According To Freddie 4

2010-03-11T18:01:00.000-08:00

This is Edie. I am wondering if anyone ever comes here anymore, and curious about all the friends we made on according to freddie. If any one of you sees this, how about sending me a line at accordingtofreddie@yahoo.com? I really do miss all of you. Edie

2009-08-06T22:33:00.000-07:00

THE NATIONS TAKE THEIR PLACES

Pleas keep in mind that this was preached in October, 1973!

Text: Ezek 38:4 And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:

As God fulfilled in detail, the prophecy of Ezekiel 26:1-14 concerning Tyre, (Alexander the Great) so will he bring to pass those things that are yet to come!

I. Remember that in this drama of nations, Israel has star billing. The prophecies of the nations at the end of time always speak of their relationship to Israel and never to the Lord’s Church.

Dan 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
‘THY PEOPLE’
Dan 9:11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.

Dan 9:20 And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;

A. She was to be scattered among all nations and her land desolated.
Luke 19:41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Luke 19:42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

Luke 19:43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
Luke 19:44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

Lev 26:14 But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments;
Lev 26:15 And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant:

Lev 26:16 I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.
Lev 26:17 And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.

Lev 26:18 And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.
Lev 26:19 And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass:

Lev 26:20 And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits.
Lev 26:21 And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.

Lev 26:22 I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your high ways shall be desolate.
Lev 26:23 And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me;

Lev 26:24 Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.
Lev 26:25 And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.

Lev 26:26 And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver you your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.
Lev 26:27 And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me;

Lev 26:28 Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.
Lev 26:29 And ye shall eat the flesh of your sons, and the flesh of your daughters shall ye eat.

Lev 26:30 And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.
Lev 26:31 And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours.

Lev 26:32 And I will bring the land into desolation: and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it.
Lev 26:33 And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

Lev 26:34 Then shall the land enjoy her sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, and ye be in your enemies' land; even then shall the land rest, and enjoy her sabbaths.
Lev 26:35 As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.

Lev 26:36 And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.
Lev 26:37 And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies.

Lev 26:38 And ye shall perish among the heathen, and the land of your enemies shall eat you up.
Lev 26:39 And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies' lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them.

Luke 23:28 But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.
Luke 23:29 For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.

Luke 23:30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
Luke 23:31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?
B. Her sacrifices could be offered in one place only.

Deu 16:5 Thou mayest not sacrifice the passover within any of thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee:
Deu 16:6 But at the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name in, there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that thou camest forth out of Egypt.

C. This place was to be destroyed
Mat 24:2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

D. She is to be regathered in preparation for the final act.
Ezek 34:11 For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.
Ezek 34:12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.

Ezek 34:13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

Isa 43:5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;
Isa 43:6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

Ezek 36:24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.
Ezek 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

Ezek 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
Ezek 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Ezek 36:28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.

Isa 11:11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

Isa 11:12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.

E She will never cease to be a nation again.

Jer 31:35 Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name:
Jer 31:36 If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.

Jer 31:37 Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.

F. However, Her punishment is not yet complete.
Dan 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

G. All nations will be involved in final punishment of the Jews!
Dan 9:26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

Dan 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Ezekiel 38 (entire chapter)

II Worldwide conditions that shall prevail
Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Luke 21:26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Luke 21:27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

A. Man looks toward the stars -
Russia claims to be receiving signals from the stars!

B. Distress (sunexo (phonetic) of mind, anxiety; with perplexity (having no resources and unable to do anything) Is not this the constant dilemma of the U.N.?

C. Sea and waves roaring! Man’s unrest and turmoil leading to lawlessness

Isa 57:20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
Isa 57:21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

D. Men’s hearts failing (swooning for fear.)

E. When these things begin -LOOK UP! Your Redemption draweth nigh!!

III Two world powers, - One moving force -
Who opposeth himself - 2 Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
(Satan’s desire to destroy mankind in general and Israel in particular)

A. Seventieth week opens with a period of peace by force of arms (threats) (white horse)
Rev 6:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
Revived Roman Empire - 10 nations under one head - outwardly friendly to Israel- accepted by Israel. (crown given to him)

B. Midst of the week - Red horse rider -
Rev 6:4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
- Power to take peace from the earth! An effort to consolidate and increase his power when -

C. Northern power moves in!

IV What does it all mean to us now
2 Pet 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

1 Pet 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
1 Pet 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

1 Pet 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

2009-02-08T16:07:00.000-08:00

FORGIVENESS
Texts: Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Acts 13:38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

Intro: To err is human; to forgive, divine. - Man will never reach a higher plane than when praying for forgiveness or when forgiving others.
1. Forgiveness always involves at least two persons, GOD and YOU.
The Creator and the Creature

2. Sinners often have trouble seeing their need, because they perceive only themselves as being involved. God is always involved.
“If it doesn’t hurt anyone, then it isn’t wrong; or; I’m not hurting anyone but myself.”

Psa 51:4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

Sin is against Him:
a. Because of our created status; in His image.
Rev 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

b. He is grieved by our sin!
Gen 6:5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Gen 6:6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

3. To Receive forgiveness, the Wrong must be real to both parties.
Wrong must be real to YOU before you can be forgiven. If you don’t think you have wronged, you won’t feel you need forgiveness.
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

a. To be forgiven, you must be forgiving.
Mat 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Mat 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Mat 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
Mat 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Or,
Mat 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
Sometimes, we think we know better than God, and let things fester rather than letting our grievance be known. This will lead to resentment, and broken fellowship over something that a brother may not even be aware that he has offended.

b. Man must have a desire to go beyond the personal need to escape the burden of guilt brought on by sin. This is only to escape punishment. He must have a desire to see the harm, heartbreak and grief to the heart of God assuaged. This is Godly repentance. This is a desire to restore fellowship.
2 Cor 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

4. It must be freely granted and unconditionally received. (It is often harder to accept (true) forgiveness than to grant it. This is a result of pride, self-righteousness
God freely offers forgiveness to whosever will, but only those willing to humble themselves and repent, will actually receive forgiveness.

5. The offer of Forgiveness is a result of the Price of Redemption, the atonement made by Jesus Christ on the Cross.
a. redemption satisfies the justice demanded by His righteousness.
b. Atonement satisfies His demands for righteousness.
c. Forgiveness satisfies His desire for fellowship.

2009-01-31T15:34:00.000-08:00

These last 5 lessons were not originally meant to be a regular series, but I put them together as I found them. This last one is one that I wished he were here to clarify some of his thoughts, but I am putting them out as he had them. Perhaps you will be able to follow them better than I could.

THE PLAN OF THE SCRIPTURE

Text: 2 Tim 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Intro: God has a definite plan in His word and the stamp of the perfect, Holy God is upon and throughout the entire Bible.

I. The Bible follows a Divine pattern.
A. Three laws governing a complete organism.
II Pet 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

B. Each part is related to, or corresponds to every other part.

C. That each part of the organism must be pervaded with the Spirit of life.
John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
No part of the Scripture can be dispensed with, and there is neither need nor room for an additional part!

D. The pattern of the Bible as a whole.
1. BEGINS with god
Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
ENDS with man
Rev 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
The last and crowning creation and the ONLY recipient of His amazing GRACE!

2. Middle verse of the Bible contains the essence of all Bible teaching.
Psa 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

3. Man’s first recorded words to God;
Gen 3:10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
Man's last recorded words
Rev 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

4. The Bible teaching of Trinity
a. Man is a trinity; body, soul, spirit
I Thess 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

b. Around him is the world; within him is the FLESH; beneath him is the DEVIL.

c. FLESH constitutes another trinity
1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
This trinity brought the fall and also the redemption of man!
In the first case, God’s word was doubted;

Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Gen 3:2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

Gen 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

Gen 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

Gen 3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Gen 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

In the second, it was used and relied upon.
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Rom 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

Rom 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

Rom 5:16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.

Rom 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Rom 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

Rom 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

Rom 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

Rom 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

5. Three times in early scripture the term ’us’ is used designating God.
a. At the creation of man
Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

b. At the Fall of man
Gen 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

c. At the Judgment of man
Gen 11:7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.

II Comparing the Old and New Testaments.
A. OLD begins with GOD;
Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

NEW begins with CHRIST.
Mat 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

B. OLD ends with the threat of a curse;
Mal 4:6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

NEW with a blessing
Rev 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

C. First miracle of Moses. Turning water into BLOOD
Exo 7:19 And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone.

First miracle of Christ, turning water into WINE
John 2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
John 2:2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

John 2:3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
John 2:4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

John 2:5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
John 2:6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

John 2:7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
John 2:8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.

John 2:9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

John 2:10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
John 2:11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

D. First two brothers in OLD Testament; one murdered the other
Gen 4:1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.
Gen 4:2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.

Gen 4:3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
Gen 4:4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:

Gen 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
Gen 4:6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?

Gen 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
Gen 4:8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

First 2 brothers in NEW Testament; one led the other to Christ
John 1:40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

John 1:41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
John 1:42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

E. In the OLD Testament, God calls to man, ”Where art thou?”
Gen 3:9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
In the NEW, Man calls, “Where is He?”
Mat 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

F. The burden of the OLD Testament; “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God”
Deu 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Burden of the NEW: The Lord thy God loveth thee!
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.

III His plan in the Books of the Bible
A. Genesis - Begins with God giving life; Sin enters; ends with a dead man
Gen 50:26 So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

B. Exodus - Begins with a people far from God; ends with the glorious presence of God in their midst. Brought out of Egypt, a type of sin, under the Passover blood.

C. Leviticus - A book of Laws or how to worship

D. Numbers - A book of commandments and judgments - How to walk (live) for the Lord.
Num 36:13 These are the commandments and the judgments, which the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses unto the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho.

E. Deuteronomy - A second giving of the Law - Working for The Lord.
These first five books (the Penteteuch) form a perfect pattern for preaching and living;
First, a sinner; then a redeemed sinner; becomes a worshipful child of God; and a new creation, an upright and moral child of God; and an obedient child in service to his God.

F. Psalms - consists of five divisions corresponding to the first five books of the Bible. Each ends with “AMEN” except the last which ends with “hallelujah”
1) Psalms 1 - 41 (There are no chapters in the book of Psalms (songs), but are numbered as in a hymn book.) The book of creation
Psa 8:3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

2. Psalms 42 - 72 Book of redemption and Passover

*Psa 51* (*too long to include. Edie)

3. Psalms 73 - 89 - Book of sanctuary and atonement
Psa 84:1 To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!
Psa 84:2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.

Psa 84:3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.
Psa 84:4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.

4. Psalms 90 - 106 - Book of the wilderness Sojourn. *Psa 91.

5. Psalms 107 - 150 Book of the Word and obedience. *Psa 119.

The book of Psalms stands in the center of our Bible and begins with God blessing man and ends with man blessing God! It is principly man’s voice crying out to God while the books on either side are the voice of God speaking to man. Every possible degree of man’s emotions are voiced here and therefore are ageless in their appeal and usefulness to man.

Take a Psalm!
Psa 81:1 To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
Psa 81:2 Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.

2009-01-23T22:29:00.000-08:00

THE WORD OF GOD AND YOU

Psa 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

Psa 119:89 LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

Psa 119:105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Mat 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

John 1:1 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 any thing made that was made.

4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Intro: Since the word is the very expression of God, it - - - -:
1. Supplies us with complete instructions for living, worship and service.

II Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Traditions, customs, and manuals notwithstanding.

2. Has been committed to the Lord’s Church for her to follow.
Jno. 17:14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
And it will set her apart from the world.

3. Is to be studied and followed by individual Christians (a personal responsibility)
II Tim 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Pet 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

4. It alone answers the question of man’s beginnings.
Heb 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

In giving us this answer, it brings us face to face with our creator, so that we must acknowledge our obligations to Him.

5. It alone tells man how to be saved
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

6. It alone is the sword of the Spirit, to convict and to lead
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Jno. 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.

Jno 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

7. It alone is the material of our message to both saved and lost.
II Tim 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

8. It can provide everything necessary for the babe in Christ
I Pet 2:As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

9. As one grows, it can provide him with strong meat.
I Cor 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

10. It alone tells us of the future, and how to prepare for it.
I Jno 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

A. The personal accounting to Christ
I Cor:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

II Cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

B. The church’s ministry with Him, even to the judging of angels!
I Cor. 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

11. It contains NOTHING that is UNimportant to man
Mat. 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

EVERY WORD!!!

A proper learning perspective of the Word will NOT diminish zeal for evangelism as one grows in grace and in knowledge of the truth, but will enhance it.

2009-01-15T16:30:00.000-08:00

THE SCRIPTURE CANNOT BE BROKEN
Text: Jno 10:35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

Intro: The Pharisees knew the law well. They could quote from the prophets, but when the law and the prophets were fulfilled before their very eyes, they wouldn’t accept the truth. Whether we like it or not, let us accept the scripture, for it cannot be broken.

I. The scripture is secure
A. More permanent than heaven and earth
Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Isa 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

B. His word has always been carried out before!

THE ANVIL OF GOD’S WORD

Last eve I passed beside a blacksmith's door

And heard the anvil ring the vesper chime;

When looking in, I saw upon the floor,

Old hammers worn with beating years of time.

"How many anvils have you had," said I,

"To wear and batter these hammers so?"

"Just one," said he; then with a twinkling eye,

"The anvil wears the hammers out, you know."

And so, I thought, the anvil of God's Word,

For ages, skeptics blows have beat upon;

Yet, though the noise of falling blows was heard,

The anvil is unharmed - the hammers gone.
John Clifford

C. It will someday judge all men.
Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

II Men try to break His Word today
A. By sowing evil to try to reap good.
Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

B. By trying to receive blessings without meeting the conditions.
Jas. 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

C. By scoffing at God’s chastisement or judgment
II Peter 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after 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 the creation.

5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

D. By trying to ignore His church
Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Jno. 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

E. By trying to bypass His plan of salvation
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

III What if some did not believe?
Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

2009-01-09T20:12:00.000-08:00

CONCERNING THE SCRIPTURES

I The Holy Bible was written by men, divinely inspired.
A. They were not men whose profession was writing. They were princes, kings, herdsmen, fig-gatherers, fishermen, lawyers, doctors, priests and possibly more.

B. They were divinely inspired
II Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

II Pet. 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

“And the Lord spake unto Moses saying ----”
Exo. 20:1 ---------------------22

v 22 And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.

Acts 1:16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

I Pet. 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

II A perfect treasure of heavenly instruction
A. Pure
Psa 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

Psa 119:140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

Prov 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

B True
Psa 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

Jno 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

C. Perfect
Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

D. Precious

Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

II Pet 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

III Salvation is its objective
II Tim 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Jas 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

I Pet 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

IV Truth without ANY mixture of error
Pro 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

Psa 119:89 LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

V It reveals the principles of judgment
Jno 12:47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

VI It is the ONLY basis of Christian fellowship
Phil 3:16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Rom 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I Jno 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

VII The standard for all human conduct, creeds, and opinions
Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

I Jno 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Rev 2:2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

I Thess 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Isa 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

2009-01-03T18:26:00.001-08:00

NEW POSTS
Archer, Billie
Archer, Joel
Fontague, Bob
Fontague, Kindra

2009-01-03T09:59:00.000-08:00

DOWN THROUGH THE AGES

Text: Mat 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Intro: The Bible is God, expressing Himself to man. He promised that His word would endure and by the power of God it has endured in spite of Satan and sinful men! Not only has it endured, but the preaching of it is as powerful today as ever!

I. The beginning of the Scripture

A. Not written by men who were writers by trade, but rather by a host of different men of different occupations.

To name a few:

David and Solomon - Kings

Moses -A Jew by birth, Egyptian Prince by adoption, a shepherd by necessity, leader of Israel by the power of God.

Daniel - A captive made Prime minister in Babylon

Ezekiel - A Priest

Amos - A Gatherer of figs

Matthew - A Tax-Collector

Luke - A Physician

Paul - A Lawyer

Peter - A fisherman

II The reverence of the Hebrew scribes.

Each word and each letter counted. Always wiped their pen before writing the name of God in any form and bathed completely before the most holy name, ‘Jehovah’. Completed document was examined and destroyed if ONE mistake was found!

III The Translations of the Scripture

A. Septuagint - 70 translators - original Hebrew to Greek

B. Latin Vulgate - ‘commonly used’ 384 a d

C. Parts translated into English by different men but no complete English translation till Wycliffe. From Latin Vulgate into English.

D. Tyndale - 1530 - 1536? A result of the desire to free man’s minds and souls from the bondage of Rome. Tyndale’s last words: "Lord, open the king of England’s eyes."

E. The Great Bible - 1539- Three years after Tyndale died, this bible, ( a ’revision’ of sorts of Tyndale’s) was decreed to be ‘set up upon every church door!’ Multitudes would assemble just to hear the word read. Boys left their games to hear and old folks learned to read!

F. The ’Geneva Bible’ - By a group of scholars in Switzerland during the reign of ’Bloody Mary’. The first Bible to be divided into verses and the first English to leave out the Apocryphal books.

G. The King James Bible. Much wisdom used in spite of the fact it was actually a work of Political expediency and not of reverence. In 1603, James of Scotland took the throne
And in 1604, in order to strengthen the position of the throne and the ’divine rights of kings’ commissioned 47 men to write or translate what became the King James version.

They were to translate exactly, yet were not to contradict the Church of England in any of its practices. Therefore, when they came to the word ‘baptizo’ (to dip, immerse, bury) they had a problem , because the Church of England sprinkled. They solved the problem by transliterating rather than translating; hence our word ‘baptize’ which is used to define whatever method is used for this ordinance. The word translated 'church' is, in the original Greek, 'ecclesia' (english spelling) which means 'assembly' or 'congregation', ruling out a universal church, a theory of both the Catholic (universal) and the Episcopal church.

2008-12-25T16:41:00.000-08:00

PUT YOURSELF TO THE TEST

Text: I Cor 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

Intro: We should not wait until we are in the presence of the elements with the church gathered to take the Lord’s supper, before we begin the examination of ourselves. Our testing should be a continual process with every move put to the test.

This is not speaking of an introspective examination of the mind by the mind, for we possess an uncanny ability to find approval in our own minds of all that we are and do.
This speaks of testing oneself by putting into actions the things known, by the word, to be right.

It is not enough to dwell in a spiritual ‘Walter Mitty’ dream world where we imagine ourselves to be spiritual giants, we must Be spiritual MEN. It is not a matter of how brave a soldier is in his mind, or boasts before the battle; the test is, how well does he stand before the enemy?

The challenge of the day is to every child of God to test himself and PROVE himself by the doing of the will of God.
Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
To will is easy - can you pass the test of doing?

I The test of discipleship
Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

A. Peter wanted to be true to Christ but couldn’t, until he got a stubborn, loudmouthed fisherman out of the way. Only then could he pass the test.

B. Mat 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
The young man’s desire was not great enough to pass the test of material versus spiritual. Many still are willing to give up a bridal relationship with the Lord for job, fame, or fun.

C. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
By putting our bodies (lives) into the Lord’s service, we not only meet the test, but also we prove that the will of God is;

1. Good - When we present ourselves in purity to Him, His will proves to be pure. He requires on deceit, sin, etch. In his service
Rom 3:8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

2. Acceptable (Well-pleased.) You may give SOME time, money, effort and still be miserable. When you give yourself, you and God will both be pleased.
Heb 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

I Cor 8:1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

4 Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

3. Perfect - lacking nothing. Present logical service; God doesn’t ask for 100% of our time, money or effort, but he holds back nothing from us.

D. Real discipleship is a manifestation of Divine power - Prove it!

II Cor 13:4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

E. We should be our own most severe critics
Gal 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

II We need to meet the test of stewardship
II Cor 8:11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

Ananais and Sapphira willed, but didn‘t do! When we pass the test, we will prove God also.

Mal 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

III Only through Christ are we qualified to even take the test.
A. In Salvation - we must meet God’s standard.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Jno 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

B. In service - ‘a’ church isn’t enough. Is it HIS church? Can it pass the test as to origin, doctrine and practice?
Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Jas 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

C. When you put last year to the test, how much comes through that will count in eternity?
Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

What about 2009? You wouldn’t want to spend eternity without Christ - then don’t waste the time he has given you to prepare!
II Cor 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Rom 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

2008-12-17T16:13:00.001-08:00

LIFT UP YOUR EYES

Text; Gen. 13:14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
15 For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.

16 And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.
17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.
18 Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.

Gen 15:18 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

Introduction; Abraham might have been satisfied with a sixty acre farm, but God had promised him a home sufficient for the multitudes of promise. God had promised BIG and Abraham believed big and as a result he received big.!

Note the positive nature of God's command, 'He didn't say, 'Well maybe you ought to---"!

I. Abraham had to move out to receive the promise, 'I will be with you'.
Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

A."Go ye" ever precedes the promise, "I will be with you".
1. Sowing must ALWAYS go before the harvest.
Psa.126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

2. A church should have at least as many missionaries as she has members..
'Lift up thine eyes' THEN GO YE!!

3. Asking is ALWAYS the order BEFORE receiving..
Jas 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
When we pray little prayers we must expect little answers!
Mat 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
'LIFT UP THINE EYES' THEN GO YE!!

4. We have a BIG job in a huge field. Preach to every creature in the whole world..
'LIFT UP THINE EYES', THEN GO YE!!

II. Consider the unlikely way in which God gave them the promised land.
While only a small band, they were allowed to go into slavery!. Yet he brought them out with a mighty hand.

I Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

A. While under great pressure, the little flock became a great multitude.

III. Our BIG God can still do great things.

'LIFT UP THINE EYES', THEN GO YE!!
II Cor 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;

A. Consider the builders of Babylon.
Gen.11:6 And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.

1. They were ONE in purpose.

2.They were one in language.

3.God said they would do whatever they set their mind to do except He stopped them. How much more could WE do WITH His help?

Rom.15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I Cor.1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Phil.1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Phil.2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

IV. Look upon the fields. THEN GO YE!!
Jno 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

A. The lost are faced with a BIG terrible HELL!
Lu 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

B. Remember, it is HIS field and HIS harvest. If there were no use in laboring He wouldn’t ask us to waste our time. THE LOST CAN BE WON.
Psa 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

'LIFT UP THINE EYES', THEN GO YE!!
This harvest knows no season, it is a year-round crop ready to be harvested.

C. Our church can grow.
We must 'LIFT UP OUR EYES' THEN GO!

D. The lost can be saved with a BIG salvation.

2008-12-13T13:04:00.000-08:00

PROFIT AND LOSS

Lesson: Acts 20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Text: V 20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,

Intro: This is Paul’s farewell message to his preacher brethren of Ephesus. Those things looked upon by men as profitable, are not always the most profitable in the Lord’s work.

I Law of Profit and Loss
The excess of returns over expenditures is profit.
Mat 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

II Some unprofitable ventures of men

A. Putting material things ahead of God

1. The Lost -
Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Lu 12:16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

2. The Saved- Ananias & Sapphira
Acts 4:34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

5:1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it, at the apostles' feet.
3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

3. Church - Laodicea
Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

B. Putting public approval ahead of God and his word is unprofitable.
Tit 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

II Cor 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

C. The keeping of the Law for salvation is unprofitable
Heb 7:18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:

21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.

D Any works not on THE foundation is unprofitable
I Cor 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

III The things which ARE profitable unto you:

A The whole counsel of God
I Thess 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

II Tim 2:2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

1. The simple gospel of salvation is profitable to a lost soul.
Lu 13:2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Mat 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

2. Working for the Lord is profitable for a child of God
Tit 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

3. Standing fast in the faith is profitable

II Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Rev 2:8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

4. Mission work is profitable for a church
Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Psa 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

5. Giving is profitable
Phil 4:15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

Lu 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Mal 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

IV Are you ready to give an account of your stewardship? Has it been profitable?
What does your balance sheet for 2008 say?

II Cor 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

2008-12-05T14:17:00.000-08:00

THE SPEAKING STONES

Text: Lu 19:37 And when he was come nigh, even now at 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 that they had seen;
38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

Psa 62:2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

Psa 62:6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Intro: Scene of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem with Christ seated on a donkey, the multitude spreading their clothes and palm branches before him and acclaiming him king. (v 38)

The stones didn’t have to speak on this occasion, but on many others they have spoken eloquently to the praise of the Son of God.

I. The rock of refuge
Exo 33:21 And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:
22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:

The child of God IN Christ
Col 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

II The refreshing rock
Exo 17:6 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

I Cor 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

Jno 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

Psa 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

III The stones of perfection - the Law - the righteous stones
Exo 34:1 And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest.
2 And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai, and present thyself there to me in the top of the mount.

3 And no man shall come up with thee, neither let any man be seen throughout all the mount; neither let the flocks nor herds feed before that mount.
4 And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.

The righteousness of Christ in our behalf. “He was made sin for us ---”
II Cor 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

II Cor 3:9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

I Cor 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

IV The stones of witness

Gen 31:44 Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.
45 And Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar.
46 And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap.

Gen 31:51 And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee;
52 This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm.

The bond of Christ between children of God - “the common salvation”
Jude 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Heb 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

V The stones of victory over death
Josh 4:21 And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones?
22 Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.

23 For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over:
24 That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.

“Death, where is thy sting?”
I Cor 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

II Tim 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

Mark 16:3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

“To die is gain”
Phil 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

VI The foundation stone
Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Speaks of the endurance of his church
I Cor 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

I Pet 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

VII The conquering stone
Dan 2:34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.
Victory in Jesus!!

VIII Stones of his glory, given to His church
Rev 21:19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

I Pet 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

Mal 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

Rev 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Men may flee to the Rock of Ages, the Rock of Refuge, the Rock of Salvation OR they may one day flee to the rocks of the earth from the presence of Christ the avenging rock.

Rev. 6:16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

2008-11-20T10:09:00.000-08:00

TIME TO COUNT OUR BLESSINGS

BLESSINGS, STEP BY STEP
Text:

Psa 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Theme: The Rewards of an Upright Walk

Intro: This text is divided into three parts;
1. The Lord - (Jehovah - Eternal one) God (Elohim - omnipotent Trinity) is a Sun, (a brilliant light)
(Jas. 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.) and Shield (Protector)

II Sam 22:3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

2. The Lord will give grace and glory
II Cor 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

3. Withholds no good thing
Lu 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

A. As we walk uprightly (righteously) - In these steps:
1) Salvation, eternal life
Jno 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them
out of my hand.

2) Baptism -a privilege of picturing Christ in His (and our)resurrection as well as our new beginning as a ‘new man’
(Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.)

3) Church membership - members of His Body
I Cor 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

4) Stewardship - advancement
I Pet 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

5) Witnessing - soul-winning
Acts 13:31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.

II Tim 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Psa 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

6) Study - food
I Pet 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

II Tim 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

7) Death - Presence with the Lord forever
Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

II Cor 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

8) Resurrection - Glory beyond compare - present suffering not to be compared
Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

9) Millennium - after all earthly blessings, He will reward us for “that which was our duty to do”
Lu 17:10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

Rev 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

Rev 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

10) Heaven - Eternal Praise
I Cor 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Rev 19:4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.
5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

2008-11-14T16:42:00.000-08:00

Some Scriptural Impossibilities

Lesson: Heb. 6:11 And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
16 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
Text: 18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Intro: Jesus said that with God, all things are possible:
Mat 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
BUT we must realize that the omnipotent God has limited himself by his own truthfulness.
V 18 of our text
Heb 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

I It is impossible for God to overlook sin.
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Ezek 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

Gen 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

II It is impossible for sin to be forgiven, except through the blood of Christ
Heb. 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Heb 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Lev 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

III It was impossible for the grave to hold Jesus
Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

IV It is impossible for God to condemn one of His children to hell
Heb. 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Jno 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

V It is impossible to serve without suffering
Lu 17:1 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!

If God were to encase his children in a cocoon and protect them from all offense, then He would be taking away the will of man, both those who serve him and those who persecute them.

VI It is impossible to please God without walking by faith
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Jno 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

VII It is impossible for God to turn away a repentant sinner who seeks salvation on the merits of the blood of Christ.
Jno 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.

Isa 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

2008-11-08T18:25:00.000-08:00

PUTTING CHRIST IN HIS PROPER PLACE

Text: 1 Chr 15:13 For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.

1 Chr 15:14 So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel.

1 Chr 15:15 And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of the LORD.

Intro: The Ark had not been stolen as it had at other times. It had simply been neglected. They had prepared a place for it where it would be out of the way and then simply left it there. ('religion is alright in its place---' Where IS it's place?)

I. This had caused sadness in all Israel.
1 Sam 7:1 And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.

1 Chr 13:3 And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we inquired not at it in the days of Saul.

1 Sam 7:2 And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.

II. They recognized their need.
1 Chr 13:4 And all the congregation said that they would do so: for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.

III. They had been away from God so long they didn't know how to go about correcting the matter!
1 Chr 13:7 And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart.

Num 4:15 And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.

Deu 10:8 At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.

A. Note the responsibilities of the proper Ark Bearers.

They tried to copy the Philistines’ methods and it didn't work.

IV. Their rejoicing was real but short lived..
1 Chr 13:8 And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.

1 Chr 13:9 And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.

1 Chr 13:10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.

1 Chr 13:11 And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day.

1 Chr 13:12 And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?

Trying to HELP God always ends in tragedy.
THEY HAD TO REASSESS THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.

Three months later: Chapter 15--
V. They got the responsibility right.

1 Chr 15:2 Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.

VI. Proper arrangements were made and followed.
A. The sounds were the same.;
1 Chr 13:8 And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.

1 Chr 15:28 Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps.

B. The difference was that when they did it right, God helped them!.

1 Chr 15:26 And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams.

VII. The daughter of the deposed king despised the king who had the humility to rejoice!.
1 Chr 15:29 And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised him in her heart.

Acts 2:13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

A. It happened on Pentecost and is still happening today. Get happy in the Lord and people will scoff.

2008-11-01T09:50:00.000-07:00

GOD’S MESSAGE TO THIS CHURCH BY THE HAND OF PETER
(A Sunday School Lesson)

Text: 1 Pet 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
1 Pet 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

1 Pet 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 Pet 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

1 Pet 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Pet 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

1 Pet 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Intro: Let us search the letters from Peter for things God would have US to know.
V-1. Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

A. As the Jerusalem church scattered, they found themselves surrounded by an unfriendly world.
Jno 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

B. They were strangers to the world, but not to God.

We also, should be separated from the world.
II Cor 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

C. We must either stand out from our surroundings or blend into them. One cannot blend in, without weakening one’s spiritual condition.
Mat 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

V-2. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

'ELECT'' This word is an adjective modifying 'strangers' in verse one.

Paraphrase: ' You are chosen sojourners and God has set you apart through the Holy Spirit and the blood of Christ.' (Through salvation and obedience.)

The Jews have often been strangers in other lands. They have been despised because they held themselves aloof as a special people. They had Jehovah as their God. They had His promises. They wore their ribbands of Blue to indicate that they were a heavenly people. They had the mark of circumcision.

How much MORE should WE celebrate our differences; We have been saved; we have the mark of heaven’s baptism; We have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and are members of the Body of Christ. Viva la difference!.

V 3. 1 Pet 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy he hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

A. 'BLESSED' -worthy of our utmost praise, is God.
When aliens praise their homeland and king, they are often hated but they ARE noticed. Are you being noticed or are you blending in?

B. We should boast of Him because; "hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,"
An earthly king might offer a deserving felon another opportunity if there were extenuating circumstances, but God has extended to totally undeserving and rebellious sinners, eternal life!.

V-4. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
A. The Best is yet to come!.

Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Rom 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

If children, then heirs; ALL the saved are heirs of God; and JOINT heirs (a special relationship for his bride) IF we suffer with him.

V-5. 1 Pet 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

A. God will see to it that we make it all the way!
Rom 8:38 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 creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

B. We are kept, not by the power of OUR faith but by the power of an omnipotent God. We can trust that power to give us a COMPLETE salvation.
Jno 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
("And by the way")
30 I and my Father are one.

C. Ready to be revealed. Always prepared. Like a woman who prepares a feast ahead of time. The inheritance [v-4] is locked away for safekeeping and it belongs to you.

V-6. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
Hope for our eternity keeps our present trials in proper perspective.

Illus: Little lame girl as she endured many painful operations, "someday I'm going to run and jump in my new red shoes!" The greater the pain, the more precious the dream. The temporal dream of M.L.King comes far short of the grandeur of the hopes of his forbearers. "Oh, Them Golden Slippers'

V-7. 1 Pet 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

The purifying of something far more precious than gold.
(The crucible of your faith.) Gold is not cast out when impurities are found in it. The impurities are skimmed away and the gold becomes more precious.

As our faith is tried in the crucible of temptations, persecutions and temporal oppression, let us rejoice that it will result in a more pure praise and honor and glory when we stand before Jesus!.

2008-10-23T22:47:00.000-07:00

THE SONG OF THE LORD BEGAN

Text: II Chron.29:27 And Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering upon the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD began also with the trumpets, and with the instruments ordained by David king of Israel.

Introduction: The word 'began' indicates that the song had ceased for some reason. There was no rejoicing in the place where God's people were to worship and praise Him!

Why? Because of the wicked acts of Ahaz.
II Chron. 28:24 And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the LORD, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem.

25 And in every several city of Judah he made high places to burn incense unto other gods, and provoked to anger the LORD God of his fathers.
For sixteen years the house of God had been abandoned. God's people had been too busy with other things to worship.

I. The fruit of the Spirit is JOY.
Gal.5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

A. Fruit-bearing should be natural.
Jno. 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

B. There are things which hinder fruit bearing. These must be corrected.

Isa 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

Lu 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

I Cor 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

1. If there is no joy, then something is hindering the fruit of the Spirit.

Neh. 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

II. First Step back to a Joyous Relationship with the Lord? See the need of returning.
II Chron 29:3 He in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of the LORD, and repaired them.
4 And he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them together into the east street,

5 And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place.

6 For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD our God, and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the LORD, and turned their backs.

7 Also they have shut up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps, and have not burned incense nor offered burnt offerings in the holy place unto the God of Israel.

8 Wherefore the wrath of the LORD was upon Judah and Jerusalem, and he hath delivered them to trouble, to astonishment, and to hissing, as ye see with your eyes.

9 For, lo, our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons and our daughters and our wives are in captivity for this.

A. Heed God's Invitation.
Mal. 3:7 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?

B. Recognize God's hand in chastisement.
II Chron 29:8 Wherefore the wrath of the LORD was upon Judah and Jerusalem, and he hath delivered them to trouble, to astonishment, and to hissing, as ye see with your eyes.
9 For, lo, our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons and our daughters and our wives are in captivity for this.

Heb.12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

C. Humility. After the pride and arrogance of Ahaz, the humility and devotion of Hezekiah must have been a refreshing sight to the people.

III. Second Step. Determination.
II Chron 29:10 Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.

A. Human-will keeps sinners from accepting Christ and backsliders from returning.

B. The Prodigal Son had to first realize his position and make a determination.
Luke 15:17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

IV. Third Step- Cleansing of Self.
II Chron. 29:15 And they gathered their brethren, and sanctified themselves, and came, according to the commandment of the king, by the words of the LORD, to cleanse the house of the LORD.

16 And the priests went into the inner part of the house of the LORD, to cleanse it, and brought out all the uncleanness that they found in the temple of the LORD into the court of the house of the LORD. And the Levites took it, to carry it out abroad into the brook Kidron.

17 Now they began on the first day of the first month to sanctify, and on the eighth day of the month came they to the porch of the LORD: so they sanctified the house of the LORD in eight days; and in the sixteenth day of the first month they made an end.

18 Then they went in to Hezekiah the king, and said, We have cleansed all the house of the LORD, and the altar of burnt offering, with all the vessels thereof, and the showbread table, with all the vessels thereof.

19 Moreover all the vessels, which king Ahaz in his reign did cast away in his transgression, have we prepared and sanctified, and, behold, they are before the altar of the LORD.

II Cor.7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

A. This filth had NOT been deliberately carried in but had accumulated through neglect and lack of service.

V. Fourth Step- Offering for Sin.
II Chron.29:21 And they brought seven bullocks, and seven rams, and seven lambs, and seven he goats, for a sin offering for the kingdom, and for the sanctuary, and for Judah. And he commanded the priests the sons of Aaron to offer them on the altar of the LORD.

22 So they killed the bullocks, and the priests received the blood, and sprinkled it on the altar: likewise, when they had killed the rams, they sprinkled the blood upon the altar: they killed also the lambs, and they sprinkled the blood upon the altar.

23 And they brought forth the he goats for the sin offering before the king and the congregation; and they laid their hands upon them:
24 And the priests killed them, and they made reconciliation with their blood upon the altar, to make an atonement for all Israel: for the king commanded that the burnt offering and the sin offering should be made for all Israel.

A. They laid their hand upon the sacrifices. It isn't enough that Christ died for the sin of the world, he must become a PERSONAL advocate.
I Jno.2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

2.Restore the joy of THY salvation.
Psa.51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

3. Confess.
I Jno.1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

4.Christ is our sin offering. His blood cleans us from EVERY sin.
I Jno 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

VI. Fifth Step; The burnt offering. In this we see the ENTIRE suffering of Christ
A. Without Blemish.
Lev.1:3 If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD.

B. Flayed.
Lev.1:6 And he shall flay the burnt offering, and cut it into his pieces.

Isa.52:14 As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:

C. Burned with fire from God.
Lev.1:7 And the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire upon the altar, and lay the wood in order upon the fire:

Jno.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.

D. A sweet smell to God.

Lev.1:9 But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Isa.53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

VII. Then the Song of The Lord began!
Joy is the natural result when God's people look upon the crucified and risen Christ with conscience clear toward God.

2008-10-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

OUR PRESENT GLORY

Text: 2 Cor 11:18 Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.

Introduction; Like many today, the people of Paul’s day loved to boast of their heritage. They also liked to brag of their accomplishments and their possessions. Do WE have anything about which we can glory?

I. What the Bible teaches about our present bodies.

A. Nothing good about it.

John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

B. It cannot please God.

Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

C. We cannot glory in His presence.

1 Cor 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
We might boast before man, but what can we brag about before God?
One might brag to his friends that he broke a hundred in his golf game but do you think it would impress Tiger Woods?

D. Our flesh cannot be trusted.

Phil 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
Phil 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

II. Paul did glory in the flesh before men, by the Grace of God.
A. Of the seed of Abraham? So am I--

Gal 3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
Gal 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
Gal 3:9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

B. He rejoiced in Tribulation. So can we.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

C. In these he gloried BECAUSE of his infirmities.
2 Cor 11:30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

1.Why?

2 Cor 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

III. How we can glory in the flesh? through the flesh of Christ.
John 1:14 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.

A. By a consecrated life.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

B. In the future of the flesh.
Job 19:26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
Job 19:27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

Psa 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

IV. Without the new birth none of this is possible.

2008-10-10T21:50:00.000-07:00

HUSBAND AND WIFE

Text: Prov.18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

Intro: In spite of all attempts by some to denigrate marriage, it remains the norm for human kind the world over. It has always been so, and because it is part of the nature implanted by the creator, it shall always be. All attempts to do away with it always lead to disorder in society and dissatisfaction in the human soul.

I. It was established with the very first humans by the Creator.
Gen.2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.

20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.
21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

A. Animals could not fill the need. v-20

B. God created [out of Adam] the proper mate. v-22.

The purpose of her being created was to be the helper who would meet the needs of man.
I Cor.11:8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.

11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

1.For this reason as well as others, same sex marriage is neither Godly nor practical

C. Adam expressed two great truths which will still work to make a marriage last. Vv-23,24

1. The truth that neither will ever be complete without the other.

2.That each belongs exclusively to the other.This is the total commitment which is absolutely necessary for a successful marriage.

II. God has established the ORDER which must be present in a successful marriage.

For this, one must abandon both Male Chauvinism and Womens Lib. Either will endanger the union.

A.The husband must be head of the wife but the husband's head must be Christ.
I Cor.11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

Any rebellion against this order is the equilavent of the rebellion of Lucifer, who

rebelled against his order and tried to usurp God's place.

Isa 14;12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

B. This order brings with it specific responsibilities.

Eph.5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

1. Christ has done and is doing his duty toward the church and toward us.
Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

2. The husband must be subject to Christ and must cherish the wife even as Christ loves the church.

3.The wife must have complete confidence that the husband has only her welfare as his interest.

I Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

III.There is also a MUTUAL responsibility.
A. To picture the relationship between Christ and His Church.

B. To provide the proper surroundings for the children..

Eph.6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

IV. Like all other human endeavours the starting place MUST be the Cross.
Prov.3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

2008-10-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

SELF-EXAMINATION

Text: Lam 3:40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.

Intro: We have been instructed to ‘try the spirits’;
I Jno. 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

To be fruit inspectors;
Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

To test the teachings we hear;
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

The Church is ordered to judge her members,
I Cor 5:12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

I Cor6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.

And we are even invited to put God to the test.
Mal 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

The most difficult and painful of all examinations is the ‘examine yourselves’
II Cor. 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

It is difficult because our Adamic nature clouds our view and causes us to justify in ourselves, that which we would readily condemn in others.

It is painful because it cuts to the very root of pride and leaves us humbled before God, angels and men.

I. The elements of this examination
A. It begins with the realization that nothing is hidden from God and we MUST have His help in our endeavours.
Jer. 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

Rom 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

B. The sword of the Spirit cuts away the spiritual cataracts from our eyes so that our vision of self is not clouded
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

C. Our yielded spirit then becomes the lamp which reveals all to us
Pro 20:27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

Gen 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 soul.

D. This, then prompts us to lay ourselves open before God with the cry, “Search me, oh God”
Psa 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

E. Then comes the real hard part! To really LOOK at that which has been revealed.

I Cor. 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

Not merely to observe, but to correct
I Cor 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

II Looking for specifics
A. Examine yourself concerning your hope for eternity. Is it according to the Word? Is it a REAL experience? (A birth which is never EXPERIENCED never occurred!) Do you KNOW?

B. Examine yourself as to the state of your Christian life. (As though preparing to face Christ, not man)

1. Is your present spiritual condition one you would recommend to all Christians?
2. Is your present level of Christian living one that would cause the work to grow if all achieved it?

3. Could you conscientiously make a motion that your church dispense with all the services you do not think important enough to attend?
4. What would result if ALL maintained your level of stewardship?
5. Can you justify each of your answers by the scriptures?
6. Will Christ accept your reasoning when you stand before Him in judgment?

2008-09-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

PRAYING WITH ASSURANCE

Lesson: Mark 11:15 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;
16 And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.
17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.

18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.
19 And when even was come, he went out of the city.
20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.

22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

Intro: The great blessing of prayer and its power for God’s people today is too often neglected because we have timidly allowed the heretics to rob us of prayer’s power and the critics have intimidated us until we have almost become hardened against its use.

I. God has many times altered His methods but never His will and power!
A. Let us be assured of His will for the house of the Lord.
Mk. 11:17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.

B. Let us be assured of His continuing power!
10 Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.

11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

Mk 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
Praying for rain? Take an umbrella!

1. We CAN have this kind of assurance!
a. By asking ONLY for those things we know are truly needful.
Jas. 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

b. By seeking God’s will and not our own.
Mat 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

Lu 11:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

c. Searching for His will by simply waiting on God.
Isa 30:18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Rom 8:25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Gal 5:5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

II For what can we pray with assurance?
A. I KNOW He saved me when I called on Him.
Jno 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

B. I KNOW that He can use me to reach the lost!
Jno 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

Pro 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

C. I know that he will bless His word that I present, whether it is to man’s liking or not!
Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

D. I KNOW He will provide my necessities of life.
Psa 25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

E. I KNOW He will give me grace to face my daily life, if I but ask.
Mat 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Phil 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

I Tim 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Contentment is found only in trust. Distrust will always bring discord, in home; business; government; Church; or between you and the Lord!
Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

F. I KNOW I can ask for forgiveness and will receive it
Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

I Jno 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2008-09-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

This seemed a logical follow-up to last week's sermon.

FUNERAL SERMON FOR JOHN Q. SINNER

Text: Ecc. 8:10 And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity.

Intro: Many times we hear of a near tragedy in which many lives could have been lost, but by some circumstance there were only a few lost, and we say, “How fortunate that there were only two or three casualties.” Yet, these two or three left the land of the living and entered eternity!

I. Reading the obituary; Identifying the deceased, (the wicked)
A. Born in sin
Psa 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Psa 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

B. Lived in sin.
Definition of sin:
1. Transgression of the law.
I Jno 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

2. Not doing well. (Not Pleasing God) (Missing the mark of perfection)
Gen 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

Reminds me of a mangy dog dropped off near our house, and every time we stepped out the back door, that dog was there to trip us.
A. Sin of unbeliever trips in every effort to bypass Christ for salvation.
B. Hidden or unconfesssed sin trips God’s children..
Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

C. Died in sin (of unbelief)
Jno 8:21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.
22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.
23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

II The sermon for John Sinner
A. He came to the place of the Holy
1. Every man comes to a ‘Holy place”
a. Of Conviction:

Jno 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

2. To the Hearing of the Gospel

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

3. Lifted up in prayer? Did YOU pray for him?

I Tim 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

B. Gone from the place of the Holy
1. Never again to be convicted.
Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

2. Never to hear another sermon!
Lu 16:27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

3. Never again to be lifted up in prayer.
Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
The sad finality of it. GONE

III His eternal fate
The reality of hell
Lu 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

Lu 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

This is no parable. There was a CERTAIN rich man, and a certain beggar named Lazarus
A. Objections answered
1. I don’t believe in hell -

Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

2. God is love and would not send anyone to hell
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

3. Christians couldn’t enjoy heaven knowing men were suffering in hell.
Ecc 1:11 There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.
Consider the rich man and Lazarus (Lu 16:) The rich man in hell was concerned about those left behind, but Lazarus was not.

IV View the remains - The beauty of the flowers- the peaceful look of the deceased resting in a satin lined coffin- But What of his soul?
A. Christian, see your lost friend!
B. Sinner, see yourself!

V. Buried - Gone
Gone is all opportunity to witness!
Gone is all opportunity to be saved!

2008-09-12T08:35:00.001-07:00

This is a sermon that Fred preached for a dear friend and faithful deacon a few years ago. I thought about separating it from the occasion and renaming it, but decided to present it just as he did.

Funeral Sermon for Raymond H. 'Bill' Wilson

I Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Intro; This is not intended to be a traditional funeral or memorial message. It will be what Brother Wilson asked that it be; A message of Jesus Christ and him Crucified. So while not the norm, it is certainly fitting, for Brother Bill had no greater desire, than that others have that glorious hope which was his in Christ. He expressed this to me often, that his passing might be the occasion for others to hear the wonderful 'good news' of the Gospel.

He did not want to be eulogized and I’ll not attempt to do so. There is nothing I can say that would make him any dearer to any of you than he already is. Therefore I shall honor his wishes, and preach Christ, that all might know how to prepare to join him at the throne of the King.

Let us, then examine the text.
I Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

I. Christ hath once suffered for sins
A. Our minds are drawn, not to his birth, life or miracles but to the CROSS.
Gal.6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

B. We are reminded of His suffering
Isa.53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

C. It was a 'one time' event.
Heb.9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
There is no use waiting for anything else. You will be saved by the death of Christ or be eternally lost!

II. The Just for the unjust. The self righteous will never know the forgiveness of sins through Christ.
Luke 18:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

III. That He might BRING US TO GOD
A. This journey begins with a powerful force which man's intellect can neither fathom nor explain, but which continues to work!
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.

B. From the cross to eternity, He is with us each step of the way.
Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

C. Paul experienced His presence.
II Tim.4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

D. He awaits to hold back the terrors of death. (The Ark in the midst of Jordan.)
I Cor 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

E. He welcomes his children home. Stephen;
Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

F. He will Personally call us out of the grave.
I Thes.4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

G. He will be present as he brings the faithful to their eternal home, the New Jerusalem.
Rev. 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

H. Brother Bill awaits us now in the presence of the Lord.
II Cor.5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

Are you ready to join him there?

2008-09-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

Fred always said that the most useful lesson that could be learned was ‘How to study’. I just came across this document which, at first, I thought was an old one and it probably had nothing new in it, but there is a remark under similes © which indicates it is a relatively new work which he never quite finished. However, I consider it to be comprehensive enough to be of benefit, therefore, am publishing it at this time.

UNDERSTANDING THE SCRIPTURES

Men have sought to understand the Bible in many ways.
Some have thought to find the meaning by reading it like a newspaper, and then wonder why they can’t understand it. The truth is, God intended that it be STUDIED.

2 Tim 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Others have tried to use it like a ouiji board. They hope to find direction for their life by blindly opening the Bible and pointing to a passage. I heard a story of a man who tried this and the first passage read, Mat 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
Thinking there must be a mistake he tried again and the result was,
Luke 3:11. let him do likewise.
An absurd story? Sure, but no more than one trying to please God in this way.

Some have thought to make every word literal in its meaning and have struggled with some of the symbolic passages.

(Rev 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
Rev 13:2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.)

Others have taken the other extreme and have tried to spiritualize even the most mundane, everyday events found recorded there. I recall hearing a young man expounding on

John 20:7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

As he proceeded, that napkin took on more and more significance until it almost overshadowed the empty tomb! [One thing this passage does prove to me, is that the so-called ‘shroud of Turin’ is a fake!]

The Bible is a book in which God has inspired His writers to use almost every literary device. There are metaphors, similes, symbols, types, parables, allegories as well as a great deal of simple, straightforward language.

There are songs, poetry and prose. The Song of Solomon becomes even more beautiful when viewed as an opera. God has used all these that He might make His will for mankind known.

Let us consider some of these techniques God has employed;
I. Similes.

Hosea 12:10 I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets.
This same word is in other places rendered, ‘compared’ and ‘like’.

A simile compares one thing to another in some way.
Ps 102:6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert.
Psa 102:7 I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top. The Psalmist says he is LIKE these birds in their loneliness.

There are three possible applications of this passage;
1. David’s loneliness as he flees from Absalom.
2. Us - in times of trouble.
3. Christ, deserted by all men.

B. Song 1:9 I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots.

The bride compared to a team of horses?? Yes! Denoting her preciousness. Horses had to be imported from India. Only kings and the very rich could afford them.
1. Solomon expresses his love.
2. Christ’s love for His Church.

C. Prov 25:25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

(Isn’t this a great description of the postings we receive from our service people?)

Isa 38:13 I reckoned till morning, that, as a lion, so will he break all my bones: from day even to night wilt thou make an end of me.
Isa 38:14 Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.

Note that in a simile, one aspect or characteristic of something is used to describe one trait of another.

II. A Metaphor. These are slightly different in that the object itself stands for another. i.e. Isaiah said , he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, (a simile) while John said,

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Here, Jesus IS the lamb; a metaphor.

1. Song 2:1 I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.

2.Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Acts 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

III. A Symbol. Something that represents something else.
1. The cross represents the suffering of Christ.
2. The hand is often used as a symbol of God’s power.
3. The dove is used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit.
4. In prophecy, a mountain is a symbol for a government.
5. The scepter is easily recognized as a symbol of royal authority.
6.Crowns and thrones depict rulership.

IV. The same object can sometimes picture different things.
The Wind- Jer 51:1 Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will raise up against Babylon, and against them that dwell in the midst of them that rise up against me, a destroying wind;

In this case the wind represents the Medes and Persians who are to destroy Babylon.

John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

There can be no question that here it shows forth the Holy Spirit.

V. TYPES are used to prefigure things that are to come later.
Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Col 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

A. Brass is a SYMBOL of judgment. The serpent is a SYMBOL of sin. Their use together in the brazen serpent become a SIMILE which is a TYPE of Christ bearing our judgment for sin.
John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

VI. A PARABLE is a truth illustrated by a fact. It is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. It is a story SIMILE.

Mat 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

VII. An ALLEGORY is a story complete in itself, used to represent a fact. We might call it a STORY SYMBOL.
A. Judg 9:8 The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou over us.
Judg 9:9 But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?

Judg 9:10 And the trees said to the fig tree, Come thou, and reign over us.
Judg 9:11 But the fig tree said unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees?
Judg 9:12 Then said the trees unto the vine, Come thou, and reign over us.
This is a portion of an allegory of the raising of Abimelech to the throne.

B. Paul uses the story of Sarah and Hagar as an allegory.
Gal 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.

The proper understanding of this allegory will help us to see the relationship between the Law of Moses and the dispensation of Grace under Christ.

C. We can use many Biblical events as ALLEGORIES.
The account of Paul’s shipwreck in Acts Chapter 27 is a wonderful ALLEGORY of life.

ALLEGORIES CAN BE USED TO ILLUSTRATE BIBLE TRUTH BUT NEVER TO ESTABLISH IT!!

2008-08-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

ALL THINGS

Text: Rom. 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Intro: It’s hard to believe that all things can work together in such a way as to benefit a child of God; but look at some examples.

1. Israel in the wilderness
I Cor 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;

4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

2. Jonah - Nineveh benefited; Jonah would have, had he not pouted and rejected the Lord's offers.

3. Job - Stronger spiritually and better off financially
Job 1:12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
13 And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:
14 And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them:

15 And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
16 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

18 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:
19 And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

Job 42:10 And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
11 Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.

12 So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.
13 He had also seven sons and three daughters.

14 And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Kerenhappuch.
15 And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren.
16 After this lived Job an hundred and forty years,

4. Paul -
II Cor 11:23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

Phil 1:14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also

Many believed through Paul’s mishaps
Acts 27 and 28

I All true because of the grace of God.
A. Grace to be saved
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

B. Grace to do all things
Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

C. Grace to work
Phil 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

D. Grace to die
Stephen -
Acts 7:54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

II Our supply of Grace is not carnal
A. Our ability comes from God
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Phil 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye 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.

B. Our sufficiency is in God

II Cor 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

II Cor 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

C. Our blueprint is from God
II Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

III Who shall separate us from the love of God?
Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

A. Tribulation
Rom 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

B. Distress
Acts 27:20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.
21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.
23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

II Cor 6:3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

C. Persecutions
I Cor 4:12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

D. Famine
I Cor 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;

II Cor 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

E. Sword
II Cor 11:24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

F. Nakedness
II Cor 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

G. Peril
II Cor 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

Rom 8: 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that 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 creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Isa 54:16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.
17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

Phil 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

2008-08-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

THE PULLING DOWN OF STRONGHOLDS

II Cor. 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Intro: Dejected Christians result in run-down churches, dwindling numbers, an aura of defeatism, and a lack of souls saved. It is often reflected in our speech; “It’s just the age we live in and we can’t do anything about it” HOGWASH!
“ I know my children are being brain-washed at school, but - - - - - - - - -
The lost might not be able to do anything about it, but OUR weapons are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds!
I Sam 14:6 And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

I. Some general Principles
A. God’s people can do ANYTHING He has ordered!
I Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

God never led Israel to a river they couldn’t cross, nor a battle they couldn’t win. “Figuring the odds” is man’s invention. With God, everything is a ‘sure’ thing!

B. The true believer has a great promise
Jno. 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Question: Can one have faith without being faithful?
Question: How much can one willingly disobey and still be counted faithful?
Many saved people need to pray , “Lord, help thou my unbelief” (Mark 9:24) Victorious lives and churches might result!

C. We DO have a powerful enemy
Eph. 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

I Pet 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Only a fool would tackle him alone, but. . . . .
I Jno 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
When we resist , steadfast IN THE FAITH (I Pet 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Jude 1:Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.) we can expect the results promised in:

Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

II The devil has some specific strongholds. (Some would like to get rid of the devil, but leave his strongholds intact, while others try to overcome the strongholds without antagonizing the devil)
Mat 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

A. Man’s depraved nature is the devil’s first line of defense and offense.
Rom 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

1. In the lost, WE can pull it down with the gospel, prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

2. In the saved, it must be combatted with Truth, Prayer, and the help of the Holy Spirit.
I Jno 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Jas 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Psa 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

B. Because of our depraved nature, he sometimes is able to establish a stronghold INSIDE one of the Lord’s Church. It can and must be pulled down with the word of God.
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

C. He has established strongholds in our public schools.
We DO NOT have to put up with it! Our children need to be prepared for life, but not at the expense of being unprepared for eternity!
You will have to expect to be called ‘narrow-minded’, foolish and ignorant by those who are narrow-minded, foolish and ignorant of divine truths. ( It might cost you some cash too!) Are you ready?

D. He has strongholds in government
The first church turned cities upside down , and made the throne of Caesar to tremble . They did NOT do it by marching around advocating the overthrow of either government or social order, but simply by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. (The gospel confined to the church house will never shake city-hall)

II Cor 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
II Cor 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

E. The devil has personal strongholds in our lives:
Loose tongues, an unclean habit, hatred toward another, a rebellious heart toward some truth, a doubtful nature. These strongholds can be pulled down only when we are completely crucified with Christ.

III Will you now claim victory through Jesus Christ?
Every act of willful disobedience, rebellion, rejection, etc, is another stone added to the devil’s stronghold.
You cannot tear it down one stone at a time; it must be total destruction by complete repentance, and commitment!

Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

2008-08-03T09:28:00.000-07:00

MEN TO MATCH MY MOUNTAINS

I Cor 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
Intro: This is a line from ‘The Coming American’ by Sam Walter Foss.
“Bring me men to match my mountains, bring me men to match my plains; men with empire in their purpose and new eras in their brains.”

It is not a question of how well we have met the challenges of the past. Elijah hid from Jezebel almost immediately after his greatest victory;
Nor is it a question of how many will stand with us. God’s truth is not decided by a majority vote!;
Nor is it a question of how popular is this mountain to climb.
WE NEED TO MATCH GOD’S MOUNTAINS!

I. The Mountain of Faith In Action: Mount Moriah. (Gen. 22:1-10) Will Abraham really go through with it? Maybe he would have stopped with just piercing his son’s skin.
Run it up the flagpole and see if anyone salutes? If it is God’s banner then fly it proudly whether ANYONE salutes!

II The Mountain of Righteous Demands: Mount Sinai (Exo 19:20 - 20:17) Just because the Law was nailed to the cross doesn’t mean that God has leveled this mountain! Jesus raised it higher! (Mat 5:17 - 6:33)

III The Mount of Total Commitment: Mount Nebo (Deut 32:49-52)
Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

Moses’ death at this time was both punishment and a blessing. He didn’t set foot in the land but he didn’t have to see Israel forsake God either! You might have to give up something to commit your life to God, but you will escape something too.

IV. The Mount of Temptation ('Though in the wilderness)

(Mat 4:1-11)

Jesus, the man, was at his weakest, having fasted for forty days, yet he resisted the devil with the word of God. Because of this we have open access to our heavenly Father.

Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Jas. 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

I Jno 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

V. The Mount of Compassion: (Mat 15:29-32)

The secret of making it work:

Mat 15:36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Use what He has placed in your hand. It is true that a starving man probably wouldn’t listen to a fat Christian, but remember his soul is MORE important!

VI. The Mountain of Strong Teaching. (John 6:3-66)

Those who went away didn’t have to listen to that ‘hide-bustin’ teaching anymore - but - they didn’t get any more food either!

VII The Mountain of Future Hope.

Zech 14:4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
5 And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.
6 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark:
7 But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.
8 And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.
9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.

Ezekiel’s wheeled throne of Glory (Ezekiel 1:1-28)

Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

See 'The Mountaintops of God' in Poetry Archives

2007-12-21T19:40:00.000-08:00

This concludes this series
RALLY ‘ROUND THE CROSS!

Text: Psa 60:4 Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.

Psa 20:5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.

Intro: There is a Monument on a Civil War Battlefield to a regimental color bearer. He was told to “Bring the colors back to the regiment.” His response; “Bring the regiment back to the colors!”

I Rallying points of history
A. Israel around the Ark.
B. Armies around brave soldiers.
David’s ‘mighty’ men
II Sam 23:8 These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.
9 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:
10 He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.
11 And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines.
12 But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.
C. Memories of tragic events.
‘Remember the Alamo’; ‘Remember Pearl Harbor’ etc.
D. The national banner.
Our flag; Our national anthem; All the war memorials; etc.
Men are not so good as rallying points as are banners, because men may fall, but banners can be picked up and carried on by others!
E. Then there are the pitiful rallies commemorating failure.
The Edsel rally

II The success of our service will be determined by that around which we rally.
A. social events? The first church fuss arose around the question of who was getting the most to eat
Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

B. The financial success of the church?
Judas was more concerned with money than with the Lord and finally sold him out
C. The personality cult behind a charismatic leader?
I Cor 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
When the man is gone, what happens to the followers?
D. A denominational program or some type of promotion?
1. Help us meet our quota? Then what?
2. Help me win a contest. Then go to hell?
3. Everyone has a chance to win a prize! When the prizes are gone, what will you do for an encore?
E. Some single doctrinal position? Any single truth can become a grievous error if used to blot out other truths!

III RALLY ‘ROUND THE CROSS!
A. Here, we can renew our zeal for lost souls.
Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
B. Here, we can learn the thrill of Bible Study with the cross as the center of every teaching
I Cor 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

II Tim 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
C. It will help us become enthused about the church.
1. Its purchase price --the cross
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
2. Its purpose
Lu 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Jno 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

3. Its power - the cross
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

I Cor 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

I Cor 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
4. Its promise of victory - the cross
a. Over Satan;
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
b. Over death;
I Cor 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The victory of identification
I Jno 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Gal 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

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2007-12-14T17:44:00.000-08:00

THE TRIUMPHS OF THE CROSS

Text: Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Intro: The scene of the cross; the mocking crowd, the hopelessness of the disciples; (Mark 10:28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.---and now he is defeated) If we were to see only the human side of the event, it would be the final defeat for his church, even before she began her task.
Yet, when Paul gloried in the cross, he rejoiced, not over defeat, but a great victory!

I Its triumph over the Law. (see Text)
A. The Law could only tell of and condemn sin
Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
B. Christ gave us victory over the Law by taking its penalty upon himself.
Gal 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

II Its triumph over sin
Heb 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
A. Sin had held man in its dread grip since the fall of Adam
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
B. He triumphed and delivered us by the cross
I Cor 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore sin shall no more have dominion over you!
Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

III Its triumph over death
Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
A. Death was the universal enemy of the entire human race
Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
B. It has been abolished in Christ.
II Tim 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
C. Its sting has been pulled
I Cor 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
This is the fulfillment of :
Isa 25:8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.

IV In the cross, every work of the devil is defeated
I Jno 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
A. The nature of satanic works
Jno 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
B He (Satan) has blinded the eyes of the lost
II Cor 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
C. Christ has broken this power and delivered us
Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

V Its triumph over Satan, himself
Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

VI The Triumph over ALL
Col 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Jno 12:27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.

Phil 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

II Cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
A. We can share in his triumph!
Mat 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

2007-12-07T15:27:00.000-08:00

THE RECONCILIATION OF THE CROSS
An Expository of Col 1:20-22

Text: Col 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

In order to fully understand the impact of this part of Paul’s letter, we need to understand two things. One is that of the peace offering of the Old Testament and the other is that the Gnostics as well as other heretical groups were teaching other ways in which man could ingratiate himself with God.

V 20 'Having made peace'(eirenopoiesas - making peace - a present and continuous action)
A. The need for peace recognizes the state of strife which otherwise exists.
1. Cause of the strife? SIN
Isa 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
2. Appeasement through the efforts of man is impossible. This is because of the total depravity of man. Our best effort is sinful!
Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
7 And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.

'Through the BLOOD of his cross' - In the demand for a blood sacrifice, God has been consistent, beginning with the covering for Adam and Eve.
1. His eternal plan called for it
Rev 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
2. In types, He pictured it
Lev 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.
3. God did it and so proclaims it
Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
4. All other means are ruled out.
Heb 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
HYMN: IN MY HANDS NO PRICE I BRING; SIMPLY TO THE CROSS I CLING

C. 'To reconcile ALL things'. Nothing left out of the eternal plan, that there will be NO schism in His divine kingdom.
Isa 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
1. The earth itself
Gen 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
It awaits the day
Rom 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

IT WILL HAPPEN!
Isa 35:1 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
EVEN DEATH IS VANQUISHED
I Cor 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
OUR ACCUSER IS FINALLY CAST OUT!
Rev 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

V 21 Of all these things, the only present and accomplished reconciliation is OURS!
Col 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

I Jno 3:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Jno 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

V 22
Col 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
WHAT A GLORIOUS EXCHANGE FOR US!

FAIR TRADE?

From man:
A cross, a crown of thorns,
Vinegar and gall;
A curse, a jeer, a mocking robe
And lies in Pilate’s hall.

No comfort from a loved one;
Denial from a friend;
Pain beyond the ken of man;
Heartbreak in the end.

For Man:
In trade, a crown of life;
A never-thirsting drink;
A gentle hand of comfort;
With heaven, now a link!

An advocate before the throne;
A robe of righteousness;
Peace and comfort till the end;
His to own and bless!

fcc

2007-11-30T22:25:00.000-08:00

New Posts:
Farmer, Mike

2007-11-30T19:17:00.000-08:00

THE OFFENSE OF THE CROSS

Text: Gal 5:11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

I Pet 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

Intro: Offense - Scandal; We might term this the Scandal of the Gospel!

I This scandal shocks the political world.
A. Peace by the cross?
Col 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Peace with God and with one another through the death of the Prince of Peace!
2 Thess 3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
It seems shocking that peace could be so simple when the greatest minds among men have failed to achieve it!

II This Scandal causes philosophers to jeer.
A. Some say, “Serve man for happiness”
B. Poets say, “lives of great men all remind us………”
C. This Scandal says, “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish!”
Lu 13:3,5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

III Many ‘Theologians’ are shocked by this concept.
A. One says, ‘keep the Law.”
B. Another, “Follow our (or my) teachings.”
C. Some say, “ We must search for the answer to peace and eternal life through science.”
D. This Scandal says, simply, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved!”

IV Why the Cross is offensive to many today.
A. Because of its simplicity.
1. Not by the Law.
Rom 9:31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
2. Not by Works
Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
B. Because it demands humility.
C. Many stumble at the wreckage of someone else’s life.
D. Some are even offended at God’s promises and assurances. (They want to depend on self!)

V. Even Children of God can be offended!
A. At strong Doctrine

Jno 6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

B. At rebuke of sin and heresy.
C. At being asked to commit
Mark 4:16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

2007-11-23T18:48:00.000-08:00

GOD FORBID THAT I SHOULD GLORY

Text: Gal 6: 14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

GOD FORBID THAT I SHOULD GLORY

I gloried in youth, it passed on;
I gloried in strength, then it too, was gone;
I gloried in wealth I thought I might gain;
I gloried in health, and freedom from pain.
Now, gone is the hope of silver and gold,
And health drifts away as the body grows old.
In what CAN I glory and not suffer loss?
I’ll glory in Christ and his death on the cross.
I’ll glory in love, that he showed for me there,
And the home up above, he’s gone to prepare.
I’ll glory in this; He’s coming again!
I’ll glory in bliss I shall know when he reigns.
I’ll glory in grace Each day that I live;
Then I’ll see his face And to him glory, give.
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I. GOD FORBID - dispose of the negative
‘God forbid’ is the earnest prayer that fleshly vanities be put away.
A. From the brand name jeans to the proper logo on the fancy tennis shoes. From the correct hair-do to where we fit into the ‘right crowd!
B. The young man who is vain about his ‘set of wheels’. (Don’t push it, you’ll make 0 - 60 a whole lot faster than you really want to.)
C. The house - even a palace will become a ‘fixer-upper’ in a short time. (especially if there is someone who uses a ‘Jazzy’! edie)
D. The children - You’ll have enough heartaches so I’ll not dwell on this.
E. The job. You’ll soon (all too soon) be too old for it.
F. The grandkids and even how old you have lived to be. Whatever we glory in, it passes with the passing of time and leaves bitter emptiness, if that is all we have. Even past accomplishments are empty when no one really cares about what you once did. The 25th high school reunion is pitiful when the football hero meets the ‘prom-queen’ and they feel sorry for one another.

II Glorying in Christ and His Cross
A. This alone, provides us access to the all-time most exclusive group!
Even the angels can’t belong.
I Pet 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

B. A ‘logo’ and a ‘trademark’ which impress even, the Father.
Exo 12:13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

C. The cross separates us from that which is temporary and condemned
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
1. In salvation, we are new creatures
II Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2. In God’s purpose for us.
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
3. In eternity
Rev 2:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

D. NOTE and consider the OBJECT of our glorying (boasting-pride)
1. Paul considered this the ONLY worthwhile message
I Cor 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
2. This alone, is the entire purpose of God’s revelation to man. Everything in the Word must be viewed in the light of the cross!
3. Its value is infinite
Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
4. Picture the cross! HE DID THAT FOR YOU!

2007-11-17T12:33:00.000-08:00

THANKSGIVING WISHES FROM FREDDIE, EDIE , BRENDA
AND FAMILY

As I meditated on those things for which I am thankful, the goodness of God toward me was at the top of the list. Then came family, friends and those whom we have come to know through this web site.

For those who are serving our country in the military, we thank God and you for your devotion to duty and nation.
To all you R.O.A.Dies, thanks for using this site and for helping spread the Word to others.

Then there are those we have learned to love and appreciate over the years and though we have never met you in person we feel that you are close personal friends and we look forward to each of your postings.

As the Book of Psalms comes to a close, the final six Psalms deal with the Praising of God. It seems to build until the final Psalm, which I think of as the Grand Finale of Praise.
If you can think of no other reason to give thanks and praise Him, think on this;
Psa 150:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

2007-11-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

THE LOVE OF THE CROSS

Texts: Jno 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.

I Jno 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Intro: Here is a love so different, that ordinary words cannot express it. A love so different that ordinary man cannot experience it.
I Cor 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Neither Philo, Josephus, nor any of the Grecian philosophers ever even used the word! The highest form of love they ever knew was the phileo, or brotherly love. This love is 'expressed affection' because of something done to deserve it.
AGAPE is a love which springs from the one expressing it regardless of the deserving qualities of the one being loved.

John 3:16 speaks of the Agape love of God for all men, while John 16:27 ( For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.) speaks of the phileo love of God for those who please Him.

This ‘phileo’ love is used of man’s love toward man and of God’s love toward obedient man, but NEVER of man’s love toward God, because man in his natural state is at enmity with God and CANNOT be friendly toward Him.
Col. 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

I Jno 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.
The lost can express no ‘agape’ toward God , for HE is the only source of it; and no ‘Phileo’, because they see no reason for it!

I. The cross was a total commitment of God’s love toward man.
A. The FATHER introduced His love to all men by the cross.
Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
B. The SON performed this act of divine love for the believer.
Jno 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Jno. 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
1. Though offered for all, He is a special saviour to those who believe.
I Tim 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

C. The HOLY SPIRIT then instills this love in the believer
Rom 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
“I love you this much!” is no joke when illustrated by the cross!

II This love can have a supernatural effect upon men.
A. There is no other way to ‘love your enemies’!
Mat 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

B. It could cause a once hardened, but now born again ex-Pharisee to weep,

Phil 3:18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ

C. It was this Agape love which caused this former church destroyer to be jealous over the churches with a godly jealousy.

II Cor 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
D. It enabled him even to rejoice in persecution.
II Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

E. It enabled the former Christ denier, Peter, to stand and boldly proclaim Christ. Acts 3:11-26

F. It can still enable men to sacrifice for the sake of lost souls even to the point of denying themselves their daily needs.
G. It will cause the heart which once revelled in sin to rejoice when flayed by the Word of God and it will cause sinners to rejoice in truth and righteousness.
H. It will cause us to have a desire to see others glorify God, even if it causes them pain or loss. Agape love will never try to shield others from God’s loving chastisement.
Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

Heb 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
1. This love will cause our love to be a working faith
Gal. 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
If any kind of ‘good works’ are induced by any other motive, (ie fear, rewards, pride etc.)they are vain.

III This is the softening agent the Holy Spirit uses NOW in you!
(See Rom 5:5 above)

What is your response to God’s love? Your response is your answer to the Cross of Christ!

2007-11-10T20:45:00.000-08:00

New since last posting

Keri Oelbermann

Roland Oelbermann

Ken Yengel

Opal Yengel

2007-11-09T19:45:00.000-08:00

This is the first of a series on the Cross

THE CROSS OF CHRIST

Jno. 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.

Intro: We often get involved with the problems of life and living etc. until we lose our perspective. Sometimes we see the cross only as a faint background for the activities in which we become involved, while in truth, It should be in the forefront of all we say, think, do and are!

Consider:
I. The message of the cross
How you receive the message determines your relationship to God and your hopes for eternity!
I Cor 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

God is sending a message to man by the cross,
Heb 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
A. It is both the core and the summary of God’s message concerning sin and holiness.
1. It was absolutely necessary that death be the penalty for sin (disobedience to God). The bible declares it and reason dictates it.
Gen 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Ezek 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Any lesser penalty would have made God content to dwell with sin eternally. This COULD NOT BE, for He is HOLY!
2. Yet, this very holiness demands that there be a way of escape for those created in His image. Man was created to inhabit eternity with God and if he can be thwarted in ANYTHING, He is not the omnipotent one.

B. The cross is the message of Love and Sacrifice which transcends all barriers of time, language and culture and all stages of man’s depravity.
1. As the Good Shepherd, He gave his life for the sheep.
Jno 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
2. As our friend, He died for us.
Jno 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
3. Even in our enmity toward God, He loved us.
Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Jno 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.
4. If willingness to sacrifice is the measure of love, then His love for us is limitless and we fall far short in return!
Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

I Jno 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

C. It is God’s message concerning righteousness and peace
Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Without an answer to the penalty for sin, man could have no peace. He would be like the fugitive from justice who knows that someday the law will exact its penalty.

II Will you receive the message?
Heb 12:25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
A. Have you heard its message about the awful effects of sin and God’s hatred for it?
B. Have you accepted its message of love?
C. Are you relying on and rejoicing in its message of righteousness and peace?

2007-10-05T17:41:00.000-07:00

New since last Post

Blake,Bill

Cordell, Andrew

Cordell, Melissa

Hilton, Ben

Hilton, Clara

Kingsley, stewart

Ponci, Brad

Ponci, Brandon

Smith, Kevin

Young, Don

2007-09-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

THE CHURCH WINS AN ENEMY

Reading: Acts 9:1-31,
Lesson: Vv 1-8]

According to freddie, "The best way to get rid of your enemies is to make friends of 'em"
Acts 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
Acts 9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
Acts 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
Acts 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Acts 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
Acts 9:7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
Acts 9:8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

Introduction; The effects of today's lesson upon western civilization and today's world.

1. Saul unintentionally aided the spread of the Gospel by persecuting the Church.
Acts 7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Acts 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

2. His actions then, added to the depth of his commitment later.
1 Cor 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
1 Cor 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Gal 2:19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

3.God directed his efforts toward the Western world instead of the East.
Acts 16:7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
Acts 16:8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
Acts 16:10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

4. Though often trampled underfoot, the principles of the Gospel still have a tremendous influence on the thinking, culture and even the laws of the Western world.
5. The Lord's churches have thrived in western culture, even as they have influenced it. They have withered in Eastern cultures with very little influence upon it. (Though there is evidence that some may have persevered in hiding, while
many in the west are dying because of complacency.)

V-1&2. Acts 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
Acts 9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
1. Like most sinners under conviction by the Holy Spirit, He becomes even more determined and vicious in his sins.
( I once had a lady tell me that perhaps we should STOP praying for her husband because he just seemed to be getting meaner; but we kept on praying, and that meanness was what the Lord used to finally convict (convince) him that he needed a change which only God could bring about.)

2. and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues.
He was not a tool of the priests in this; he was using them to further his depravity. He desired to keep it all legal. This was the self-righteous pharisee in him. However, he took personal responsibility for his own actions.
I Cor 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Paul NEVER tried to blame someone else for what he had done.

Vv 3-5. Acts 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
Acts 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Acts 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

2. Like a deer caught in a spotlight, Saul was immobilized. A sinner under conviction cannot shake off the Holy Spirit without dooming his soul.
Pro 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

3.I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: Any harm to a Scriptural New Testament Church is a personal affront to Jesus Christ for it is His body and His Bride.
I Cor 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

I Cor 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

4.. kick against the pricks. Picture a stubborn ox as it kicks and rebels against the goads with which it is being driven. The harder it rebels, the more severe the pressure to obey.
Every sinner must finally come to the realization that it is not a contest between him and the preacher or those who witness to him. It is between him and the Lord. To resist the Holy Spirit is to rebel against Christ.

Vv 6-8.
1. v 6. And he trembling and astonished said; No one comes to a personal encounter with Christ and remains unchanged.
2. Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? This seems to have been the moment of his new birth. He knew by instinct that he now had a responsibility to serve the one he had formerly despised.
3.And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. Accepting Christ is not the end of our responsibility to Christ. It is the BEGINNING!
4. v 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
God deals in one-on-one relationships. As an individual, you are important to Him.

5. v 8 and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
The babe in Christ must be led by the hand because he is totally unaware of what lies ahead. God will see to it that he is brought to a knowledge of Biblical requirements for him, IF he will but submit to the leadership provided, and STUDY and follow God's instructions.
The proud, in-charge pharisee, had to submit to being the student instead of the teacher.
6. They led him to scriptural baptism.
Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

BRENDA, THIS IS FOR ROAD PAGE

2007-09-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

R.O.A.D.

We travel the nation's highways,

And we've found the Lord does too.

He's saved our souls and made us whole,

Just like He'll do for you!

We love to study the Bible,

And then to share its Truths;

When others find peace and eternal life,

To us, that's plenty of proof.

We share each other's burdens;

Hold each other up in prayer;

These prayers reach heaven and cyberspace;

God and fellow R.O.A.Dies are always there.

Someday, the dispatcher angel,

Will signal, "This is your final run:

And we'll drop life's load by the side of the road

And go 'deadheading' Home!

Freddie (Road One)

1

2007-09-20T21:18:00.000-07:00

CHRIST IS SUFFICIENT

Jno 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, 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 unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
TEXT: 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Jesus begins by telling them how to have personal peace of mind by looking forward to the great things ahead. Their questions and requests show that they haven’t accepted Him yet, as who He really is. He tells them that if they have trouble believing His words, then accept His works.

Mark 8:23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.
25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

I. Phillip’s request is typical of the lack of understanding of many. He had been present at the mount of Transfiguration and had heard the Father’s statement
Jno 12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
We are not faced with getting men to ‘see’ Bible doctrines, but getting them to SEE Jesus!
A. See Him as The God. V 10

The fullness of the Godhead; Heb.1:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.the express image of God. 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
When man sees Him thus, he will no longer argue with His authority, or question Him.
B. See HIM as the redeemer. YOUR faith was not your redeemer; Christ paid the debt and God gave you faith to accept HIM.
I Cor 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

1. Seeing this, the lost will not seek other ways.
2. The saved will not rob Him, for we are not our own, we’ve been bought with a price.
I Cor 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
C. Really SEE Him as the Bridegroom, and the Church will take on a new meaning.
Jno. 3: 29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
The concept of the church as an institution to satisfy the needs of its members will fail, for we all have different needs and desires. See it as the Body of Christ with Him as its head, for the sole purpose of doing HIS good pleasure, and it takes on a whole new meaning.
D. See Him as the judge and your present life becomes a serious responsibility –
II Cor 5: 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
E. See Him as the coming King, and present problems seem small.

II For these reasons, we are admonished to keep our eyes on Him.
A. Heb. 2: 8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
As we look around us we see a chaotic world – there is no comfort there.
SEE Jesus! John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
B. As you run the race of life, you’ll get no help from the sidelines. Keep your eyes on Jesus!
Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

III A single look upon God, will change one.
A. There is only one safe way to see God
Exo 33:20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
21 And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:
22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
B. We beheld His glory Jno.1:14 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.
Are you safe in the cleft Rock?

IV Come to God in salvation through Christ
See God in Christ; then you can bring others as did Phillip.
Jno 12:20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus

As did the woman at the well
Jno. 4:29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

2007-09-15T00:33:00.000-07:00

THE BRIDE OF CHRIST
Her Present Purpose and future Glory

I Tim. 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Under the ministration of the Law of Moses, God had chosen one nation to be the spreader of the Gospel.

Rom.3:1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

This gave the Word and Worship of God a permanency from one generation to the next that it didn’t have under the patriarchs.

So it was, as the church age began. If the commission had been given to individuals, each new generation would have needed to be trained and commissioned. With His Church as a living institution able to perpetuate herself; one commission, and one set of orders is all she needs.

Eph.4: 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
(Lest someone think I refer to a universal church let me hasten to say this ‘one body’ is used in the same sense as THE husband and THE wife in

Eph.5: 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.)

I. Her Present Purpose.

A. Her commission from her head.

Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

1. GO! Missions are her God-given duty. She is obeying the one to whom all power is given in sending missionaries; She is NOT ‘interfering' in other cultures as she obeys the creator!
2. Make disciples. Lead them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ’
3. Baptize them. Add them to the church.
4. Teach them to OBSERVE. (To do those things commanded). And so the church perpetuates herself and grows.)

B. She is in training for bigger things.
I Cor.6: 2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

When Christ returns as King of Kings, His Bride will reign with Him,

Rev.5: 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
And individual members will be rewarded according to their service.
Matt.25: 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

II. Her future Glory.
A. The social event of the ages! The Marriage of the Lamb.
Rev.19: 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
B. To reign with Christ for one thousand years.

II Tim.2: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
C. To live with Him and inhabit the New Jerusalem for all eternity.
Rev.21: 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

Rev.22: 9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.
18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.
19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.
22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Rev 22:1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

2007-09-07T17:31:00.000-07:00

THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

II Cor 11:1 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.
2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

Intro: While this subject receives a great deal of attention in the Scriptures, it is seldom mentioned in theology books. Perhaps this is because most of those who write such books are of the persuasion that the church is universal and includes all the saved. As we shall see this is NOT true of the Bride of Christ.

1. The term is used to depict a closer relationship to Christ than that of a member of the family of God through the new birth.

2. Christ DOES have a bride.
Jno:3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

3. She has a special closeness to Christ .
Eph.5: 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

4. The ‘Marriage of the Lamb’ will be the greatest social event of all eternity!
Rev.19: 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

I. The Family of God and the Bride of Christ.
A. All the saved are in the family of God.
Jno.1: 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
B. All the saved will be heirs of God but only those who suffer with Him will be joint heirs.
Rom.8: 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

C. All the saved will have a heavenly mansion but the Bride is having a special place prepared for her.
Jno 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, 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 unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

D. All the saved have the gift of eternal life but only the obedient will receive rewards.
I Cor.3: 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble.

13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
E. All the saved will be present in the millennial reign but only those who have ‘suffered’ with Him shall share the fullness of His Glory.
II Tim. 2: 11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

II. Some Qualifications of the Bride.
A. She must be subject to Christ in all things.
Eph.5: 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
B. She must recognize NO OTHER HEAD. (During the time I was pastoring, I often had to seek additional employment. I received some strange reactions when I answered the question, “Who is the head of your organization?” by replying, “Jesus Christ”!)

Eph.5: 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

Col.1: 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Eph.4: 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

C. She must remain free from spiritual error.
II Cor.11: 2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

D. She must keep herself free of carnal iniquity.
Eph.5: 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

E. Christ provides the cleansing agent.
Eph.5: 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
But it is up to us to see that it is applied.

I Cor. 11: 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

Rev.19: 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

III. Her future Glory.
A. While siblings can be equal heirs only those who are ‘ONE’ can be joint heirs.
Gen 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Rom.8: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together

B. A greater promise than that of Israel.
Matt. 19: 27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel

C. Members of the Bride occupy a greater place than John the Baptist!
Matt.11: 11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

D. Her eternal glory.
Rev. 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.
18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.
19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.
22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

More on this subject next week

HIS BRIDE

One in mind and spirit,
In unity and peace;
His churches shall drive onward;
Their efforts never cease.

Some men may falter, yea, even fall,
And others, turn aside
To taste of worldly pleasures;
But never shall His bride!

Firmly, with her eyes on Him,
Though members come and go;
She runs her race with patience,
O’er mountains high and valleys low.

Through trials and temptations;
Through plenty and through peace;
Her one desire, to do His will;
Her praises never cease

When He returns, He’ll find her, still
As when He left her here;
One in mind and spirit;
One in joy and tears.

fcc

This is also the featured poem this week

2007-09-01T11:50:00.000-07:00

FACTS ABOUT THE LORD’S CHURCH

This lesson is a prerequisite to the study of the Bride of Christ, which will follow in a week or two.

FACT I
The New Testament Church was something the Old Testament saints did not have.
A. Abraham looked for a city.
Heb. 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
B. It was a hidden mystery to them.
Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

They DID have:
1. God’s Love
Deut. 7:8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
2.The Gospel
Heb 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

Gal 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
3. Grace
Psa 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Pro 3:34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
4. Prayer
Isa 55;6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Psa 5:3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
5. The Word of God
Rom 3:3:1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

BUT THEY DID NOT HAVE A CHURCH
C. It was to include the Gentiles.
Amos 9:11 In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:
12 That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this.

Acts 15:15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
(Some say the church is composed of all saints of all ages, yet also say that the church began on the day of Pentecost. This is not logical.

FACT II
THE CHURCH WAS TO BE BUILT BY CHRIST, PERSONALLY
Psa 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Isa 45:13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

FACT III
CHRIST DID BUILD AND ESTABLISH IT.
A. Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
B. He built it UPON himself.
Isa 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

I Cor 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
C. He built it FOR himself
Eph 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Eph 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

FACT IV
THE CHURCH EXISTED AND ACTED BEFORE PENTECOST
A. It was instructed as to Church discipline before Pentecost.
Mat 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican.
B. It held an election before Pentecost
Acts 1:26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

FACT V
HE PROMISED THAT IT WOULD ENDURE!
Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

FACT VI
IT WAS WARNED THAT DIVISIONS WOULD COME
Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

I Pet 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

I Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

FACT VII
DIVISIONS IN GOD’S WORK IS ALWAYS OF THE DEVIL
A. God desires unity
I Cor 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
B. Division is of the spirit of antichrist
I Jno 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

FACT VIII
THERE IS A WAY OF POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION
A. What is a church (ekklesia)?
1. A called-out body of scripturally baptized believers, covenanted together for the purpose of carrying out the Great Commission.
2. Only a local body, capable of perpetuating itself, could fulfill the requirements of a New Testament Church to;
A. Discipline its members
I Cor 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

Mat 18:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
B. Meet together in one place.
Ekklesia means a called-out ASSEMBLY
I Cor 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
B. It must be scriptural in;
1. Origin - Psa 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
2. Doctrine - Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed

Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
3. Practice - Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen

John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

Heb 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

FACT IX
THE CHURCH HAS PRIVILEGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES NOT TO BE FOUND OUTSIDE IT.
A. The Holy Spirit as leader and as comforter.
Jno 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
B. A special understanding of the Word.
Jno 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
C. a Special Place of Prayer- To be covered fully in later lessons.
D. The Lord’s Supper - " " " " "

2007-07-06T22:08:00.000-07:00

THE BIBLE AND THE SABBATH

Ezek 20:10 Wherefore I caused them to go forth out of the land of Egypt, and brought them into the wilderness.
11 And I gave them my statutes, and showed them my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them.
12 Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them.
13 But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.
14 But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.
15 Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands;

16 Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols.
17 Nevertheless mine eye spared them from destroying them, neither did I make an end of them in the wilderness.
18 But I said unto their children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols:
19 I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them;
20 And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God.

To whom is He speaking? Who went forth out of Egypt? (Verse 10)

I. Before the Law was given at Sinai, men received injunctions against murder, stealing, idolatry, adultery and Abraham, at least paid tithes, but not one time did God command men to observe His special day ( Gen 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.) nor is there even one reference to any one doing so.

Even if it had been in force before the law, it would still prove nothing, for animal sacrifices were before the law. Shall we count every thing before Sinai as binding?

II. The keeping of the Sabbath received the force of law in the ten commandments and is specifically mentioned as being done away.
Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

III After the law (If ye love me, keep my commandments)
There are commands concerning murder, theft, idolatry, adultery, and giving, but nowhere a command to observe the Sabbath.

A. In the things expected of the gentile churches, it is conspicuously absent.
Acts 15:1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:

25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

B. In the sermon on the mount in the 5th chapter of Matthew, (too long to insert here) Jesus iterates most of the law of Moses under His new covenant, even making them stronger, (whosoever hateth his brother without cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever looks on a woman to lust has committed adultery in his heart; swear not at all ) but again, the sabbath is never mentioned.

C. There IS a command and an example of meeting on the first day of the week.
I Cor. 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

IV. God said HE WOULD DO AWAY with the Sabbaths
Hosea 2:11 I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts.

Paul said He did it through Jesus Christ. To attempt to bring back that which Christ took out of the way, is to make His death of no effect.

Rom 4:14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:

Gal 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

Gal 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

V. Some false conceptions concerning the Sabbath and the first day of the week.
1. Some say the name of the day makes it wrong because SUNday makes it dedicated to the Sun God.

Answer: Monday honors the MOON
Tuesday –is TIW’s day. He was the German God of war and the sky
Wednesday is WODEN’s day
Thursday is THOR’s day
Friday is FRIDA’s day
Saturday was SATURN’s day and was dedicated to the orgy of the Saturnalia and was the most demonic of all days.
All these were named by men and have nothing to do with God’s desires for his people. Perhaps this is why He numbered the days instead of naming them.

2. Some have said ”To change the Sabbath is to trifle with God’s Law”
Answer; It would indeed! But to hang on to it after God has said it is done away in Christ, is open rebellion”
Col.2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ

3. Some have claimed Sunday worship was instituted by the church of Rome.
Answer; How could they have ‘instituted’ something that had been in practice since the days of the Apostles?

Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

I Cor 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

VI How did Israel observe the Sabbath?
A. They stayed at home.
Ex 16:29 See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.

B. They kindled no fire
Exo 35:3 Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.

Conclusion: Like circumcision, the Sabbath was part of a covenant between God and Israel, and any man who attempts to keep it in order to find salvation or grace, (nothing wrong with taking a day of rest, as a matter of fact, it is a good idea) takes himself out of the realm of grace and becomes a debtor to do the whole law. It was a SHADOW of things to come; the BODY (making the shadow) is of Christ. (Again see Col 2:17)

The Sabbath was a SHADOW of the rest which we have in Christ.
Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

2007-06-29T19:18:00.000-07:00

THE ART OF ACTIVE LISTENING

Mat 13:3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:

6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:
8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the wayside..
20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

What do you hear? HOW do you hear?

I. Be a Critical hearer; A discerning Listener; Because:
A. Some deliberately preach error
1. Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

2. II Cor. 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

3. Jude 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

B. Some preach to build up self at the expense of others.
Phil 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

C. Let us be as the Bereans
Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

II Be a Receptive Hearer; Not a selective Hearer.
A. Don’t wait with a closed mind until the preacher speaks the ‘Open Sesame” of a pet phrase or subject before you start to listen!

B. Don’t worry about how it applies to others. (Now what did he mean or who did he intend that for? If it is the Truth, God intended it for YOU!

C. If the subject is ‘sin’ don’t wait for your specific sin to be mentioned!

D. Effective Preaching is mostly a matter of effective hearing!
(This does not give the preacher a pass not to study and do his best to present the word so as to gain and hold the audience's attention )

1. This explains why a visiting preacher is sometimes more effective.

2.This explains why some went away from Jesus in rebellion and others experienced their hearts burning within them.
Jno. 6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
Jno 6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

Lu 24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

3. This explains why some repent and find peace, while others just get more unhappy with the preacher!

Acts 8:27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Acts 7:54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

E. Be an Active hearer
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

The Sunday School lessons and Sunday sermons, properly applied will keep you busy all week - (This is not to detract from the the importance of the midweek service which is a good pick-me-up to get us through the week on an even keel.)

Conclusion: Creative hearing is not a spectator sport. It is not a contest between preacher and hearer- (I dare you to move me)
Rather, it is more like a team effort - The Holy Spirit guides preacher’s thoughts; He applies those thoughts in your heart and mind. You give assent to the truths; the preacher gets feedback from you, which brings more thoughts, until we "are lifted up together and made to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." (Eph 2:6)

Truly great messages do not always result in ‘great’ services.
‘Great services’ are not always the result of ‘great messages’ -
Great services result when we allow the Spirit of God to move us. This comes when we listen constructively to His word.

2007-06-23T00:36:00.000-07:00

MEANWHILE BACK AT THE RANCH

Text: I kings 20:40 And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone. And the king of Israel said unto him, So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it.

Mat 13:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

Intro: We are all familiar with the scene; while the men are enjoying themselves in town, the villains are sneaking up on the ranch. _ _ _
Proposition: While our attention is elsewhere, or we sleep, Satan’s plans are being carried out and put into effect.

I. While we are busy_ _ _
A. Activity - for the sake of ‘doing something’ isn’t the answer!
1. Martha did a good work but became obsessed with material service.
Lu 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

2. Mary did the important thing -
Lu: 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
a) She heard the Word ! She knew the importance of the Word.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Psa 119:105 . Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

B. Our Nation - (yea, even Civilization) is being destroyed and the framework for the rule of the anti-christ is NOW in place! I M F; NATO; Globalization, etc.

C. While our nation’s morals are being destroyed - too many christians still vote their pocketbooks, rather than their consciences! The worst pollution is of the mind.

D. Satan’s religion - is now in power
It has received government sanction ; it is installed in our schools; it invades our homes through TV and pervades our thinking! HOW?

E. Through obsession with technology - social action - population control - mind control through propaganda as well as drugs,the tower of Babel is being rebuilt!

F. Tares are still being sown in our homes and families - the ‘generation gap’ has and is destroying the unity of family life, and the continuity of principles from one generation to the next.
Turn your kids over to teachers, counselors, little league and football coaches, scout leaders, television sets, etc., You’ll have more time to spend in town , but don’t be surprised if you come home some day and find they’ve been kidnapped by savages!

(note: this sermon was first preached at least as far back as 1983, so today we are seeing the truth of these predictions)

G. In our Churches - as controversies rage - it is easier to seek ‘peace’ through compromise, but each compromise is a smoldering fire that will be fanned into a flame of destruction!
We can reach more people if we just 'ease' up on:

1) ordinances (any baptism, so long as it is by immersion; invite all to partake of the LORD'S supper.)
2) discipline (don't practice it)
3) the separation of church & state, etc. (The GI Bill cost a lot in compromises)

H. In our personal lives - Think YOU are not being affected? Check your thinking now against your thinking of 20, 15, 10 or even 5 years ago.
Things unheard of among Christians in our early lives, now are constant problems; drugs, cohabiting without the benefit of “a piece of paper”, divorce; so-called alternate life-styles; rebellion against parents, teenage pregnancy; etc. etc.

II The Answer
Rom 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

A. Return to God’s way of thinking and doing.
Jer 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

B. Satan can be resisted and kept out of God’s fields, but only by God’s power and God’s instruments;
1) We have the greatest weapons
II Cor 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

2) We have the greatest power;
I Jno. 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Zech 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

Jno 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

If you’re lost:
DON’T let Satan occupy your time, and energy until it is too late!
Jer 8:20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.

II Cor 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Jno. 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.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Church Members:

Serve the Lord, (positive) not fight devil (negative)

2007-06-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

BEAUTIFUL KING, BOUNTIFUL LAND

Text: Isa 33:17 Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.

Mat 6:8: Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.

Rev 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Intro: Pilate said to the Jews, “Behold, your king..” (Jno. 19:14) Their answer was, “We have no king but Caesar.” (Jno. 19:15)
From that day to this, they have been under the Caesars of this world.
It truly was a hopeless sight to behold the scene of the cross and witness the agony of the Son of God and to hear the mocking voices. But looking beyond the cross, and even down the corridors of time to the time of our text, the scene is much different!

I. The beauty of the coming king
A. John saw him and fell as one dead
Rev 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

B. Human tongue unable to describe the beauty of the glorified King.
C. No longer the meek and lowly Lamb of God, but now the magnificent Lion of the Tribe of Judah!
Rev 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit; and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
Rev 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

D. Beauty derived from His Sonship.
Jno. 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

E. To our eyes, even the marks of shame: Beautiful!

F. We shall share His beauty.
Psa 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple

Psa 90:17 And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it..

Isa 28:5 In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people,

II The coming Kingdom
A. We long and pray for its coming
Rev 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

B. To be established personally by Christ.
Mat. 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

C. We are never told to ‘Win the world for Christ’, but to win out of the world, men for His kingdom.
Lu 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.

D. ‘Far off’ - Across Jordan , yet but one step.
I Sam 20:3 And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.

E. Now is our salvation nearer
Rom 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

F. Events preceding the Kingdom
1. Signs of Times (Read Matthew 24:3-51)
2. Resurrection: Lu 24:6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
8 And they remembered his words,
3. Tribulation: Mat. 23:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

III Surety of this coming kingdom
A. Testimony of Enoch
Jude 14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

B. Of Job:
Job 19:22 Why do ye persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh?
23 Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!
24 That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!
25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.:

C. Of David: (and even of God,Himself)
Psa 110:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

D. Of Isaiah: See Text(s)

E. Of Matthew:
Again, Read Mat. 24

F. Of Balaam: Num 24:15 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
16 He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

G. This, our Hope
I Cor 15:12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

IV The Danger and consequences of missing out on this glorious kingdom

Rev 20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

2007-06-09T12:51:00.000-07:00

FLAG DAY

June 14, 2007

In the early days of the 1970s, there were events in America that captured everyone’s attention. In large cities, groups of rebellious teenagers and young adults began tearing down flags and destroying them. Since the police either couldn’t or wouldn’t stop them, groups of ‘Hard Hats’ (construction workers) left their jobs and began to set matters straight.

I was, at that time, attending a night seminar in creative writing at a local Junior College. Most of the class was made up of college age students who simply couldn’t understand why those workers got so worked up over a ‘piece of cloth’.

I tried to explain it in an essay to be read to the class for critiquing. In it, I explained that these workers were from that segment of the population that had recently risked their lives fighting a war to save the country represented by that flag, so that those rebels could enjoy its freedoms. They had seen comrades die and had seen the sacrifices made to keep that flag flying.

The disrespect shown to the flag was disrespect for that friend who was held on the battlefield or ship deck, while he breathed his last breath. They were the ones who had thrilled, in the midst of battle, to see the Stars and Stripes raised on Iwo Jima and battlefields around the world.

I have not always been pleased with everything done under the cover of that banner, but nevertheless, it still represents the Land of My Birth . While I may never be privileged to see the whole of the land itself, I can respect and honor the flag which is the symbol for all the ideals for which she stands.

freddie

2007-06-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FATHER”S DAY

It will soon be fifty years since my father went home to be with the Lord. I often recall many of the things about which we talked as I grew from childhood to maturity but most often now I remember those final conversations as we sat in the shade of the grape arbor in his back yard.

Because of a heart condition that had forced him to retire, he knew that death could come at any time. He never dodged the subject, but rather he seemed to embrace it and when he spoke of ‘going to be with the Lord’ he reminded me of a child who had been promised a trip to the circus! This was something he had never done and he looked forward to a new and pleasurable experience. Because of his testimony of his faith in Christ, I , the son, found myself comforting my cousin at his funeral! This cousin, because of some false teaching, couldn’t comprehend the assurance of eternal life that was my father’s and mine.
2 Tim 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Sure I miss my dad even after all these years but I can state unequivocally, that I have never grieved for him because I know where his is and we shall someday resume our talks in eternity.

2007-06-08T23:10:00.000-07:00

TIME TO GROW UP

Reading: Eph 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Text:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Intro: What a blessing and joy when the baby finally sleeps all night without a feeding! Then the thrill for everyone when the first step is taken; first word; first school day; graduation; adulthood; GROWN UP!

I The new birth makes babes in Christ
A. Jno 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

B. A babe that doesn’t eat is sickly and doesn’t grow properly, and giving them only what they like to eat only perpetuates their weakness.
I Pet 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby

C. A babe isn’t expected to accomplish the same things as a man, but he is expected to grow.
D A babe must be constantly watched and cared for -
(Better not trip one)

Mat 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

E. A babe must be taught carefully
Pro 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Eph 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

II Growing up makes a difference
I Cor 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

A He begins to think for himself in a competent manner.
He doesn’t have to have chores itemized. (“Clean your room”, instead of “pick up that sock; that piece of paper“)
Provide things honest, (Rom 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.) should be enough; not “don’t steal, cheat, lie, etc.

B. He doesn’t have to be entertained all the time - is your favorite word “boring”? Better grow up! Babes and entertainment don’t make strong Baptists.
II Tim 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables

C. He Soon takes his place as a productive member of family and church and Society.
He is either a part of the problem or part of the solution.

III The marks of a grown-up Christian
Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

He looks at Spiritual things in a spiritual light
I Cor 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
A. He is strong because he recognizes his own weaknesses
II Pet 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
B. He is not soon turned aside
13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
C. He finds contentment in doing God’s will
Phil 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
a) His joy is the result of doing; contending; standing; fighting; repenting; serving; etc.
I Tim 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
I Tim 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
II Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Gal 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Lu 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Paul’s contentment was not in the stocks, chains nor whippings but in the knowledge that it was the TRUTH that put him there:
Not in the hunger, cold, nor want, but in the knowledge that it was the shortcomings of others and not himself that brought it about.
Contentment is being able to say, with Paul;
Phil 2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
II Tim 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.