be able to do this for only God can sanctify and cleanse us to stand in His presence and not be destroyed. We will exist with the God who is.
Feature #II. He will dwell with them. For God to dwell with man sin will have been eradicated; for sin is what destroyed people and caused our separation from God. Return with me to Genesis – which means birth or creation. God created man and woman to be in the garden with Him and to walk in the cool of the garden to have fellowship with El Shaddai – God Almighty our creator. All was in perfection, beauty and peace and harmony. There was the joy of spending time together in perfection, but this did not last. Man had a flaw not to trust in the One who was their creator. A tempter came into the garden and caused them to doubt the truth of what God had commanded. God had said, “but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Satan questioned this “Hath God said you will surely die?” He created doubt as to the truth of what God had said about the tree and its fruit. So on the basis of their best judgement they ate and their disobedience created a legacy of sin, which Paul tells us – the wages of that sin for all men is death. Because of sin God had to remove Adam and Eve from His presence. Every time sin occurs, it is sin which separates us from God and creates enmity with God because He cannot tolerate sin.
In Revelation we are told that in this new heaven and new earth where God is living and keeping His tabernacle with men there is no sin which separates. All has been redeemed. Can you imagine living a holy pure and sinless life in the presence of God? There is no death, no disease, no aging and all is well with my soul, what a wonderful place which the God who is has prepared for us. So we will dwell with Him.
Feature # III. and they shall be His people. What an amazing statement. If you look through His story of the Bible. Yes, it is His story – Jesus is laced all through each book of the Bible. You see Jesus is God. He is a part of the Godhead who is. We have three in one – God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit these three are together one and they are God. So if we begin in Genesis and we walk through all 39 books of the Old Testament we see the God who is calling a people to be His own. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Joseph up unto Moses, Joshua then in the promised land. Leading then to the Judges, then to Eli and Samuel as Priests, then the Kings – Saul, David and Solomon. Then comes the divided Kingdoms - Judah which seem to split between those Kings that sought-after God and those who did not. And Israel which continually worshiped the Baals. All the way through the prophets – Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jerimiah and all the minor prophets like Joel, Micah and to Malachi, the peoples sin continually ruins their relationship to God and He is a jealous God. He calls and provides spiritual leaders who draw them to God; the people rebel and He punishes them. 163 times in the OT. Then the God who is uses the phrase, ”then you will know I am the Lord.” 67 times in Ezekiel alone he pronounces these words to the people and the leaders. His people don’t seem to be making it happen and don’t respond.
But the God who is was aware and continued His love toward us so while we were yet sinners, Christ was born, suffered and died for us (Rom. 5.8)
And the God who is had a plan – John 3:16 6 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 1:12 says this - 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.
The end result is the God who is enabled a people who were not a people, both Jew and Gentile, to become part of God’s family. How did this happened? When they received Christ the Holy Spirit now took up residence in their hearts and now lives there forever.
Feature # IV. But the God who is was not yet done in establishing and completing His plan - the remainder of our verse in Revelation 21: 3 says this - God Himself will be with them and be their God.
How can this be? Even the people of God, the Jews continually sin and have hard hearts. The prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel recorded a similar promise from God. This while the nation of Israel was again loving sin more that loving God and marching off into rebellion and judgement. Jeremiah records this promise from God, 38 They shall be My people, and I will be their God; 39 then I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them. 40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me.
This promise was fulfilled in the people of God what Jesus died on the cross and the Holy Spirit came. He is working and is alive gloriously in the lives of God’s children after being saved from death to life. The Holy Spirt has been shed abroad in our hearts to give us a new heart and to live no longer to self but to live as servants to God.
Unfortunately the desired completed perfection is not yet perfectly accomplished in our lives as believers still because of sin today. How do we sin – we lack faith and demonstrate unbelief in what God is able to do.
We still have doubting hearts? Isn’t that what we are really talking about today? There is a final step in achieving this end result promised in Revelations 21:3, the reuniting of body and soul in heaven. There is a time coming soon when the God who is will make incorruptible that which is currently corruptible. He will join the souls of those men and women who are in heaven and those who are alive on the earth in a moment in the twinkling of an eye to have been fully translated into the kingdom of our God. When that happens our hearts and bodies will be made radically new so that we can exist in the presence of God. Remember He told the prophet that He would need to hide his body in the cleft of the rock and could only see His back – to see God in our present form is to die.
You will not find the God who is in the newspaper or on the nightly news channels, nor in press releases from your representatives state or local. They are full of deception and delusion Nor will you find Him in novels or periodicals or rock music, cars and drugs, sex or power.
So where can we find the God who is ? If you are a believer - know He lives in you. Know He wants to speak with you. His sheep hear His voice and He knows them. The God who is, is in all of creation- moon and stars . He is speaking in your day for day. He is in everything He created. He is in His Word, He is in prayer. He is in fellowship with believers. He is in Mother Day. if you will simply seek to find and know Him with all your heart.
Addendum
Very much like our nation is doing today. America is winging its way into deep and dark deception. This verse from Thessalonians tells the truth of today. 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,
Deception leads to delusion and we are in that spiral in America today. We have a crisis of truth. The truth is everything that is happening in America is by choice, by plan and by actions of the leaders being counseled by those who are evil. The peril in America is not from foreign entities, or from a failing economy, or because of inflation, it is because we have chosen to worship other gods. We are not more inclusive or understanding of the truth, we are more deceptive, discriminatory and judgmental than ever because we have lost our standard – the Bible and there is no fear, honor or reverence for our God, so our unrighteous deception is causing God to send strong delusion. Our nation is deluded and far from God and sin is rampant.
But God is able in all things He is the God who is forever and ever – Amen!
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more information or hep. He loves you. Seek Him.
Sermon May 1
God has heavenly medicine for healing the hearts of men, especially in these days of trails and tribulation brought on by the increasing deception and lying which occurs like a pestilence upon our people and our nation. We need to be praying, God have mercy on our souls, for every nation is suffering because of disobedience and the disowning of God as part of our heritage. The sacrilege and profaning of Godly values and God Himself reaches new heights of sin almost daily and it is proclaimed from the highest house tops. There is no shame or fear of God!- Oh God have mercy upon us. And we think this is bad, compared to what it says in the Book of Revelation this is merely the beginning of trials. How horrendous it will be to exist or try to exist for our children and our children’s children in the days to come.
But like it says God has medicine for His people in these days. But you must first choose to seek it and secondly after you seek it, you must take it. That means swallowing it down all the way until it becomes internalized within that individual. There is no other way to survive and have the Word of God give life to an individual. This is the way of God provided by salvation in Jesus Christ, for He is the Way and He is the only Way to receive mercy and grace in the time of need. There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin sick soul. That balm is the Son of God, Jesus Christ who shed His blood on Calvary for the likes of you and me. God has established this earth and this people as His. He created this place. He created man and women, one race with various hues, languages, customs, foods and other distinguishing traits. He created the family, the earth and commanded Men to be good stewards not fools for some crazy environmental construct which does not promote science but skepticism and mistruth, and is a means to punish and separate what God has made.
Do you remember the warning in the Bible which says in these latter days Men will demean and misconstrue that which is good?
As usual God has a cure and we can sample it to see if it is good by simply looking at the Book of Hebrews, Chapter 12, beginning at the first verse.
Let’s begin our lesson with a word of prayer – God let me say thank you for today. For the breath to breath, for the heart to beat, to sit in the sun and to know you love. Thank you for this marvelous and wondrous book – the Bible for it is life. Enrich our hearts and minds today O Lord our strength and our redeemer. AMEN
Read with me now from Hebrews 12
12 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and [b]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The Discipline of God
3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:
“My son, do not despise the [c]chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”
7 If[d] you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.
9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 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.
Renew Your Spiritual Vitality
12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.
So as we begin looking at verse 1 – who is the author? No one knows for sure is it Paul or someone of the other Apostles, or is it someone unknown. Many scholars have tried to unwind this and we will not involve ourselves there. Whoever the writer _ he was filled with the Holy Spirit and was anointed of God to write this text. And we remember all of God’s word is Spirit led and Spirit bred for your edification and understanding. It is rich and powerful and sharper than a two-edged sword, piercing to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit and is a diviner of the thoughts and intents of the heart .(Heb 4:12)
This text was written for encouragement of those who were suffering persecution, especially the Hebrew population who have converted to faith in Christ – read
12 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and [b]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Point I. From the text folks were having trouble staying with their faith in Christ – could be today as many depart the truth. What causes stumbling? It is the sin which so easily surrounds, besets us or ensnares us. So in order to maintain our faith we cannot surrender but we must lay aside whatever causes us to fail and not endure. How hard is it to persevere? Only you know the answer to that, for it differs for every one of us. What trips you up may be a hiccup for me or vice versa. But what does every marathon runner do? They focus on the prize at the finish line. So first as a believer we have to realize this life is a race but it is not a simple sprint to the finish line wit is a long duration trial. We have to look toward the finish line. Answer me, Who has already gotten to the finish line? – why the author and finisher of our faith – Jesus. He is our example, He is our strong tower and He is the one who will walk, jog, and draw us to the finish line and be with us. How can He do so? Well, He has already endured the cross for you sin and my sin. We never have to pay the penalty for that sin, It has been paid in full. And to do so He has despised the shame. So there is no penalty or shame which could be put upon you our yours that the Lord Jesus has not already suffered so you do not need to fret for this. Jesus has paid it all. So don’t fear, Jesus completed the work of redemption. This is not your home and these are not your own, you have been bought with the price of Jesus blood and it is forever sealed in heaven for Jesus sacrifice was accepted and He is seated at the right hand of the Father is heaven. His word was finished. The writer also adds verse 3 for our consideration and benefit -3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. We become weary when we think we alone in our suffering and having these issues. If you keep your eyes upon Jesus – for consider Him who endured such hostility against Himself from sinners. He was on mission from God and so are you.
Point II. The writer reminds us that God allows suffering and difficulties within His sons and daughters. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:
“My son, do not despise the [c]chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”
7 If[d] you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.
From the book of Proverbs Chapter 3 we receive the reminder that God is working out all things according to the purpose of His will {Eph.1.11); To will and to work for His good pleasure.{Phil.2:13) Conforming us to the image of His Son (Rom. 8). So why despise and hate the chastening {Instruction} which is being given or try to avoid it as most modern Christians do. We always believe we are doing something wrong, like not having enough faith, when we don’t receive what we want. Is God not sovereign and does He not rule in heaven and in earth. So as Paul says this light affliction will appear as nothing in eternity, so keep on keeping on.
Now there is a warning here as well - 7 If[d] you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.
So what should you be telling those that follow false teachers who teach a gospel of doing adequate works or not having enough faith who say all should work out for you with little or no trials -Verse 8 says - if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Translation – you are not a child of the King, you are unsaved and without redemption, you are at enmity with God the Father and are condemned to Hell. Best pay attention and check to see if your heart is right before God right now!
Point III. As a boost or a foot stomp to point 11, God reminds us of some practical factors – read from verse 8- 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 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.
Two items to relate to here – First. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? Don’t you guys remember how your parents disciplined and corrected you? Didn’t they do what they thought was best for you, despite the fact you didn’t like what you called punishment and they called a deep expression of their love for you. God’s love and greatest expression of His love can be in correction, chastening or instruction for your benefit.
We should probably examine some of our assumptions about being in the crucible of God’s love. Some might even relate to this as being the winepress of Gods chastisement. Each of us can think of those whose walk with God has been much more demanding than ours. So we have to choose how to relate to this suffering. Will we lose our faith and step away from God because of our difficulties or will we continue to understand that our paths are each different and unique and are part of God’s personal plan for us?
Notice the benefit if we accept and surrender to the will and purpose of God, walking by Faith in the midst of the trial- Verse 11. 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 promises something which you cannot gain on your own except by standing fast in the crucible of God’s plan - the peaceable fruit of righteousness who have been trained by it. God’s word says Heb 5 :8 - 8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. If we are to keep our eyes upon Jesus then we need to pay attention to what Jesus went through before casting off our faith – if we really love Him. Do you love Him enough to suffer for Him today?
Last point – don’t be a stumbling block preventing others from coming to Christ, vs. 12 12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.
If you fail and are not strengthened then you can prevent the lame from being healed. You need to make straight paths for others to receive the gospel yes sometimes by your grace, peace and righteousness in the midst of the suffering you are enduring – what do we sing + Let others see Jesus in you. I pray that you might do that today and let your light shine for Christ in this dark day. Standing fast as it says in Ephesians 6 – Having put on the full armor of God and having done all to stand fast in the evil day. Amen
Has Jesus Christ risen in your hearts today or in a prior day if so confess Him before men and before the angels is heaven today.
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more information or hep. He loves you. Amen.
God has heavenly medicine for healing the hearts of men, especially in these days of trails and tribulation brought on by the increasing deception and lying which occurs like a pestilence upon our people and our nation. We need to be praying, God have mercy on our souls, for every nation is suffering because of disobedience and the disowning of God as part of our heritage. The sacrilege and profaning of Godly values and God Himself reaches new heights of sin almost daily and it is proclaimed from the highest house tops. There is no shame or fear of God!- Oh God have mercy upon us. And we think this is bad, compared to what it says in the Book of Revelation this is merely the beginning of trials. How horrendous it will be to exist or try to exist for our children and our children’s children in the days to come.
But like it says God has medicine for His people in these days. But you must first choose to seek it and secondly after you seek it, you must take it. That means swallowing it down all the way until it becomes internalized within that individual. There is no other way to survive and have the Word of God give life to an individual. This is the way of God provided by salvation in Jesus Christ, for He is the Way and He is the only Way to receive mercy and grace in the time of need. There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin sick soul. That balm is the Son of God, Jesus Christ who shed His blood on Calvary for the likes of you and me. God has established this earth and this people as His. He created this place. He created man and women, one race with various hues, languages, customs, foods and other distinguishing traits. He created the family, the earth and commanded Men to be good stewards not fools for some crazy environmental construct which does not promote science but skepticism and mistruth, and is a means to punish and separate what God has made.
Do you remember the warning in the Bible which says in these latter days Men will demean and misconstrue that which is good?
As usual God has a cure and we can sample it to see if it is good by simply looking at the Book of Hebrews, Chapter 12, beginning at the first verse.
Let’s begin our lesson with a word of prayer – God let me say thank you for today. For the breath to breath, for the heart to beat, to sit in the sun and to know you love. Thank you for this marvelous and wondrous book – the Bible for it is life. Enrich our hearts and minds today O Lord our strength and our redeemer. AMEN
Read with me now from Hebrews 12
12 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and [b]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The Discipline of God
3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:
“My son, do not despise the [c]chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”
7 If[d] you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.
9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 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.
Renew Your Spiritual Vitality
12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.
So as we begin looking at verse 1 – who is the author? No one knows for sure is it Paul or someone of the other Apostles, or is it someone unknown. Many scholars have tried to unwind this and we will not involve ourselves there. Whoever the writer _ he was filled with the Holy Spirit and was anointed of God to write this text. And we remember all of God’s word is Spirit led and Spirit bred for your edification and understanding. It is rich and powerful and sharper than a two-edged sword, piercing to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit and is a diviner of the thoughts and intents of the heart .(Heb 4:12)
This text was written for encouragement of those who were suffering persecution, especially the Hebrew population who have converted to faith in Christ – read
12 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and [b]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Point I. From the text folks were having trouble staying with their faith in Christ – could be today as many depart the truth. What causes stumbling? It is the sin which so easily surrounds, besets us or ensnares us. So in order to maintain our faith we cannot surrender but we must lay aside whatever causes us to fail and not endure. How hard is it to persevere? Only you know the answer to that, for it differs for every one of us. What trips you up may be a hiccup for me or vice versa. But what does every marathon runner do? They focus on the prize at the finish line. So first as a believer we have to realize this life is a race but it is not a simple sprint to the finish line wit is a long duration trial. We have to look toward the finish line. Answer me, Who has already gotten to the finish line? – why the author and finisher of our faith – Jesus. He is our example, He is our strong tower and He is the one who will walk, jog, and draw us to the finish line and be with us. How can He do so? Well, He has already endured the cross for you sin and my sin. We never have to pay the penalty for that sin, It has been paid in full. And to do so He has despised the shame. So there is no penalty or shame which could be put upon you our yours that the Lord Jesus has not already suffered so you do not need to fret for this. Jesus has paid it all. So don’t fear, Jesus completed the work of redemption. This is not your home and these are not your own, you have been bought with the price of Jesus blood and it is forever sealed in heaven for Jesus sacrifice was accepted and He is seated at the right hand of the Father is heaven. His word was finished. The writer also adds verse 3 for our consideration and benefit -3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. We become weary when we think we alone in our suffering and having these issues. If you keep your eyes upon Jesus – for consider Him who endured such hostility against Himself from sinners. He was on mission from God and so are you.
Point II. The writer reminds us that God allows suffering and difficulties within His sons and daughters. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:
“My son, do not despise the [c]chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”
7 If[d] you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.
From the book of Proverbs Chapter 3 we receive the reminder that God is working out all things according to the purpose of His will {Eph.1.11); To will and to work for His good pleasure.{Phil.2:13) Conforming us to the image of His Son (Rom. 8). So why despise and hate the chastening {Instruction} which is being given or try to avoid it as most modern Christians do. We always believe we are doing something wrong, like not having enough faith, when we don’t receive what we want. Is God not sovereign and does He not rule in heaven and in earth. So as Paul says this light affliction will appear as nothing in eternity, so keep on keeping on.
Now there is a warning here as well - 7 If[d] you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.
So what should you be telling those that follow false teachers who teach a gospel of doing adequate works or not having enough faith who say all should work out for you with little or no trials -Verse 8 says - if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Translation – you are not a child of the King, you are unsaved and without redemption, you are at enmity with God the Father and are condemned to Hell. Best pay attention and check to see if your heart is right before God right now!
Point III. As a boost or a foot stomp to point 11, God reminds us of some practical factors – read from verse 8- 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 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.
Two items to relate to here – First. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? Don’t you guys remember how your parents disciplined and corrected you? Didn’t they do what they thought was best for you, despite the fact you didn’t like what you called punishment and they called a deep expression of their love for you. God’s love and greatest expression of His love can be in correction, chastening or instruction for your benefit.
We should probably examine some of our assumptions about being in the crucible of God’s love. Some might even relate to this as being the winepress of Gods chastisement. Each of us can think of those whose walk with God has been much more demanding than ours. So we have to choose how to relate to this suffering. Will we lose our faith and step away from God because of our difficulties or will we continue to understand that our paths are each different and unique and are part of God’s personal plan for us?
Notice the benefit if we accept and surrender to the will and purpose of God, walking by Faith in the midst of the trial- Verse 11. 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 promises something which you cannot gain on your own except by standing fast in the crucible of God’s plan - the peaceable fruit of righteousness who have been trained by it. God’s word says Heb 5 :8 - 8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. If we are to keep our eyes upon Jesus then we need to pay attention to what Jesus went through before casting off our faith – if we really love Him. Do you love Him enough to suffer for Him today?
Last point – don’t be a stumbling block preventing others from coming to Christ, vs. 12 12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.
If you fail and are not strengthened then you can prevent the lame from being healed. You need to make straight paths for others to receive the gospel yes sometimes by your grace, peace and righteousness in the midst of the suffering you are enduring – what do we sing + Let others see Jesus in you. I pray that you might do that today and let your light shine for Christ in this dark day. Standing fast as it says in Ephesians 6 – Having put on the full armor of God and having done all to stand fast in the evil day. Amen
Has Jesus Christ risen in your hearts today or in a prior day if so confess Him before men and before the angels is heaven today.
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more information or hep. He loves you. Amen.
Sermon April 24
Resurrecting a person is/was like nothing anyone had ever seen or experienced before. No person on earth could have ever pictured or grasped the idea that a man who we know as God – Jesus, could or would raise someone from the dead. God was soon to raise Jesus as well but Sunday was a not yet come, but it was a coming.
So here we have an unknown and unchartered territory of experience and faith. God knew what He was about to do and God was looking to build faith into His children. This is always the path of increasing faith. God speaks and challenges us and then presents an opportunity where you have no clue about what God is about to do, but He wants you to be spiritually sensitive and alert to His moving and then join Him by faith.
Now some of us would like to believe that God never tests us beyond what we are able. While this is true because ultimately, He is able and He always provides the way. But it is also true He challenges your faith by presenting impossible circumstances where you must walk by faith without knowing how God has already moved. Note this statement how God has already- God has the answer already prepared for what He is going to do; but He wants to show you His ways as your faith is challenged in walking with Him.
Think of Jesus challenging the disciples to feed the 5000 with what a few loaves and some fishes. How He calmed His disciples and the raging sea with the words – “Be still.” How He actually touched a leper and spoke the words – “I will” and the man was made clean. Or consider Moses on the far side of the mountain tending his sheep. When God revealed Himself and spoke to Moses He said I am sending you to Pharaoh, God already knew what He planned to do with Moses. But Moses instead of listening to this revelation and trusting began explaining to God why this idea wouldn’t work.
Do you understand if God is leading and we are following by faith, He can do anything? You see God always challenges us at the point of our unbelief to trust Him one step further. For if He reveals Himself, He is asking you to join Him. And God already knows what He is planning on doing, but you don’t. You may actually become frightened because of the scope of what He is calling you to do.
So if God speaks to you and reveals Himself, His purposes or His ways you can expect He will drive this truth home by what He does sometime soon. And we need to know and understand that God has already provisioned all your need to accomplished that which He has is calling you to do. Our Mission in joining Him is to learn to believe and yield by responding in faith.
We see these truths played out just prior to the Crucifixion of Jesus when He raises Lazarus from the dead. In John 11, verse 25, Jesus made this statement -25 Jesus said to her {Martha), “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Mary, Martha and Lazarus were close companions of Jesus upon this earth and He often stayed in their home. 7 “Yes, Lord,” Martha replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
Jesus was about to reveal to her the truth of these words. Jesus went away and specifically waited for the death of Lazarus. Jesus was about to reveal something to Martha and His disciples that they might have never known That He was the resurrection and the life. Jesus as the Son of God knew Lazarus would die. Jesus also knew He would raise Him up from the dead. Jesus was about to boldly teach Mary His ways.
Now in verse 40 Jesus has returned and Lazarus is dead- Mary’s comment was, “if you had been here {sooner}he would not have died.
40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
Remember Jesus had previously challenged Mary and Martha that He was the resurrection and the life.
But Martha was not focused on a spiritual truth she was all worried about the decaying and stinking smell of Her dead brother.
Do you suppose Jesus who had made the statement about being the resurrection and the life might be making an opportunity to prove and demonstrated who His is? So He called Lazarus forth from the grave to give His new life, but Lazarus would eventually die. But this event would take Mary and Martha beyond what they knew about God, teaching them to walk “In Him” and not according to what they knew or thought about what God in Jesus could do
Meditate on this verse 40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
Even today and right now God is calling and wanting us to see His glorious power of what He has done in the shedding of blood, death and burial of Jesus. Did you know that in the events of the crucifixion that the glory of God was revealed and the resurrection power was released and active by Jesus obedience? It was and it is so easy to miss it. Do you know where we see it?
We see God’s glory released in lives radically changed for Jesus.
Let’s skip toward the end of the crucifixion and read here to see the glory of God as it is revealed John Chapter 19, verses 28
28 After this, Jesus, [e]knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
Jesus’ Side Is Pierced
31 Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. 36 For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”
38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. 39 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. 40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.
From Mark 15:39 - 39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.
And finally there was the thief of the cross Luke 23: 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said [k]to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Do you see the glory of God being revealed in individual lives as Jesus is being sacrificed and crucified? God’s saving grace and power is being released into the lives of those who had previously been thieves, hardened professional soldiers, Businessmen and parts of the Levitical priesthood.
What a range of people God in Jesus Christ have touched into declaring for Jesus in the very hours, according to Satan, where Jesus was being defeated. Look at these men closer.
#1 A Pharisee – Nicodemus who came to Jesus by night. We find his story in John, Chapter 3. Nicodemus came to supposedly to determine who Jesus was. But the questions and answers we have recorded were different. Jesus saw the what was in the priest’s heart so there was actually a discussion of what was needed to see and to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. What was necessary in God’s kingdom to just see and then actually to enter was to be born from above. Meaning since each of us were sinners we had to have God change our hearts. This was only possible if Jesus by the Holy Spirit quickened or awakened and individual so the he or she could first “see” the kingdom and then to “enter” His kingdom. We find here that wonderful verse – John 3/16- for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. First – the God, Second that God so loved you that He would send His only Son. If you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, by faith, you can enter the kingdom of Heaven. On the day of Jesus death – this hidden disciple cast off his fear of men and by burying Jesus and bringing Him down from the cross openly professed to his family and fellow religious leaders that he loved Jesus. By this selfless act He is no longer a closet believer but has confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior.
#2 – a respected and wealthy businessman associated with the religious leaders and prominent in the community – Joseph of Arimathea. Another closet believer who on the day of Jesus death by his actions in boldly going to Pilate to request the body of Jesus. By this action Joseph was declaring his open respect and honor for the Son of God who was soon to become His risen, living Lord. Not only did He request the body of Jesus, Joseph was going to bury Him in his newly purchased tomb. We always hear that Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb of a rich man. Joseph on the day of Jesus death by these actions was declaring to the Romans to the Jewish Leadership, to his family and to the Jewish nation that he loved this man. But today was Friday – as Satan rejoiced and the evil leaders of the Jews swaggered at their immediate success, and the disciples and the Mary’s wept and hid, Sunday was a coming and soon He would be back – resurrected and healed on Sunday. The power of the love of God had blossomed in the life of Joseph of Arimathea.
#3. The thief on the cross. Here we see a convicted felon who openly confessed and rebuked his fellow thief not to mock Jesus. He confessed to Jesus that they were receiving their just reward for their sins but that this man had done nothing to deserve this sentence. I believe God’s grace was given to this man by the Holy Spirit to know that Jesus had something in His demeanor that was wonderful, holy and represented a goodness that he, the thief, could never attain. He saw Jesus as what he a sinner could never be righteous and holy. He asked Jesus to remember him, a lowly thief, when He entered His kingdom. We remember Jesus loving and forgiving response – today thou shalt be with Me in paradise. What a promise in the midst of a horrible death. When the thief closed His eyes in death, the thief would be with Jesus in His kingdom. Forgiven and sanctified while on the cross – Hope for all for the last minute of death.
#4 – The Centurion. Totally unexpected that a battle-hardened, Marine type soldier would see Jesus as He was scourged, beaten, spat upon and mistreated by all would state of Jesus at the end, Truly this man was the Son of God. This centurion may have been the one to oversee all of Jesus punishments as He came before Pilate. He was in charge of the detachment responsible for crucifixions. His men had probably conducted hundreds of crucifixions and they were emotionally and physically hardened to these events. To some extent these soldiers may have even gotten their revenge on the Jews by perversely enjoying these events. But the Centurion’s heart had been transformed by the compassionate actions under pressure of Jesus. I am sure He could not believe that Jesus prayed for those who punished Him from the cross – Father forgive them for they know not what they do. He saw the compassion of the man for His mother as He gave Mary to John as His mother. I believe this man saw the Love of God in action and it changed Him forever.
This is the demonstrated power of the resurrection even before it happened. This was a sorrowful Friday, but Sunday was a coming; and the Lord of Lords and King of Kings was about to rise in the heavens and Oh what a glorious day. He was risen in the hearts of these men even before He rose again from the dead and His is Lord forever and ever. Amen
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more information or hep. He loves you. Amen.
Resurrecting a person is/was like nothing anyone had ever seen or experienced before. No person on earth could have ever pictured or grasped the idea that a man who we know as God – Jesus, could or would raise someone from the dead. God was soon to raise Jesus as well but Sunday was a not yet come, but it was a coming.
So here we have an unknown and unchartered territory of experience and faith. God knew what He was about to do and God was looking to build faith into His children. This is always the path of increasing faith. God speaks and challenges us and then presents an opportunity where you have no clue about what God is about to do, but He wants you to be spiritually sensitive and alert to His moving and then join Him by faith.
Now some of us would like to believe that God never tests us beyond what we are able. While this is true because ultimately, He is able and He always provides the way. But it is also true He challenges your faith by presenting impossible circumstances where you must walk by faith without knowing how God has already moved. Note this statement how God has already- God has the answer already prepared for what He is going to do; but He wants to show you His ways as your faith is challenged in walking with Him.
Think of Jesus challenging the disciples to feed the 5000 with what a few loaves and some fishes. How He calmed His disciples and the raging sea with the words – “Be still.” How He actually touched a leper and spoke the words – “I will” and the man was made clean. Or consider Moses on the far side of the mountain tending his sheep. When God revealed Himself and spoke to Moses He said I am sending you to Pharaoh, God already knew what He planned to do with Moses. But Moses instead of listening to this revelation and trusting began explaining to God why this idea wouldn’t work.
Do you understand if God is leading and we are following by faith, He can do anything? You see God always challenges us at the point of our unbelief to trust Him one step further. For if He reveals Himself, He is asking you to join Him. And God already knows what He is planning on doing, but you don’t. You may actually become frightened because of the scope of what He is calling you to do.
So if God speaks to you and reveals Himself, His purposes or His ways you can expect He will drive this truth home by what He does sometime soon. And we need to know and understand that God has already provisioned all your need to accomplished that which He has is calling you to do. Our Mission in joining Him is to learn to believe and yield by responding in faith.
We see these truths played out just prior to the Crucifixion of Jesus when He raises Lazarus from the dead. In John 11, verse 25, Jesus made this statement -25 Jesus said to her {Martha), “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Mary, Martha and Lazarus were close companions of Jesus upon this earth and He often stayed in their home. 7 “Yes, Lord,” Martha replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
Jesus was about to reveal to her the truth of these words. Jesus went away and specifically waited for the death of Lazarus. Jesus was about to reveal something to Martha and His disciples that they might have never known That He was the resurrection and the life. Jesus as the Son of God knew Lazarus would die. Jesus also knew He would raise Him up from the dead. Jesus was about to boldly teach Mary His ways.
Now in verse 40 Jesus has returned and Lazarus is dead- Mary’s comment was, “if you had been here {sooner}he would not have died.
40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
Remember Jesus had previously challenged Mary and Martha that He was the resurrection and the life.
But Martha was not focused on a spiritual truth she was all worried about the decaying and stinking smell of Her dead brother.
Do you suppose Jesus who had made the statement about being the resurrection and the life might be making an opportunity to prove and demonstrated who His is? So He called Lazarus forth from the grave to give His new life, but Lazarus would eventually die. But this event would take Mary and Martha beyond what they knew about God, teaching them to walk “In Him” and not according to what they knew or thought about what God in Jesus could do
Meditate on this verse 40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
Even today and right now God is calling and wanting us to see His glorious power of what He has done in the shedding of blood, death and burial of Jesus. Did you know that in the events of the crucifixion that the glory of God was revealed and the resurrection power was released and active by Jesus obedience? It was and it is so easy to miss it. Do you know where we see it?
We see God’s glory released in lives radically changed for Jesus.
Let’s skip toward the end of the crucifixion and read here to see the glory of God as it is revealed John Chapter 19, verses 28
28 After this, Jesus, [e]knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
Jesus’ Side Is Pierced
31 Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. 36 For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”
38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. 39 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. 40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.
From Mark 15:39 - 39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.
And finally there was the thief of the cross Luke 23: 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said [k]to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Do you see the glory of God being revealed in individual lives as Jesus is being sacrificed and crucified? God’s saving grace and power is being released into the lives of those who had previously been thieves, hardened professional soldiers, Businessmen and parts of the Levitical priesthood.
What a range of people God in Jesus Christ have touched into declaring for Jesus in the very hours, according to Satan, where Jesus was being defeated. Look at these men closer.
#1 A Pharisee – Nicodemus who came to Jesus by night. We find his story in John, Chapter 3. Nicodemus came to supposedly to determine who Jesus was. But the questions and answers we have recorded were different. Jesus saw the what was in the priest’s heart so there was actually a discussion of what was needed to see and to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. What was necessary in God’s kingdom to just see and then actually to enter was to be born from above. Meaning since each of us were sinners we had to have God change our hearts. This was only possible if Jesus by the Holy Spirit quickened or awakened and individual so the he or she could first “see” the kingdom and then to “enter” His kingdom. We find here that wonderful verse – John 3/16- for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. First – the God, Second that God so loved you that He would send His only Son. If you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, by faith, you can enter the kingdom of Heaven. On the day of Jesus death – this hidden disciple cast off his fear of men and by burying Jesus and bringing Him down from the cross openly professed to his family and fellow religious leaders that he loved Jesus. By this selfless act He is no longer a closet believer but has confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior.
#2 – a respected and wealthy businessman associated with the religious leaders and prominent in the community – Joseph of Arimathea. Another closet believer who on the day of Jesus death by his actions in boldly going to Pilate to request the body of Jesus. By this action Joseph was declaring his open respect and honor for the Son of God who was soon to become His risen, living Lord. Not only did He request the body of Jesus, Joseph was going to bury Him in his newly purchased tomb. We always hear that Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb of a rich man. Joseph on the day of Jesus death by these actions was declaring to the Romans to the Jewish Leadership, to his family and to the Jewish nation that he loved this man. But today was Friday – as Satan rejoiced and the evil leaders of the Jews swaggered at their immediate success, and the disciples and the Mary’s wept and hid, Sunday was a coming and soon He would be back – resurrected and healed on Sunday. The power of the love of God had blossomed in the life of Joseph of Arimathea.
#3. The thief on the cross. Here we see a convicted felon who openly confessed and rebuked his fellow thief not to mock Jesus. He confessed to Jesus that they were receiving their just reward for their sins but that this man had done nothing to deserve this sentence. I believe God’s grace was given to this man by the Holy Spirit to know that Jesus had something in His demeanor that was wonderful, holy and represented a goodness that he, the thief, could never attain. He saw Jesus as what he a sinner could never be righteous and holy. He asked Jesus to remember him, a lowly thief, when He entered His kingdom. We remember Jesus loving and forgiving response – today thou shalt be with Me in paradise. What a promise in the midst of a horrible death. When the thief closed His eyes in death, the thief would be with Jesus in His kingdom. Forgiven and sanctified while on the cross – Hope for all for the last minute of death.
#4 – The Centurion. Totally unexpected that a battle-hardened, Marine type soldier would see Jesus as He was scourged, beaten, spat upon and mistreated by all would state of Jesus at the end, Truly this man was the Son of God. This centurion may have been the one to oversee all of Jesus punishments as He came before Pilate. He was in charge of the detachment responsible for crucifixions. His men had probably conducted hundreds of crucifixions and they were emotionally and physically hardened to these events. To some extent these soldiers may have even gotten their revenge on the Jews by perversely enjoying these events. But the Centurion’s heart had been transformed by the compassionate actions under pressure of Jesus. I am sure He could not believe that Jesus prayed for those who punished Him from the cross – Father forgive them for they know not what they do. He saw the compassion of the man for His mother as He gave Mary to John as His mother. I believe this man saw the Love of God in action and it changed Him forever.
This is the demonstrated power of the resurrection even before it happened. This was a sorrowful Friday, but Sunday was a coming; and the Lord of Lords and King of Kings was about to rise in the heavens and Oh what a glorious day. He was risen in the hearts of these men even before He rose again from the dead and His is Lord forever and ever. Amen
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more information or hep. He loves you. Amen.
Sermon April 17
Resurrecting a person is/was like nothing anyone had ever seen or experienced before. No person on earth could have ever pictured or grasped the idea that a man who we know as God – Jesus, could or would raise someone from the dead. God was soon to raise Jesus as well but Sunday was a not yet come, but it was a coming.
So here we have an unknown and unchartered territory of experience and faith. God knew what He was about to do and God was looking to build faith into His children. This is always the path of increasing faith. God speaks and challenges us and then presents an opportunity where you have no clue about what God is about to do, but He wants you to be spiritually sensitive and alert to His moving and then join Him by faith.
Now some of us would like to believe that God never tests us beyond what we are able. While this is true because ultimately, He is able and He always provides the way. But it is also true He challenges your faith by presenting impossible circumstances where you must walk by faith without knowing how God has already moved. Note this statement how God has already- God has the answer already prepared for what He is going to do; but He wants to show you His ways as your faith is challenged in walking with Him.
Think of Jesus challenging the disciples to feed the 5000 with what a few loaves and some fishes. How He calmed His disciples and the raging sea with the words – “Be still.” How He actually touched a leper and spoke the words – “I will” and the man was made clean. Or consider Moses on the far side of the mountain tending his sheep. When God revealed Himself and spoke to Moses He said I am sending you to Pharaoh, God already knew what He planned to do with Moses. But Moses instead of listening to this revelation and trusting began explaining to God why this idea wouldn’t work.
Do you understand if God is leading and we are following by faith, He can do anything? You see God always challenges us at the point of our unbelief to trust Him one step further. For if He reveals Himself, He is asking you to join Him. And God already knows what He is planning on doing, but you don’t. You may actually become frightened because of the scope of what He is calling you to do.
So if God speaks to you and reveals Himself, His purposes or His ways you can expect He will drive this truth home by what He does sometime soon. And we need to know and understand that God has already provisioned all your need to accomplished that which He has is calling you to do. Our Mission in joining Him is to learn to believe and yield by responding in faith.
We see these truths played out just prior to the Crucifixion of Jesus when He raises Lazarus from the dead. In John 11, verse 25, Jesus made this statement -25 Jesus said to her {Martha), “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Mary, Martha and Lazarus were close companions of Jesus upon this earth and He often stayed in their home. 7 “Yes, Lord,” Martha replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
Jesus was about to reveal to her the truth of these words. Jesus went away and specifically waited for the death of Lazarus. Jesus was about to reveal something to Martha and His disciples that they might have never known That He was the resurrection and the life. Jesus as the Son of God knew Lazarus would die. Jesus also knew He would raise Him up from the dead. Jesus was about to boldly teach Mary His ways.
Now in verse 40 Jesus has returned and Lazarus is dead- Mary’s comment was, “if you had been here {sooner}he would not have died.
40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
Remember Jesus had previously challenged Mary and Martha that He was the resurrection and the life.
But Martha was not focused on a spiritual truth she was all worried about the decaying and stinking smell of Her dead brother.
Do you suppose Jesus who had made the statement about being the resurrection and the life might be making an opportunity to prove and demonstrated who His is? So He called Lazarus forth from the grave to give His new life, but Lazarus would eventually die. But this event would take Mary and Martha beyond what they knew about God, teaching them to walk “In Him” and not according to what they knew or thought about what God in Jesus could do
Meditate on this verse 40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
Even today and right now God is calling and wanting us to see His glorious power of what He has done in the shedding of blood, death and burial of Jesus. Did you know that in the events of the crucifixion that the glory of God was revealed and the resurrection power was released and active by Jesus obedience? It was and it is so easy to miss it. Do you know where we see it?
We see God’s glory released in lives radically changed for Jesus.
Let’s skip toward the end of the crucifixion and read here to see the glory of God as it is revealed John Chapter 19, verses 28
28 After this, Jesus, [e]knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
Jesus’ Side Is Pierced
31 Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. 36 For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”
38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. 39 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. 40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.
From Mark 15:39 - 39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.
And finally there was the thief of the cross Luke 23: 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said [k]to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Do you see the glory of God being revealed in individual lives as Jesus is being sacrificed and crucified? God’s saving grace and power is being released into the lives of those who had previously been thieves, hardened professional soldiers, Businessmen and parts of the Levitical priesthood.
What a range of people God in Jesus Christ have touched into declaring for Jesus in the very hours, according to Satan, where Jesus was being defeated. Look at these men closer.
#1 A Pharisee – Nicodemus who came to Jesus by night. We find his story in John, Chapter 3.
Resurrecting a person is/was like nothing anyone had ever seen or experienced before. No person on earth could have ever pictured or grasped the idea that a man who we know as God – Jesus, could or would raise someone from the dead. God was soon to raise Jesus as well but Sunday was a not yet come, but it was a coming.
So here we have an unknown and unchartered territory of experience and faith. God knew what He was about to do and God was looking to build faith into His children. This is always the path of increasing faith. God speaks and challenges us and then presents an opportunity where you have no clue about what God is about to do, but He wants you to be spiritually sensitive and alert to His moving and then join Him by faith.
Now some of us would like to believe that God never tests us beyond what we are able. While this is true because ultimately, He is able and He always provides the way. But it is also true He challenges your faith by presenting impossible circumstances where you must walk by faith without knowing how God has already moved. Note this statement how God has already- God has the answer already prepared for what He is going to do; but He wants to show you His ways as your faith is challenged in walking with Him.
Think of Jesus challenging the disciples to feed the 5000 with what a few loaves and some fishes. How He calmed His disciples and the raging sea with the words – “Be still.” How He actually touched a leper and spoke the words – “I will” and the man was made clean. Or consider Moses on the far side of the mountain tending his sheep. When God revealed Himself and spoke to Moses He said I am sending you to Pharaoh, God already knew what He planned to do with Moses. But Moses instead of listening to this revelation and trusting began explaining to God why this idea wouldn’t work.
Do you understand if God is leading and we are following by faith, He can do anything? You see God always challenges us at the point of our unbelief to trust Him one step further. For if He reveals Himself, He is asking you to join Him. And God already knows what He is planning on doing, but you don’t. You may actually become frightened because of the scope of what He is calling you to do.
So if God speaks to you and reveals Himself, His purposes or His ways you can expect He will drive this truth home by what He does sometime soon. And we need to know and understand that God has already provisioned all your need to accomplished that which He has is calling you to do. Our Mission in joining Him is to learn to believe and yield by responding in faith.
We see these truths played out just prior to the Crucifixion of Jesus when He raises Lazarus from the dead. In John 11, verse 25, Jesus made this statement -25 Jesus said to her {Martha), “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Mary, Martha and Lazarus were close companions of Jesus upon this earth and He often stayed in their home. 7 “Yes, Lord,” Martha replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
Jesus was about to reveal to her the truth of these words. Jesus went away and specifically waited for the death of Lazarus. Jesus was about to reveal something to Martha and His disciples that they might have never known That He was the resurrection and the life. Jesus as the Son of God knew Lazarus would die. Jesus also knew He would raise Him up from the dead. Jesus was about to boldly teach Mary His ways.
Now in verse 40 Jesus has returned and Lazarus is dead- Mary’s comment was, “if you had been here {sooner}he would not have died.
40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
Remember Jesus had previously challenged Mary and Martha that He was the resurrection and the life.
But Martha was not focused on a spiritual truth she was all worried about the decaying and stinking smell of Her dead brother.
Do you suppose Jesus who had made the statement about being the resurrection and the life might be making an opportunity to prove and demonstrated who His is? So He called Lazarus forth from the grave to give His new life, but Lazarus would eventually die. But this event would take Mary and Martha beyond what they knew about God, teaching them to walk “In Him” and not according to what they knew or thought about what God in Jesus could do
Meditate on this verse 40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
Even today and right now God is calling and wanting us to see His glorious power of what He has done in the shedding of blood, death and burial of Jesus. Did you know that in the events of the crucifixion that the glory of God was revealed and the resurrection power was released and active by Jesus obedience? It was and it is so easy to miss it. Do you know where we see it?
We see God’s glory released in lives radically changed for Jesus.
Let’s skip toward the end of the crucifixion and read here to see the glory of God as it is revealed John Chapter 19, verses 28
28 After this, Jesus, [e]knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
Jesus’ Side Is Pierced
31 Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. 36 For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”
38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. 39 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. 40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.
From Mark 15:39 - 39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.
And finally there was the thief of the cross Luke 23: 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said [k]to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Do you see the glory of God being revealed in individual lives as Jesus is being sacrificed and crucified? God’s saving grace and power is being released into the lives of those who had previously been thieves, hardened professional soldiers, Businessmen and parts of the Levitical priesthood.
What a range of people God in Jesus Christ have touched into declaring for Jesus in the very hours, according to Satan, where Jesus was being defeated. Look at these men closer.
#1 A Pharisee – Nicodemus who came to Jesus by night. We find his story in John, Chapter 3.
Sermon April 10
Do you remember dental hygiene training as you grew up? We were all taught about dental caries or tooth decay and what we needed to do to prevent our teeth from falling out of our heads. And they showed us pictures of people who for whatever reason had terrible teeth and how you could get really sick from these diseases. How disgusting we thought. I will never get that way. But we all now have seen people whose teeth have fallen out of their heads. So it is true all the effects that can happened to a person because of bad teeth.
But there is a far more serious disease which has infected us as a people and it is called - truth decay. Now we all smile because of this kind of funny title, but this disease has far more serious impacts. For tooth decay can only kill the human body, while truth decay can doom the soul for an eternity in hell. This is a far greater disorder that the simple problem of tooth decay.
How has this happened? Quite simply according to the bible- John 3:19 -And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Men and women prefer sin rather than living in the truth. This has proven out since the garden of Eden. God gave us a perfect environment and yet what are we doing? According to His word – All have sinned. The wages of that sin is death and this creates enmity with God. We remain happy in our sin until God begins to illuminate our spirits, so that we can finally recognize our need and call upon His for salvation; for we need a savior. And there is only one name given among men whereby we must be saved and that is the name of Jesus. {Acts 4}
Now we can see truth decay all around us everywhere. From the time you get up in the morning and begin to read, listen or interact internally or with the culture around us, there is constant lying, denying and deception going on in everything. This extends from kindergarten to the highest courts in the land, on all media types – printed, radio, TV, internet and social interactions of all sorts. Truth in speaking and behaving and in personal relationships also seems to be more than lacking – I believe to a large extent society has become amoral. That is there are no morals. The prime driver is what’s in it for me. Self is dominant.
Isn’t it strange somehow the Bible parallels real life? Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem will lead to His death, but this portion of scripture highlights the increasing separation between light and dark for as He descends into Jerusalem. The darkness is clearly illuminated. Let’s read from Luke 19 to find the story of Jesus entry from light into darkness – verse 28 begins,
28 When He had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 And it came to pass, when He drew near to [g]Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. 31 And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you loosing it?’ thus you shall say to him, ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’ ”
32 So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. 33 But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?”
34 And they said, “The Lord has need of him.” 35 Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. 36 And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road.
37 Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, 38 saying:
“ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.”
40 But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”
Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem
41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, 44 and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
45 Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who [h]bought and sold in it, 46 saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house [i]is a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’”
Prayer - May God add His blessing to the reading of His Word and to our understanding.
To understand truth decay we must fully comprehend two basic items in Jesus Christ our Lord. First, He is the light of the world John 8:12 - 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.”
And Jesus said in John 14:6 – I am the way the truth and life, no man(one) cometh to the Father but by Me.
So Jesus is both the light, the life and the truth for all men. As the Son of God, who now sits at the right hand of the Father, we can verify these as true and absolute. Why? Because they are the truth. Others may say in our day these are not their truth or their reality; but it is like the weather, our birth date, electricity, gravity and our death day, these are real but you have no control over them, whether you believe them or not they are real.
Christ then is the embodiment of truth and He represents both life and light to all men, whether you believe this reality or not.
Truth decay begins when we are born into sin and we exist in a fallen world. Everything the deceiver does is intended to cast doubt upon the truth and distort it. And Satan has been a liar from the beginning.
Notice the progression in our text
Jesus on the mount of Olives sends two into the city to secure a place for the Passover celebration vs. 28-35. So they brought the virgin colt of an ass to Jesus and He rode this animal into Jerusalem. By these actions He is declaring Himself, the fulfillment of a prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, which declare Him as the coming King.
Jesus then proceeds into Jerusalem and is declared by the people as the coming Messiah in verse 38 - saying:
“ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’
As Jesus goes from the Mount of Olives into the city we begin to see the variance between the light of life which shine into the darkness and the ever-present darkness both in men and in the world.
I. The people react emotionally for they see this one coming and they react to what they remember from Old Testament scripture about the coming King. This group of thousands maybe more would be many of the same who would be stirred up just a few days later crying – Crucify Him, Crucify Him, Give us Barabbas. This shows us the depth of darkness and unreliability of men within themselves when sin rules their lives and they themselves are immersed in darkness.
II. The religious leaders didn’t represent God’s truth. They were living a lie and were in eternal darkness apart from God. Think about this. This is why evil is attaching our children in the schools today? For if the leadership is corrupted; and they are teaching the younger ones, basically indoctrinating them in lies, but are representing it as truth. where is this or any nation headed? As in Jesus day if the religious leaders are unable to recognize the truth of who Jesus is, then darkness which is evil is spreading. They are creating truth decay, instead of the truth they teach a lie.
They asked Jesus to command His disciples and of course the people to stop what they were doing – in verses 39-40 -39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.”40 But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”
The Pharisees here were trying to keep people from recognizing the truth of who Jesus is. For in the emotion of the moment and in the vague recognition of a future King coming on the colt of an ass, there is the potential some may actually believe that Jesus as Yeshua, the coming messiah. By casting doubt upon the proceedings and calling out the Pharisees are attempting to cast doubt on the legitimacy of His entry and cause fear and misunderstanding – They are creating darkness in the minds of men. Does this sound familiar when truth is presented- this is how you create truth decay
Now in the middle of all this we see Jesus reflect over Jerusalem vs 41 and following - 41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For days will come upon you when your enemies will embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, 44 and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”
Jesus weeps over Jerusalem – Jesus the one who represents the Truth and Light of God unto men, begins to weep as He descends into the darkness of men. “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
What a despairing cry for His people. Jerusalem, which represents the heart of the city of God, on earth for God’s people, is so immersed in darkness. So dark in sin and unbelief that God’s people did not recognize the hour of their visitation from God in this day. Nor did they understand the message which the Truth and Light giver had which would make for peace for themselves and for all future generations. The pervasive evil of darkness has so obscured Jesus and His message they missed it.
Here is an analogy – Every Airport runway in America has what we call approach minimums. Meaning when the weather is bad you can only safely go so low to land without incident. If you choose to go below these established minimums you risk killing yourself and all your passengers. Jesus life and truth represents the runway of salvation. There are minimums for finding this runway. These include – recognizing you are a sinner, that you desperately need a savior; and you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart unto salvation; then your call upon the name of the Lord to be saved. But if you try to land on the runway of Truth and Life without the minimums you may miss the runway entirely and be destroyed. In our story Jesus weeps because the runway is so obscured by the fog of sin, misinformation and untruths being taught His people they missed Him in the hour of their visitation. This had and continues to have eternal and the most serious of consequences as they missed the Son of God who would take away their sin now and for eternity.
The enemy is creating truth decay since the beginning of life. Did He not say in the very beginning to Eve-“hath God said?” And has he not continued to cast doubt in the hearts of men through the centuries to destroy what God has made? Is the deceiver, not Lucifer, the one who said in Isaiah 14:14 – ‘I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.?’
Now take what you have heard and hopefully learned and apply it to what is happening around you in the world, in the media, in the US Congress, at the border, in the industry, in the confusion in the economy, in the schools and the wars raging across the world and what do you find? Darkness created by sin, fueled by lies, deceptions and untruths and a denial of the very basic premise that there is one God. He is ruler in the heavens and His Son is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Apart from Him you may live life for a while but you eventually will die and live eternally in darkness, torment and terror in Hell. In Him, as Lord and Savior, you have all Truth, Righteousness and the presence of the Holy Spirit living inside of you.
How does this help you? Walk into a totally dark room and tell me what you can see or perceive? Almost nothing is happening - no sounds, no sensing, no nothing, just darkness greets you. You may even bump into something. Now switch on the light and now all is seen in truth.
With the light of God actually living within you, you see and you cannot remain the same. If you do you are totally quenching the Holy Spirit or you have never actually received Him. There are no exceptions. Light and truth within you will give you what it says is verse 42- the things that make for your peace! This is peace with God and the peace of God which passes all understanding present. His Spirit and presence will permeate all parts of your life. Your very life will want to proclaim Him by what you say, how you speak, how you share what you have with others. In all areas of your life you will wish to proclaim the joy of your salvation. Is this true of you or has darkness crept in unawares? Jesus last act in our text is to cleanse the temple and destroy truth decay. He wants to do the same in all our lives today. Will you invite Him in for revival right now to cleanse His temple within you? Will you surrender all today? Amen
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more information or help. He loves you. Amen.
Do you remember dental hygiene training as you grew up? We were all taught about dental caries or tooth decay and what we needed to do to prevent our teeth from falling out of our heads. And they showed us pictures of people who for whatever reason had terrible teeth and how you could get really sick from these diseases. How disgusting we thought. I will never get that way. But we all now have seen people whose teeth have fallen out of their heads. So it is true all the effects that can happened to a person because of bad teeth.
But there is a far more serious disease which has infected us as a people and it is called - truth decay. Now we all smile because of this kind of funny title, but this disease has far more serious impacts. For tooth decay can only kill the human body, while truth decay can doom the soul for an eternity in hell. This is a far greater disorder that the simple problem of tooth decay.
How has this happened? Quite simply according to the bible- John 3:19 -And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Men and women prefer sin rather than living in the truth. This has proven out since the garden of Eden. God gave us a perfect environment and yet what are we doing? According to His word – All have sinned. The wages of that sin is death and this creates enmity with God. We remain happy in our sin until God begins to illuminate our spirits, so that we can finally recognize our need and call upon His for salvation; for we need a savior. And there is only one name given among men whereby we must be saved and that is the name of Jesus. {Acts 4}
Now we can see truth decay all around us everywhere. From the time you get up in the morning and begin to read, listen or interact internally or with the culture around us, there is constant lying, denying and deception going on in everything. This extends from kindergarten to the highest courts in the land, on all media types – printed, radio, TV, internet and social interactions of all sorts. Truth in speaking and behaving and in personal relationships also seems to be more than lacking – I believe to a large extent society has become amoral. That is there are no morals. The prime driver is what’s in it for me. Self is dominant.
Isn’t it strange somehow the Bible parallels real life? Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem will lead to His death, but this portion of scripture highlights the increasing separation between light and dark for as He descends into Jerusalem. The darkness is clearly illuminated. Let’s read from Luke 19 to find the story of Jesus entry from light into darkness – verse 28 begins,
28 When He had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 And it came to pass, when He drew near to [g]Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. 31 And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you loosing it?’ thus you shall say to him, ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’ ”
32 So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. 33 But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?”
34 And they said, “The Lord has need of him.” 35 Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. 36 And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road.
37 Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, 38 saying:
“ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.”
40 But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”
Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem
41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, 44 and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
45 Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who [h]bought and sold in it, 46 saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house [i]is a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’”
Prayer - May God add His blessing to the reading of His Word and to our understanding.
To understand truth decay we must fully comprehend two basic items in Jesus Christ our Lord. First, He is the light of the world John 8:12 - 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.”
And Jesus said in John 14:6 – I am the way the truth and life, no man(one) cometh to the Father but by Me.
So Jesus is both the light, the life and the truth for all men. As the Son of God, who now sits at the right hand of the Father, we can verify these as true and absolute. Why? Because they are the truth. Others may say in our day these are not their truth or their reality; but it is like the weather, our birth date, electricity, gravity and our death day, these are real but you have no control over them, whether you believe them or not they are real.
Christ then is the embodiment of truth and He represents both life and light to all men, whether you believe this reality or not.
Truth decay begins when we are born into sin and we exist in a fallen world. Everything the deceiver does is intended to cast doubt upon the truth and distort it. And Satan has been a liar from the beginning.
Notice the progression in our text
Jesus on the mount of Olives sends two into the city to secure a place for the Passover celebration vs. 28-35. So they brought the virgin colt of an ass to Jesus and He rode this animal into Jerusalem. By these actions He is declaring Himself, the fulfillment of a prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, which declare Him as the coming King.
Jesus then proceeds into Jerusalem and is declared by the people as the coming Messiah in verse 38 - saying:
“ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’
As Jesus goes from the Mount of Olives into the city we begin to see the variance between the light of life which shine into the darkness and the ever-present darkness both in men and in the world.
I. The people react emotionally for they see this one coming and they react to what they remember from Old Testament scripture about the coming King. This group of thousands maybe more would be many of the same who would be stirred up just a few days later crying – Crucify Him, Crucify Him, Give us Barabbas. This shows us the depth of darkness and unreliability of men within themselves when sin rules their lives and they themselves are immersed in darkness.
II. The religious leaders didn’t represent God’s truth. They were living a lie and were in eternal darkness apart from God. Think about this. This is why evil is attaching our children in the schools today? For if the leadership is corrupted; and they are teaching the younger ones, basically indoctrinating them in lies, but are representing it as truth. where is this or any nation headed? As in Jesus day if the religious leaders are unable to recognize the truth of who Jesus is, then darkness which is evil is spreading. They are creating truth decay, instead of the truth they teach a lie.
They asked Jesus to command His disciples and of course the people to stop what they were doing – in verses 39-40 -39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.”40 But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”
The Pharisees here were trying to keep people from recognizing the truth of who Jesus is. For in the emotion of the moment and in the vague recognition of a future King coming on the colt of an ass, there is the potential some may actually believe that Jesus as Yeshua, the coming messiah. By casting doubt upon the proceedings and calling out the Pharisees are attempting to cast doubt on the legitimacy of His entry and cause fear and misunderstanding – They are creating darkness in the minds of men. Does this sound familiar when truth is presented- this is how you create truth decay
Now in the middle of all this we see Jesus reflect over Jerusalem vs 41 and following - 41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For days will come upon you when your enemies will embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, 44 and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”
Jesus weeps over Jerusalem – Jesus the one who represents the Truth and Light of God unto men, begins to weep as He descends into the darkness of men. “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
What a despairing cry for His people. Jerusalem, which represents the heart of the city of God, on earth for God’s people, is so immersed in darkness. So dark in sin and unbelief that God’s people did not recognize the hour of their visitation from God in this day. Nor did they understand the message which the Truth and Light giver had which would make for peace for themselves and for all future generations. The pervasive evil of darkness has so obscured Jesus and His message they missed it.
Here is an analogy – Every Airport runway in America has what we call approach minimums. Meaning when the weather is bad you can only safely go so low to land without incident. If you choose to go below these established minimums you risk killing yourself and all your passengers. Jesus life and truth represents the runway of salvation. There are minimums for finding this runway. These include – recognizing you are a sinner, that you desperately need a savior; and you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart unto salvation; then your call upon the name of the Lord to be saved. But if you try to land on the runway of Truth and Life without the minimums you may miss the runway entirely and be destroyed. In our story Jesus weeps because the runway is so obscured by the fog of sin, misinformation and untruths being taught His people they missed Him in the hour of their visitation. This had and continues to have eternal and the most serious of consequences as they missed the Son of God who would take away their sin now and for eternity.
The enemy is creating truth decay since the beginning of life. Did He not say in the very beginning to Eve-“hath God said?” And has he not continued to cast doubt in the hearts of men through the centuries to destroy what God has made? Is the deceiver, not Lucifer, the one who said in Isaiah 14:14 – ‘I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.?’
Now take what you have heard and hopefully learned and apply it to what is happening around you in the world, in the media, in the US Congress, at the border, in the industry, in the confusion in the economy, in the schools and the wars raging across the world and what do you find? Darkness created by sin, fueled by lies, deceptions and untruths and a denial of the very basic premise that there is one God. He is ruler in the heavens and His Son is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Apart from Him you may live life for a while but you eventually will die and live eternally in darkness, torment and terror in Hell. In Him, as Lord and Savior, you have all Truth, Righteousness and the presence of the Holy Spirit living inside of you.
How does this help you? Walk into a totally dark room and tell me what you can see or perceive? Almost nothing is happening - no sounds, no sensing, no nothing, just darkness greets you. You may even bump into something. Now switch on the light and now all is seen in truth.
With the light of God actually living within you, you see and you cannot remain the same. If you do you are totally quenching the Holy Spirit or you have never actually received Him. There are no exceptions. Light and truth within you will give you what it says is verse 42- the things that make for your peace! This is peace with God and the peace of God which passes all understanding present. His Spirit and presence will permeate all parts of your life. Your very life will want to proclaim Him by what you say, how you speak, how you share what you have with others. In all areas of your life you will wish to proclaim the joy of your salvation. Is this true of you or has darkness crept in unawares? Jesus last act in our text is to cleanse the temple and destroy truth decay. He wants to do the same in all our lives today. Will you invite Him in for revival right now to cleanse His temple within you? Will you surrender all today? Amen
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more information or help. He loves you. Amen.
Sermon April 3
Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?
Lesson - What should we be doing? Why do I ask this question? We you know the day and the hour we live in America today. And we are aware of rampant inflation everything cost more and our money is worth less. It may soon be worthless if the administration continues its reckless idiocy. War is on the horizon and we are discussing an NBC event as if it some casual isolated happening that will not have world-wide impact on health and humanity. We are destroying our food supply because of our cutting the supply of oil – farmers cannot afford to run their equipment and the supply of fertilizer both foreign and domestic either comes from outside the US or it costs so much to produce and comes from oil derivatives. The administration is destroying the economy for the sake of and in the name of their elitist green new deal philosophy and accelerating the destruction of an otherwise once thriving economy.
Hate is everywhere. So can you define what is a woman? Or when does life begin? Or a million other questions that any farm born person can answer without question. In the womb and a woman has a womb. Soon and very soon they are coming to take away our freedom to worship. These progressives, no they are regressives, for they are actively destroying the constitution and will be putting this nation in peril and weakening us by having open borders and no military defensive or offensive capabilities. The elite wants to destruct and rule you. So I ask again what should you be doing?
Should we hate, destroy, run rampant go for it or should we look for the answers in our Bible, then allow God to direct our path? I thinks we know the answer.
The apostle Peter writing in 1st Peter is addressing the churches who are in the midst of suffering persecution. Persecution is coming from both from the Roman authorities and from the Jewish religious leaders. They are being persecuted as enemies of the state- isn’t that amazing. And you know what happens to their homes, their children and their possessions – the enrich the state and individual leaders. This has happen to the Canadian Truckers already and here to others as well – the cake baker in Oregon. So what does Peter say to them as inspired by the Holy Spirit in the Word -
1st Peter Chapter 2: 1-
Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow [a]thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
The Chosen Stone and His Chosen People
4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”
7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who [b]are disobedient,
“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone,”
8 and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
Living Before the World
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
What follows are two more sections about
1. Submitting to the government v.13-17
2. Submitting to unkind Masters v.18-20
And verses 21 through 25 are the story of the Suffering Servant of God and the way He suffered is the way we are to suffer. His example is never to revile but, in all ways, trusting God that He will bring vindication, judgement and justice in the end.
The sub-title for our lesson is What should we be doing in these final days or not so final days until the Lord comes? What is a body to do for our Lord in times like these?
Pray with me - Lord we pray you open our hearts and our thoughts, as we come before you to hear Your voice, lead us in the paths of righteousness everlasting - Amen
So Peter gets right on it he tells us what we should be doing in these days of trials and persecution –
Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow [a]thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
A two-step process – Step 1 - Laying aside and Step 2 desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby. In Step 1, there goes all lying, cheating, evil speaking and envious criticism. So we are to watch our tongues as James tells us, for the tongue causes fires to rage.
Step 2 and we need to honestly assess where we stand on this- as Newborn babes we are to desire the sincere milk of the word, that we may grow thereby. Do you still have a burning desire for the Word of God to fill you or are you like me, sometimes complacent. If we are, we need to repent for the second part of this verse should cause us to pause – if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Have you asked Jesus Christ in your heart? If you have, then you know the grace and love of the Lord Jesus and what He has done for you on the cross. If you want a personal relationship, and to be strong as a Christian and to have faith that in God, then you need the Word of God in You. Jesus in His high priestly prayer in John 17, said as He prayed, “Thy word is truth.” He also said I am the way the truth and the life. No man cometh to the Father but by Me. So when we ask Jesus into our hearts by faith, we receive new life. We keep this new life fresh and by receiving the bread of life which is found in immersing ourselves in the Word of God. John 6:63 provides the capstone -
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. So if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious and want to be continually filled you will continue to have a desire for the Word, not the milk so much but the Meat of the Word and will continue to study and glean all you can. I am sure you all check out guides and books that explain things in greater detail like cook books, how to use you phone- YouTube training videos, and the like. So why are you avoiding the Word of God- it is your life.
Step 3- Orient yourselves to become His chosen Stones and His chosen People vs 4-5 4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. You are coming to Jesus who is a living stone rejected by men, but chosen by God and precious. The implication here is this also applies to you for also are rejected by men and chosen by God and are precious to Him. After all He sent Jesus to pay the penalty for your sin and mine, so you are infinitely precious in His sight. As living stones birthed by God, you are being built up into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood- praying and leading others. Why so you can offer up spiritual sacrifices - your serviced and your life which are to be acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Also note from whom your leadership comes - 6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”
7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who [b]are disobedient,
“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone,”
8 and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. Your leader is the cornerstone – Jesus is the cornerstone. He is also the rock of Ages cleft for you and I our savior Immanuel .
Point 4 – note your special assignment and call to ministry as your response to what should we be doing – notice – verses 9-10: 9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
A chosen generation – of the Lord
A royal priesthood – ordained by Jesus Christ
A holy nation – you are God’s children in His Son. A very peculiar and special people who have been anointed by the Holy Spirit.
Why has God done this?- That you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; to witness to the nature of an awesome God and His saving grace. Foot stomp this - our job is to call attention to God. To call to and to tell others of His glory, His majesty, His saving grace and the wonderous beauty of His Son.
Last point – You are to live Him before the World. You are to be salt and light. A candlestick on a hill radiates light and you and I are it. Read verses 11-12:
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
So don’t live as the world lives, live differently as led by the Holy Spirit of God. For if He is not leading you will not be able to follow in your own weaknesses.
Don’t lust after what the eyes sees, or what the mind thinks or the flesh desires. As a pilgrim on a dedicated journey toward the city of God and your heavenly rest don’t conflict or stress your souls by lust. Stay strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Make your conduct honorable, above board. Leave no room in your behavior which might cause others to question or to wonder about your character, your integrity and your reputation. Are you a man or woman {there are only two sexes according to the Word of God, 1 race, and 1 marriage, 1 creation not an evolution}who can stand before God and men with a clean conscience? Maybe not perfect, but you are forgiven, and are covered by His righteousness in the blood of the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. If the answer is yes, then you are following the Lord. But maybe your aren’t there yet. If that is the case then don’t quit don’t give up, you are here and God is not done with you yet and He is calling to you to obey. Will you respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and come to the Lord Jesus today?
So then the end of being a believer is not to vegetate and sit in church and worship here but to follow what Peter has said in verse 12 – that others by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Your works are to be lived before others. That means we will be criticized and ostracized, cast out even. But in the midst of the hostilities do not forget who you are. You are children of the King and your life and light in the midst of the darkness may bring others to the source of all light – Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Where are you letting your light shine before men today?
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more information or help. He loves you. Amen
Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?
Lesson - What should we be doing? Why do I ask this question? We you know the day and the hour we live in America today. And we are aware of rampant inflation everything cost more and our money is worth less. It may soon be worthless if the administration continues its reckless idiocy. War is on the horizon and we are discussing an NBC event as if it some casual isolated happening that will not have world-wide impact on health and humanity. We are destroying our food supply because of our cutting the supply of oil – farmers cannot afford to run their equipment and the supply of fertilizer both foreign and domestic either comes from outside the US or it costs so much to produce and comes from oil derivatives. The administration is destroying the economy for the sake of and in the name of their elitist green new deal philosophy and accelerating the destruction of an otherwise once thriving economy.
Hate is everywhere. So can you define what is a woman? Or when does life begin? Or a million other questions that any farm born person can answer without question. In the womb and a woman has a womb. Soon and very soon they are coming to take away our freedom to worship. These progressives, no they are regressives, for they are actively destroying the constitution and will be putting this nation in peril and weakening us by having open borders and no military defensive or offensive capabilities. The elite wants to destruct and rule you. So I ask again what should you be doing?
Should we hate, destroy, run rampant go for it or should we look for the answers in our Bible, then allow God to direct our path? I thinks we know the answer.
The apostle Peter writing in 1st Peter is addressing the churches who are in the midst of suffering persecution. Persecution is coming from both from the Roman authorities and from the Jewish religious leaders. They are being persecuted as enemies of the state- isn’t that amazing. And you know what happens to their homes, their children and their possessions – the enrich the state and individual leaders. This has happen to the Canadian Truckers already and here to others as well – the cake baker in Oregon. So what does Peter say to them as inspired by the Holy Spirit in the Word -
1st Peter Chapter 2: 1-
Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow [a]thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
The Chosen Stone and His Chosen People
4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”
7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who [b]are disobedient,
“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone,”
8 and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
Living Before the World
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
What follows are two more sections about
1. Submitting to the government v.13-17
2. Submitting to unkind Masters v.18-20
And verses 21 through 25 are the story of the Suffering Servant of God and the way He suffered is the way we are to suffer. His example is never to revile but, in all ways, trusting God that He will bring vindication, judgement and justice in the end.
The sub-title for our lesson is What should we be doing in these final days or not so final days until the Lord comes? What is a body to do for our Lord in times like these?
Pray with me - Lord we pray you open our hearts and our thoughts, as we come before you to hear Your voice, lead us in the paths of righteousness everlasting - Amen
So Peter gets right on it he tells us what we should be doing in these days of trials and persecution –
Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow [a]thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
A two-step process – Step 1 - Laying aside and Step 2 desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby. In Step 1, there goes all lying, cheating, evil speaking and envious criticism. So we are to watch our tongues as James tells us, for the tongue causes fires to rage.
Step 2 and we need to honestly assess where we stand on this- as Newborn babes we are to desire the sincere milk of the word, that we may grow thereby. Do you still have a burning desire for the Word of God to fill you or are you like me, sometimes complacent. If we are, we need to repent for the second part of this verse should cause us to pause – if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Have you asked Jesus Christ in your heart? If you have, then you know the grace and love of the Lord Jesus and what He has done for you on the cross. If you want a personal relationship, and to be strong as a Christian and to have faith that in God, then you need the Word of God in You. Jesus in His high priestly prayer in John 17, said as He prayed, “Thy word is truth.” He also said I am the way the truth and the life. No man cometh to the Father but by Me. So when we ask Jesus into our hearts by faith, we receive new life. We keep this new life fresh and by receiving the bread of life which is found in immersing ourselves in the Word of God. John 6:63 provides the capstone -
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. So if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious and want to be continually filled you will continue to have a desire for the Word, not the milk so much but the Meat of the Word and will continue to study and glean all you can. I am sure you all check out guides and books that explain things in greater detail like cook books, how to use you phone- YouTube training videos, and the like. So why are you avoiding the Word of God- it is your life.
Step 3- Orient yourselves to become His chosen Stones and His chosen People vs 4-5 4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. You are coming to Jesus who is a living stone rejected by men, but chosen by God and precious. The implication here is this also applies to you for also are rejected by men and chosen by God and are precious to Him. After all He sent Jesus to pay the penalty for your sin and mine, so you are infinitely precious in His sight. As living stones birthed by God, you are being built up into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood- praying and leading others. Why so you can offer up spiritual sacrifices - your serviced and your life which are to be acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Also note from whom your leadership comes - 6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”
7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who [b]are disobedient,
“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone,”
8 and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. Your leader is the cornerstone – Jesus is the cornerstone. He is also the rock of Ages cleft for you and I our savior Immanuel .
Point 4 – note your special assignment and call to ministry as your response to what should we be doing – notice – verses 9-10: 9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
A chosen generation – of the Lord
A royal priesthood – ordained by Jesus Christ
A holy nation – you are God’s children in His Son. A very peculiar and special people who have been anointed by the Holy Spirit.
Why has God done this?- That you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; to witness to the nature of an awesome God and His saving grace. Foot stomp this - our job is to call attention to God. To call to and to tell others of His glory, His majesty, His saving grace and the wonderous beauty of His Son.
Last point – You are to live Him before the World. You are to be salt and light. A candlestick on a hill radiates light and you and I are it. Read verses 11-12:
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
So don’t live as the world lives, live differently as led by the Holy Spirit of God. For if He is not leading you will not be able to follow in your own weaknesses.
Don’t lust after what the eyes sees, or what the mind thinks or the flesh desires. As a pilgrim on a dedicated journey toward the city of God and your heavenly rest don’t conflict or stress your souls by lust. Stay strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Make your conduct honorable, above board. Leave no room in your behavior which might cause others to question or to wonder about your character, your integrity and your reputation. Are you a man or woman {there are only two sexes according to the Word of God, 1 race, and 1 marriage, 1 creation not an evolution}who can stand before God and men with a clean conscience? Maybe not perfect, but you are forgiven, and are covered by His righteousness in the blood of the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. If the answer is yes, then you are following the Lord. But maybe your aren’t there yet. If that is the case then don’t quit don’t give up, you are here and God is not done with you yet and He is calling to you to obey. Will you respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and come to the Lord Jesus today?
So then the end of being a believer is not to vegetate and sit in church and worship here but to follow what Peter has said in verse 12 – that others by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Your works are to be lived before others. That means we will be criticized and ostracized, cast out even. But in the midst of the hostilities do not forget who you are. You are children of the King and your life and light in the midst of the darkness may bring others to the source of all light – Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Where are you letting your light shine before men today?
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more information or help. He loves you. Amen
Sermon March 27
Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?
Lesson - What should we be doing? Why do I ask this question? We you know the day and the hour we live in America today. And we are aware of rampant inflation everything cost more and our money is worth less. It may soon be worthless if the administration continues its reckless idiocy. War is on the horizon and we are discussing an NBC event as if it some casual isolated happening that will not have world-wide impact on health and humanity. We are destroying our food supply because of our cutting the supply of oil – farmers cannot afford to run their equipment and the supply of fertilizer both foreign and domestic either comes from outside the US or it costs so much to produce and comes from oil derivatives. The administration is destroying the economy for the sake of and in the name of their elitist green new deal philosophy and accelerating the destruction of an otherwise once thriving economy.
Hate is everywhere. So can you define what is a woman? Or when does life begin? Or a million other questions that any farm born person can answer without question. In the womb and a woman has a womb. Soon and very soon they are coming to take away our freedom to worship. These progressives, no they are regressives, for they are actively destroying the constitution and will be putting this nation in peril and weakening us by having open borders and no military defensive or offensive capabilities. The elite wants to destruct and rule you. So I ask again what should you be doing?
Should we hate, destroy, run rampant go for it or should we look for the answers in our Bible, then allow God to direct our path? I thinks we know the answer.
The apostle Peter writing in 1st Peter is addressing the churches who are in the midst of suffering persecution. Persecution is coming from both from the Roman authorities and from the Jewish religious leaders. They are being persecuted as enemies of the state- isn’t that amazing. And you know what happens to their homes, their children and their possessions – the enrich the state and individual leaders. This has happen to the Canadian Truckers already and here to others as well – the cake baker in Oregon. So what does Peter say to them as inspired by the Holy Spirit in the Word -
1st Peter Chapter 2: 1-
Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow [a]thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
The Chosen Stone and His Chosen People
4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”
7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who [b]are disobedient,
“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone,”
8 and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
Living Before the World
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
What follows are two more sections about
1. Submitting to the government v.13-17
2. Submitting to unkind Masters v.18-20
And verses 21 through 25 are the story of the Suffering Servant of God and the way He suffered is the way we are to suffer. His example is never to revile but, in all ways, trusting God that He will bring vindication, judgement and justice in the end.
The sub-title for our lesson is What should we be doing in these final days or not so final days until the Lord comes? What is a body to do for our Lord in times like these?
Pray with me - Lord we pray you open our hearts and our thoughts, as we come before you to hear Your voice, lead us in the paths of righteousness everlasting - Amen
So Peter gets right on it he tells us what we should be doing in these days of trials and persecution –
Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow [a]thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
A two-step process – Step 1 - Laying aside and Step 2 desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby. In Step 1, there goes all lying, cheating, evil speaking and envious criticism. So we are to watch our tongues as James tells us, for the tongue causes fires to rage.
Step 2 and we need to honestly assess where we stand on this- as Newborn babes we are to desire the sincere milk of the word, that we may grow thereby. Do you still have a burning desire for the Word of God to fill you or are you like me, sometimes complacent. If we are, we need to repent for the second part of this verse should cause us to pause – if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Have you asked Jesus Christ in your heart? If you have, then you know the grace and love of the Lord Jesus and what He has done for you on the cross. If you want a personal relationship, and to be strong as a Christian and to have faith that in God, then you need the Word of God in You. Jesus in His high priestly prayer in John 17, said as He prayed, “Thy word is truth.” He also said I am the way the truth and the life. No man cometh to the Father but by Me. So when we ask Jesus into our hearts by faith, we receive new life. We keep this new life fresh and by receiving the bread of life which is found in immersing ourselves in the Word of God. John 6:63 provides the capstone -
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. So if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious and want to be continually filled you will continue to have a desire for the Word, not the milk so much but the Meat of the Word and will continue to study and glean all you can. I am sure you all check out guides and books that explain things in greater detail like cook books, how to use you phone- YouTube training videos, and the like. So why are you avoiding the Word of God- it is your life.
Step 3- Orient yourselves to become His chosen Stones and His chosen People vs 4-5 4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. You are coming to Jesus who is a living stone rejected by men, but chosen by God and precious. The implication here is this also applies to you for also are rejected by men and chosen by God and are precious to Him. After all He sent Jesus to pay the penalty for your sin and mine, so you are infinitely precious in His sight. As living stones birthed by God, you are being built up into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood- praying and leading others. Why so you can offer up spiritual sacrifices - your serviced and your life which are to be acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Also note from whom your leadership comes - 6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”
7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who [b]are disobedient,
“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone,”
8 and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. Your leader is the cornerstone – Jesus is the cornerstone. He is also the rock of Ages cleft for you and I our savior Immanuel .
Point 4 – note your special assignment and call to ministry as your response to what should we be doing – notice – verses 9-10: 9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
A chosen generation – of the Lord
A royal priesthood – ordained by Jesus Christ
A holy nation – you are God’s children in His Son. A very peculiar and special people who have been anointed by the Holy Spirit.
Why has God done this?- That you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; to witness to the nature of an awesome God and His saving grace. Foot stomp this - our job is to call attention to God. To call to and to tell others of His glory, His majesty, His saving grace and the wonderous beauty of His Son.
Last point – You are to live Him before the World. You are to be salt and light. A candlestick on a hill radiates light and you and I are it. Read verses 11-12:
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
So don’t live as the world lives, live differently as led by the Holy Spirit of God. For if He is not leading you will not be able to follow in your own weaknesses.
Don’t lust after what the eyes sees, or what the mind thinks or the flesh desires. As a pilgrim on a dedicated journey toward the city of God and your heavenly rest don’t conflict or stress your souls by lust. Stay strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Make your conduct honorable, above board. Leave no room in your behavior which might cause others to question or to wonder about your character, your integrity and your reputation. Are you a man or woman {there are only two sexes according to the Word of God, 1 race, and 1 marriage, 1 creation not an evolution}who can stand before God and men with a clean conscience? Maybe not perfect, but you are forgiven, and are covered by His righteousness in the blood of the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. If the answer is yes, then you are following the Lord. But maybe your aren’t there yet. If that is the case then don’t quit don’t give up, you are here and God is not done with you yet and He is calling to you to obey. Will you respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and come to the Lord Jesus today?
So then the end of being a believer is not to vegetate and sit in church and worship here but to follow what Peter has said in verse 12 – that others by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Your works are to be lived before others. That means we will be criticized and ostracized, cast out even. But in the midst of the hostilities do not forget who you are. You are children of the King and your life and light in the midst of the darkness may bring others to the source of all light – Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Where are you letting your light shine before men today?
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more information or help. He loves you. Amen
Who have you invited to church today who needs to know Jesus Christ?
Lesson - What should we be doing? Why do I ask this question? We you know the day and the hour we live in America today. And we are aware of rampant inflation everything cost more and our money is worth less. It may soon be worthless if the administration continues its reckless idiocy. War is on the horizon and we are discussing an NBC event as if it some casual isolated happening that will not have world-wide impact on health and humanity. We are destroying our food supply because of our cutting the supply of oil – farmers cannot afford to run their equipment and the supply of fertilizer both foreign and domestic either comes from outside the US or it costs so much to produce and comes from oil derivatives. The administration is destroying the economy for the sake of and in the name of their elitist green new deal philosophy and accelerating the destruction of an otherwise once thriving economy.
Hate is everywhere. So can you define what is a woman? Or when does life begin? Or a million other questions that any farm born person can answer without question. In the womb and a woman has a womb. Soon and very soon they are coming to take away our freedom to worship. These progressives, no they are regressives, for they are actively destroying the constitution and will be putting this nation in peril and weakening us by having open borders and no military defensive or offensive capabilities. The elite wants to destruct and rule you. So I ask again what should you be doing?
Should we hate, destroy, run rampant go for it or should we look for the answers in our Bible, then allow God to direct our path? I thinks we know the answer.
The apostle Peter writing in 1st Peter is addressing the churches who are in the midst of suffering persecution. Persecution is coming from both from the Roman authorities and from the Jewish religious leaders. They are being persecuted as enemies of the state- isn’t that amazing. And you know what happens to their homes, their children and their possessions – the enrich the state and individual leaders. This has happen to the Canadian Truckers already and here to others as well – the cake baker in Oregon. So what does Peter say to them as inspired by the Holy Spirit in the Word -
1st Peter Chapter 2: 1-
Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow [a]thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
The Chosen Stone and His Chosen People
4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”
7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who [b]are disobedient,
“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone,”
8 and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
Living Before the World
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
What follows are two more sections about
1. Submitting to the government v.13-17
2. Submitting to unkind Masters v.18-20
And verses 21 through 25 are the story of the Suffering Servant of God and the way He suffered is the way we are to suffer. His example is never to revile but, in all ways, trusting God that He will bring vindication, judgement and justice in the end.
The sub-title for our lesson is What should we be doing in these final days or not so final days until the Lord comes? What is a body to do for our Lord in times like these?
Pray with me - Lord we pray you open our hearts and our thoughts, as we come before you to hear Your voice, lead us in the paths of righteousness everlasting - Amen
So Peter gets right on it he tells us what we should be doing in these days of trials and persecution –
Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow [a]thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
A two-step process – Step 1 - Laying aside and Step 2 desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby. In Step 1, there goes all lying, cheating, evil speaking and envious criticism. So we are to watch our tongues as James tells us, for the tongue causes fires to rage.
Step 2 and we need to honestly assess where we stand on this- as Newborn babes we are to desire the sincere milk of the word, that we may grow thereby. Do you still have a burning desire for the Word of God to fill you or are you like me, sometimes complacent. If we are, we need to repent for the second part of this verse should cause us to pause – if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Have you asked Jesus Christ in your heart? If you have, then you know the grace and love of the Lord Jesus and what He has done for you on the cross. If you want a personal relationship, and to be strong as a Christian and to have faith that in God, then you need the Word of God in You. Jesus in His high priestly prayer in John 17, said as He prayed, “Thy word is truth.” He also said I am the way the truth and the life. No man cometh to the Father but by Me. So when we ask Jesus into our hearts by faith, we receive new life. We keep this new life fresh and by receiving the bread of life which is found in immersing ourselves in the Word of God. John 6:63 provides the capstone -
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. So if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious and want to be continually filled you will continue to have a desire for the Word, not the milk so much but the Meat of the Word and will continue to study and glean all you can. I am sure you all check out guides and books that explain things in greater detail like cook books, how to use you phone- YouTube training videos, and the like. So why are you avoiding the Word of God- it is your life.
Step 3- Orient yourselves to become His chosen Stones and His chosen People vs 4-5 4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. You are coming to Jesus who is a living stone rejected by men, but chosen by God and precious. The implication here is this also applies to you for also are rejected by men and chosen by God and are precious to Him. After all He sent Jesus to pay the penalty for your sin and mine, so you are infinitely precious in His sight. As living stones birthed by God, you are being built up into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood- praying and leading others. Why so you can offer up spiritual sacrifices - your serviced and your life which are to be acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Also note from whom your leadership comes - 6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”
7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who [b]are disobedient,
“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone,”
8 and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. Your leader is the cornerstone – Jesus is the cornerstone. He is also the rock of Ages cleft for you and I our savior Immanuel .
Point 4 – note your special assignment and call to ministry as your response to what should we be doing – notice – verses 9-10: 9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
A chosen generation – of the Lord
A royal priesthood – ordained by Jesus Christ
A holy nation – you are God’s children in His Son. A very peculiar and special people who have been anointed by the Holy Spirit.
Why has God done this?- That you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; to witness to the nature of an awesome God and His saving grace. Foot stomp this - our job is to call attention to God. To call to and to tell others of His glory, His majesty, His saving grace and the wonderous beauty of His Son.
Last point – You are to live Him before the World. You are to be salt and light. A candlestick on a hill radiates light and you and I are it. Read verses 11-12:
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
So don’t live as the world lives, live differently as led by the Holy Spirit of God. For if He is not leading you will not be able to follow in your own weaknesses.
Don’t lust after what the eyes sees, or what the mind thinks or the flesh desires. As a pilgrim on a dedicated journey toward the city of God and your heavenly rest don’t conflict or stress your souls by lust. Stay strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Make your conduct honorable, above board. Leave no room in your behavior which might cause others to question or to wonder about your character, your integrity and your reputation. Are you a man or woman {there are only two sexes according to the Word of God, 1 race, and 1 marriage, 1 creation not an evolution}who can stand before God and men with a clean conscience? Maybe not perfect, but you are forgiven, and are covered by His righteousness in the blood of the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. If the answer is yes, then you are following the Lord. But maybe your aren’t there yet. If that is the case then don’t quit don’t give up, you are here and God is not done with you yet and He is calling to you to obey. Will you respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and come to the Lord Jesus today?
So then the end of being a believer is not to vegetate and sit in church and worship here but to follow what Peter has said in verse 12 – that others by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Your works are to be lived before others. That means we will be criticized and ostracized, cast out even. But in the midst of the hostilities do not forget who you are. You are children of the King and your life and light in the midst of the darkness may bring others to the source of all light – Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Where are you letting your light shine before men today?
Do you know Jesus Christ? If not or you are not sure, He tells us that whosoever will may come? Read Romans 10:9-13, or seek myself or any believer in Christ, or call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and ask for more information or help. He loves you. Amen
Sermon March 20
Today’s lesson is a practical lesson on contending earnestly for the faith. What does this mean? Many of us sp
Today’s lesson is a practical lesson on contending earnestly for the faith. What does this mean? Many of us sp